The Use of Crystal In Ceremony
There are many different kinds of artifacts used in Journey to the Core, crystals being one example. I believe that many people have an odd relationship to crystals. I find people tend to fall into two camps, either thinking that crystals are little batteries that emanate various cosmic powers or that they are totally useless rocks. I believe both of these perspectives to be somewhat misguided.
I want to address them being useless rocks first. If that is what you believe I have no problem with this. My position is that Crystal has the power we give it, but foolish is the man that underestimates this power. In scientific terms we call this the “Placebo Effect.” It is an aggressively well documented phenomena that for almost every kind of medical condition there is, people are able to heal themselves simply by believing they are in contact with something that will heal them. Having some object that acts as a physical reminder of intention is a powerful tool that should be respected. For a variety of reasons, crystal tends to work very well as a physical object that can be imbued with this type of power. I’m here to use all the tools at my disposal to do my best to set you up for success, and as such I will not pass up an opportunity to use my pretty rock collection to set a clear and compelling intention. If nothing else it's something beautiful to look at and play with while you travel.
On the other hand, let's address them being little batteries that emanate cosmic power. If that is what you believe I have no problem with this. My position is that Crystal has the power we give it, but foolish is the man that gives away his power without purpose or cause. This is not to say that crystal has nothing helpful to offer. Some crystals resonate incredibly well with specific imbued feeling qualities. I have had many experiences where I have come across a specific stone and felt my body viscerally and automatically react to being in its presence. SImply seeing it has an effect on me, let alone touching it. They can absolutely elicit strong and meaningful reactions from us if we are open to it. But it is my belief that the power is ours from start to finish. We channel our power through the stone, it amplifies and enhances our natural energies. It can clarify, serve as an anchor, and remind us of our intention. It can be imbued with purpose and meaning. But I caution you in relating to these beautiful objects in a way that makes you less than what you are. You can choose to limit yourself if you like, but the power is ultimately yours to give. Choose wisely.
The Journey to the Core Ceremony utilizes a customly built crystal grid that will in some ways serve as the centerpiece of the experience. It sits between the Traveler and the ritual keeper for the ride up and on the way back. In building this grid travelers will get the opportunity to pick a crystal point to act as a personal representation of them in the grid. When the Ceremony is completed the traveler will keep their chosen crystal point as part of the collection of mementos they get to keep.
