Grounding is a term that describes meditation and visualization techniques used to instill a feeling of being connected to the earth and the present. Certain crystals are believed to enhance these techniques.
First Chakra Association with Grounding
Western occult traditions borrow heavily from eastern beliefs including the use of chakra systems. Chakras are centers of energy that govern aspects of the spiritual, mental, emotional and physical bodies. Modern traditions focus on seven of these chakras. The first one is located at the base of the spine.
This chakra's properties include groundedness, staying present in the moment, protection and survival. It's considered the base of all the other chakras because without mastery of the physical plane, the other planes will be continually out of balance.
The colors most often associated with this chakra are red and black. Hence, crystals within these color ranges are used in grounding techniques.
Black and Gray Stones for Grounding
These are some of the most popular black and gray crystals used in meditation, ritual and carried either as tumbled stones or as jewelry.
- Black obsidian – This is known as the practical stone. It increases awareness of personal illusions and what needs to be done to push past them to be more grounded in reality.
- Hematite – This stone is an iron ore that often comes as a metallic gray but can also be black and red. Its main grounding property is that of balance between opposing energies. It helps in focusing the mind and bringing calm to emotional situations.
- Onyx – Onyx provides stability in times of turmoil. It's a stone to use when principles are being threatened and there is a need to stand one's ground.
- Smoky quartz – This crystal aids in grounding without losing the ability to see past physical survival issues to more spiritual concerns.
Red stones are often associated with passion but can also be used for protection, grounding and survival. Below are popular crystals used for these purposes that are red or have red in them.
- Bloodstone – Also called heliotrope, bloodstone is a form of quartz that is dark green with red flecks. It's used for purification of the self and surroundings. It helps balance the heart chakra with the first chakra by grounding emotional turmoil related to heart issues such as relationship breakups and grief over losing a loved one.
- Garnet – This stone ranges in color, but red is the most popular. It has a stabilizing effect by breaking through chaotic thoughts, behavior and surroundings.
- Red jasper – Besides being a good stone for protection, red jasper provides a sense of calm and gentle grounding. It also helps in completion of projects.
- Ruby – Ruby's color range includes deep red, pink and orange red. Ruby crystals are used to release blocked energy and also for protection against psychic attack. They also help increase mental focus.
During meditation, place crystals on the first chakra which is the area at the base of spine in the back and the groin in front. They can also be programmed with a specific intent by focusing on this during meditation while holding the stones.
The crystals can then be carried or worn on the person or placed in the surroundings in order to attract that quality. They can also be used in gem elixirs which are taken internally for a feeling of groundedness.
Related Articles on Crystals
Ten Top Healing Crystals: The Properties of Stones Used for Health, Wellness and Meditation
How to Make a Gem Elixir: Crystal Therapy for Health and Wellness
Sources:
Dolfyn. Crystal Wisdom: Spiritual Properties of Crystals and Gemstones. Earthspirit, Inc., 1989.
Melody. Love is in the Earth: A Kaleidoscope of Crystals. Earth-Love Publishing House, 1995.
Patricia Deneen - Patricia Deneen works at home doing medical transcription and web content writing. She was a professional massage therapist for 10 years ...
