About Broken or Damaged or Crystals

What are Empathic Warrior Crystals?

An "empathic warrior" is a crystal, rock or mineral that has become damaged or broken at some point during its life.

I first came across this term in an article written by the late Judy Hall, author of the Crystal Bible books.  She used it specifically to describe quartz crystals that had become broken or damaged.

In crystal healing circles opinion regarding damaged or broken crystals is divided.  Some claim their energy is much stronger whilst others say their work is done and the stone should be returned to the earth.

The crystals, rocks and minerals that we enjoy today have taken millions of years to evolve.  Most have travelled vast distances before ending up in our possession. 

It's difficult to imagine how many times a stone has been handled before finally being purchased.  During this journey some will inevitably become damaged but is that a reason to throw them away?

In retail, products that are damaged have always been offered for sale at a discounted price.  An item may not have been manufactured quite as well as it should have or possibly it's just become damaged since being in the shop.

Antiques are often damaged but that rarely deters people from buying them.

If a crystal, rock or mineral has a chip, fracture or other anomaly it's often left on the shelf.  Over many years of being in business I've seen vast quantities of beautiful stones on the scrap heap simply because of an imperfection.

I know from experience that when many people choose a tumbled stone they look for one that's as perfect as perfect can be.

Judy Hall on Broken and Damaged Crystals

When asked about broken or damaged crystals Judy Hall says they should never be thrown away.  She talks about giving them some TLC and in return for your kindness says you'll be well rewarded.

She says despite its not so perfect appearance a broken crystal works just as well as any other.  An imperfection can be energetically healed in a relatively short period of time.

Empathic warrior crystals have the ability to heal themselves whilst in the care of the right keeper.  Having been through and recovered from a trauma they have so much to offer.  In most cases their healing properties and energy will have strengthened.
In crystal healing circles 'empathic warrior crystals' are often described as magical, special and wise teachers.  Before they can be used they must first be allowed to heal.

Regarding caring for and nurturing a damaged crystal Judy Hall says they need to be held and valued.  If necessary re-engage them with the earth by burying them for a period of time.  Once back in your care recharge them in the warmth of the sun or in the light of the moon.

Once their period of recovery is complete an unbreakable and infinite bond will have been created.

Respect for Nature and Our Planet

The rocks and minerals that we enjoy today in whatever capacity began life millions and in some cases billions of years ago.  Zircon is four billion years old.

Many of these materials are the building blocks of our planet.  In nature perfection rarely exists.

It's important to respect and appreciate the natural beauty and unique qualities of a crystal, even if it does have an imperfection.  They're prized for their shape, colour and patterns and these characteristics are the result of the long and complex process during which they formed.

Instead of discarding a broken crystal or stone with a minor chip, mark or other anomaly, we need to find a more meaningful and sustainable way to use or appreciate it in its current form.

Since being in business I have never thrown a stone away because it's not quite as perfect as I would like it to be.

When used for its healing properties some people say a damaged crystal can feel different.  Although we may perceive 'the imperfection' for being the reason, it's unlikely to be the cause.

Should you not feel comfortable around a stone or believe it doesn't have the right energy, give it away as a gift or return it to the earth.  That's what we do with stones that are too severely damaged to be sold.

Many crystal healers say if an empathic warrior crystal makes you feel uncomfortable even after it has been cleansed, it may be because you need the healing it can provide.  The more discomfort and unease you feel the more the stone has to give.

Breaking through energy blockages in healing is not always easy.  Although some crystals can feel uplifting and amazing others can feel draining, cumbersome and intense.  The reason may be because they're doing what they're supposed to be doing.

By making you feel this way they could be trying to grab your attention to make you aware of a behaviour or feeling that needs to be addressed.

In today's society too many people spend their lives chasing perfection.  Instead of bringing happiness it often leads to stress, anxiety, exhaustion and depression. 

Perfection is rarely attainable and pursuing something that doesn't exist can have dire consequences.

In nature everything is unique.  All living organisms constantly adapt to an ever-changing environment.

Everyone who uses crystals for their healing properties should have an empathic warrior crystal in their collection.

I've always hated using the word 'damaged' or 'imperfection' to describe an anomaly in a natural stone.  It's taken millions of years for these materials to become what they are today.  So why should something that we find displeasing render it worthless or not fit for purpose?

Having discovered the term "empathic warrior" I decided to adopt it for any stone in our collection with an "imperfection" irrespective of when or how it was caused.

Considering many crystal healers agree that damaged or broken crystals have increased power or energy, I feel the word "empathic warrior" couldn't be more perfect.

I believe damaged or broken crystals can be used for personal growth.  The imperfection reminds us that nothing in nature is perfect.  This can be a powerful reminder that we need to accept and love ourselves just as we are.