Regarding Concerns around Crystal Healing and Card Reading
“You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone was your covering, sardius, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, emerald, and carbuncle; and crafted in gold were your settings and your engravings.
On the day that you were created they were prepared”
Ezekiel 28:13:
Contrary to some ill informed (and superstitious) Bible “believers,” using crystals and other “sacred objects” or even tarot cards ARE NOT OCCULT PRACTICES.
It is NOT the G*D’s crystal creations that are problematic. It is the “practitioner” who is not 100% surrendered to G*D who could delve into the occult that cause “ungodly” energy. And even the word is misunderstood… “Occult” simply means hidden. There are several instances where dreams and signs and wonders are properly and lawfully interpreted within the Bible… aided by G*D’s Spirit. Astronomical signs are mentioned in Revelation. And what about those Wise Men who read the stars in the sky and saw the sign? Consider that the very first Christians who bowed before the Lord were astrologers!
The scripture which mentions sorcerers (or witches), Deuteronomy 18:11–12 and Exodus 22:18, is improperly understood and refers to outright frauds and tricksters. Otherwise, I suppose we should condemn Moses to death for transforming a stick into a snake?!? The sorcery that is lambasted concerns those trying to do divination and conjuring up the dead. But… even on that front, Jesus himself spoke with the dead and raised them to life! Ask your healer about their belief systems. And also remember that a pure believer’s heart is always protected by the Almighty:
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?”
Romans 8:28, 31
Many times when someone is facing difficult issues, they often at a vulnerable time in life… This is why is is critical to vette any holistic practitioner to ensure they have Christian orientation and values. Remember that crystals are mentioned in the Bible (gemstones mentioned include: adamant, agate, amber, amethyst, beryl, carbuncle, chalcedony, chrysolite, chrysoprase, coral, crystal, diamond, emerald, jacinth, jasper, ligure, onyx, ruby, sapphire, sardius, sardonyx, and topaz). Gems are integral to the “holy garments” and breastplate of protection of Aaron, the Levitical priest in Exodus.
Together, we innerstand that the crystals are not in and of themselves “magical” or above G*D. They are simply a vibrational part of G*D’s magnificent creation. What crystals DO provide is a tangible physical element for us to help us reconnect with G*D almighty. Is really is no different than wearing or looking upon the cross or a crucifix to connect with the Lord’s sacrifice for us. To think otherwise indicates a lack of FAITH in G*D’s infinite potential and power… and creativity!
“You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath, or in the water under the earth.”
Exodus 20:4
Tarot Cards
Reading cards is similar to when people say, “if something is concerning you, open the Bible up to a random page and see what scripture you happen upon and see if it provides a sign or comfort.” Prior to doing a spread of cards, if a reader is Christian, a reader gets silent and prays to the Holy Spirit for divine sign.
Occultists have a propaganda campaign about the ‘mystical’ origins of tarot in order to make it seem more ‘woo woo’ and increase a feeling of elicit popularity. They get linked to ancient Egypt and Kabbalah. However, their real history is not known by many people. The first references to tarot decks with their allegorical illustrations come from the mid 1400s in Northern Italy. They were called carte da trionfi, or triumph packs. Most people did not read, so teaching ideas and concepts via imagery was paramount. It’s really no different than children playing instructional video games to learn about a subject as opposed to reading a book. The cards became so popular that a Dominican priest taught a sermon against them. I assume “the church” did not like the competition, because at that time, the church was the primary educational component in society. Tarot was a teaching tool, and NOT used for divination. That came about in the late 18th century, two hundred years later.
If you have ever read the Christian classic, Pilgrim’s Progress, by John Bunyan written in the 1600s, this book teaches about diverse morality topics via allegory. The lead character, Christian, learns by meeting an assortment of characters and going places that explain concepts: from Obstinate to Aetheist, from Mercy to Madame Bubble! Christian goes from the Wicket Gate through Vanity Fair and winds up at the Celestial City. Likewise, the images on tarot decks are divided into different allegorical pictures, such as the fool, the pope, the devil, strength, justice and judgement.
Did you know that the Ace of Cups card features an image of a dove (Holy Spirit) carrying a Eucharist over a communion goblet? Each suit of cards teaches ideas about artisans and creativity; merchants and material possessions; clergy and having faith; military, nobility and developing reason.
There are different types of cards. The deck that I use is the traditional Rider Waite deck. The pictures were illustrated by English artist Pamela “Pixie” Colman Smith. I do not ascribe any metaphysical power to these cards. I do not look at them other than being yet another book on my bookshelf that might provide me random knowledge or inspiration. And you can, too!