About Stewart Crystal Chakra Essences The word crystal comes from the Greek word for ice and, indeed, a common description amongst our ancestors for crystals was 'frozen water from heaven'. Ancient astrologers, diviners and priests have long revered crystals for their mystical and healing powers. Infact, crystal ball gazing comes from the practices of Buddhist monks who, for centuries, have used quartz spheres for meditation and enlightenment. Today crystals are used for a wide range of practices from protection against VDU radiation to warding off nightmares. A crystal is a mineral that has a defined, atomic geometric structure. There are around 3,000 minerals capable of creating these perfect examples of organised matter. Even when subjected to extreme outside forces such as heat, pressure, electricity or light, they are able to make adjustments that quickly restore their internal stability. Crystals are also able to generate, store and give off electromagnetic energy. In some crystals such as quartz (which gives of 'piezoelectricity') this can be so strong that it can actually be harnessed by industry to power such item as computers. These electrical qualities are believed to resonate with auras in ways that help correct imbalances in the energy field, speeding up the healing of mind, body and spirit. Furthermore, since crystals, like all things, have a consciousness, they help us to attune to our higher self. Crystal and gem energies are easily captured and preserved as essences, for internal and external use, by placing them in water in sunlight. The resulting infusion is preserved in alcohol before further dilution. The essences and the extended chakra system This set of Crystal Chakra Essences works with the extended 13 chakra system used by Shaktas. Shaktas worship the Indian goddess Shakti - 'Pure Blissful Consciousness' and 'Maker of Nature'. Their beliefs are based on a study of traditional Indian understanding by Shyam Sundar Gaswami (see Lavayoga: An Advanced Method of Concentration). This extended chakra system is shown below