Jose AND LENA STOVERS 203rattle to describe events and activities in the vision. The
challenge here is to lose absolutely all self-consciousness, so
that you are completely at one with the experience.
Allow the journey to climax and come to a natural con-
clusion. Signal the end with three strong beats of the drum or
shakes of the rattle.USING QUARTZ CRYSTALS TOR PROTECTION
AND EMPOWERMENT
Among all the rock spirits, crystals are the most univer-
sally used in shamanic practice. Shamans believe that crystals
are more sentient than other rocks and have special proper-
ties that are useful for shamanic work. Most shamans carry
crystals in their shamanic toolbox (medicine bundle). Princi-
pally, crystals are excellent for increasing visionary powers,
producing clarity of insight, and are extraordinary energy-
transfer devices. In addition, crystals have a reputation for
amplifying energy as they channel it from one place to an-
other according to the will of the shaman. Crystals can be
useful in healing rituals, mentally transferring the guardian
spirit's healing energy to a diseased part of the body. Or they
can be held up to the forehead with the intention of shaman-
ically seeing what is happening at a distant place, just like a
fortune teller's crystal ball.
OBTAIIUIIQ AZID PREPARING A CRYSTAL
Traditionally, shamans have felt that the most powerful
crystals were the ones they either found themselves or re-
ceived as gifts from another shaman. Today however, with
modern conditions, most crystals must be bought in rock
shops or at outlets that carry them. A purchased crystal is
perfectly fine, provided you cleanse it first before using it.
The clarity, shape, and size of the crystal affect its power
and specific abilities. Shamans have special regard for pure,
clear quartz crystal without chips or breaks within it. They
like to have the point clear and sharp and the facets equal in
size and shape. The fewer the chips and irregularities, the
better the crystal can transmit.
Shamans prefer to keep their crystals private, rather than
displaying them openly around their necks the way people do
when they use them as jewelry. Quartz crystal acts as an am-
plifier, and they usually don't want all their experiences am-
plified. They like to keep their crystals cleansed and fresh for
the next time they use them. Washing them in ocean water,