This week we’ll discuss the metaphysical properties of Double Terminated quartz crystals; what they are, how to determine if you have one, and how to work with their unique energy. We discussed crystal Clusters in an earlier post. We mentioned at that time that there are some crystals which don't grow on a matrix, they basically grow from a "seed" of silicon dioxide in clay. That is what we'll discuss in this blog post: Double Terminated crystals.
Double Terminated crystals have a termination on both ends. The point or end of the crystal is called the termination. It is confusing to refer to a single crystal as a “point” and to also call the end of a single crystal the “point,” so we call the pointy end a "termination".
Sometimes Double Terminated points may almost appear to be in a "ball shape" because the sides are so narrow in relation to the terminations.
Below is a picture of this type of Double Terminated crystal. I have drawn lines to indicate the sides versus the terminations:
As I mentioned earlier, Double Terminated crystals grow from a “seed” molecule of silicon dioxide in clay and grow outward in both directions. They are not formed on a matrix. The energy in these crystals flows in both directions as well. In single terminated crystals, the energy is directed from the base (bottom) and out the top (termination). Based on the growth pattern, crystals with two "pointy ends" (Double Terminated crystals) don't have a base or bottom as such, and the energy may be directed (flows) both ways.
To imagine this, picture an arrow. Here's a graphic to illustrate direction of energy flow based on growth pattern:
Even though they have two terminations, usually there is one end that feels like the “top” and one that feels like the “bottom.” Naturally Double Terminated points that are exactly the same on both ends don't have this "top" and "bottom" feeling, but they are rare. Single terminated crystals (those which have broken off a matrix) are sometimes polished to have two terminations, but they will have the energy of a single terminated crystal (energy flowing from what used to be the bottom out the top).
Double Terminated points may occur as single points or they may be clustered or grown together. As with all crystals, they may also have characteristics other than just being Double Terminated. To revisit some configurations which we have previously discussed, here is a picture of a Double Terminated crystal with Barnacles and one with Bridges:
Remember the Dolphin crystals from last post? Here is a Dolphin crystal that is also Double Terminated.
When might a person choose to work with a Double Terminated crystal versus a single terminated crystal? Double Terminated points send as well as receive energy, so they promote psychic ability and dream recall.
They are also used for balance. 
Double Terminated crystals are useful in any application in which you want the energy to flow in both directions.
I like using them in healing layouts or grids because of the bi-directional energy flow.
In the photo grid example, there are two pink, double ended arrows on the two Double Terminated crystals. The other crystals are single terminated, and the arrows (energy) is directed primarily one way.
A person could choose to work the energies of crystals when casting circle, for example. Single terminated points would need to be placed end to tip, all facing one direction. Since the energy is being directed out only one side, you would (at minimum), want one at each quarter and cross quarter for the most benefit. There would also be the decision to have them facing deosil or widdershins. Double Terminated points, on the other hand, since the energy is being directed from both ends, could be placed at each quarter. Since the energy is projecting from each tip (termination), the area the energy is being directed is in effect doubled. Also, the decision about directionality of the flow is left to the crystals.
Don't let the arrows and energy direction confuse you, however. All crystals (both single and double terminated) are capable of both sending and receiving (there is no "stop valve" inside which prevents the energy from flowing both ways)... It is just helpful to remember that the energy is most focused or directed in the direction of the terminating end. The differentiating term would be flow (all crystals allow energy to flow) versus direction (energy may be more easily directed out the terminations).
A further (visual) example would be this: One might hold a single terminated crystal in their hand and point (direct) energy to a source... ZAP! (think crystal wand). On the other hand, one might hold a Double Terminated crystal in their hand to direct energy outward, while at the same time, accepting a return of energy inward.
Today we’ve learned that:
- Double Terminated crystals grow from a "seed" rather than breaking off a matrix.
- The energy in Double Terminated crystals flows in both directions like a double ended arrow.
- The crystals may form in "single" points or may grow in clusters of Double Terminated points.
- Double Terminated crystals promote psychic ability and dream recall.
- They are also used for balance.
- Double Terminated crystals are useful in any application in which you want the energy to flow in both directions, such as healing layouts of grids.
I hope you have enjoyed this discussion about Double Terminated quartz crystals; what they are, how to determine if you have one, and how to work with them. Next time we’ll discuss Dow or Trans-Channeler quartz crystals.
Here is a recap of the past posts featuring the metaphysical configurations and links to where you might find these various crystal configurations if you decided you might like to work with them:
DOUBLE TERMINATED CRYSTALS (Useful in any application in which you want the energy to flow in both directions) purchase Double Terminated crystal read blog post
DOLPHIN CRYSTAL (To encourage teaching in a loving, fun, joyful way, or alternately, to assist one to enjoy learning) read blog post
CURVED CRYSTAL (To assist with flexibility “go with the flow” or to cleanse or brush your aura) purchase Curved crystal read blog post
CLUSTER CRYSTAL (Raise the vibration in an environment or to assist with group dynamics) purchase crystal cluster read blog post
CATHEDRAL or LIGHTBRARY CRYSTAL (Raise your vibrational frequency or access Akashic Records) purchase Cathedral or Lightbrary read blog post
CHANNELER or CHANNELING CRYSTAL (To access higher wisdom, guides, other-world beings) purchase Channeler read blog post
BRIDGE or INNER CHILD CRYSTAL (To help Bridge between worlds or help to access your innermost self) purchase Bridge or purchase Inner Child read blog post
BARNACLE QUARTZ CRYSTAL (Wise energy; ‘new souls’ attracted to ‘old soul’ energy) purchase Barnacle read blog post
See you next week for Dow or Trans-Channeler crystals.