Q. Many people are interested in crystals and use them for “healing.” Are they dangerous?
A. Humanity has been using crystals out of a belief in their healing properties for thousands of years. It is necessary to make an important distinction between those who used crystals for what they understood as medicinal benefits and those who used crystals for spiritual benefits.
Many cultures used crystals in medical primitive medical procedures, believing the natural properties of the crystal could have healing benefits. An ailment would be identified, and the appropriate crystal or stone would be “prescribed.” The patient would wear the crystal, or it would be smashed and drank, along with other materials, as a sort of tonic. This was done out of a primitive understanding of the physical healing abilities of crystals. It was dangerous only in so far as the crystals were, at best, ineffective in bringing about healing.
In more modern times, crystals are being used not as a source of physical healing but rather a form of spiritual healing, cleansing negative energy and auras. While this was also common in ancient cultures, this sort of crystal use is different from the misguided use of crystals as medicines. Anything that purports to heal energy or protect from negative energy should always be viewed with considerable concern. Turning to anything other than God for spiritual benefit is idolatry as it gives something (or someone) other than God power over you, which can and does lead to demonic influence.
While not every person who has ever used a crystal will find themselves the victim of demonic influence, the danger is always there and should be avoided, especially since crystals have no real power to bring about healing.
If someone is experiencing physical, mental or spiritual issues, then trained medical personnel, mental health professionals, and the Sacraments should sought out rather than turning to crystals which will certainly not help them and may in fact hurt them.
This question was answered by Father Caleb La Rue, vice chancellor of the Diocese of Lincoln. Write to Ask the Register using our online form, or write to 3700 Sheridan Blvd., Suite 10, Lincoln NE 68506-6100. All questions are subject to editing. Editors decide which questions to publish. Personal questions cannot be answered. People with such questions are urged to take them to their nearest Catholic priest.
