This is one of a series of Articles

As we no longer run courses on using crystal bowls we have decided to post some information on the web site. If you would like to suggest any other ideas or would like to correct any errors please email us

Prices and ordering of Quartz Crystal Singing Bowls

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Playing Quartz Crystal Singing Bowls

We suggest that bowls are played anti-clockwise. This is to bring in more intuitive energies as opposed to conscious thought. The energetic and musical effects can be obtained with moderate volumes of playing. There is no need to force the bowl to produce high volumes. If this is done the crystal bowl may be strained and cracks created in the quartz which can cause the singing bowl to later fail. The quality of the sound becomes unpleasant and if the rim becomes a blur it is certainly being played too strongly. More practical matters

Suede and Rubber Ball Playing Sticks

There are two types of playing stick that can be used. Clear bowls and practitioner bowls (clear bowls on a handle) are played with a rubber ball stick with a small hard piece of rubber (not illustrated). Frosted bowls can often be played with either a suede or rubber ball stick. Generally the rubber ball stick is superior if it works as it makes very little noise as it slides round the bowl. Suede sticks have to be tilted as they go around the bowl and make a distinct scraping noise. Some small bowls (8 and 10 inch) will sometimes only play with a suede stick. Larger bowls (16 inch plus) will often only play with rubber ball sticks.

Bowls and Chakras

There are various systems linking different notes with chakras. The most commonly used is this one:

C Base
D Sacral
E Solar Plexus
F Heart
G Throat
A Third Eye
B Crown

In our experience we have found that any bowl seems to work where it is needed and when we use bowls we do not worry about which notes they are.

There are also other systems which start from different notes and a system which attributes diameters of bowls to chakras.

Crystals can be used to direct bowl energy to specific chakras.

Crystal Bowls and Healing

Many people use quartz crystal singing bowls alongside various systems of healing. We use them routinely as we feel they work powerfully balancing and clearing. Smaller bowls start working near the physical body and the effects travel outwards working on the energy bodies. Larger ones start on the outer energy bodies and then the effect moves closer.

It is a good idea to play the bowl or bowls for a reasonable length of time (around fifteen minutes) to allow this process to take place. It is best to play the bowls gently so as not to interfere in the relaxing effects of a treatment. Energetically there is no necessity to play them loudly.

Playing the bowls for a short length of time at the end of a treatment can help to clear and ground energies. It can also be used as a signal to the client that the treatment is coming to an end without the necessity for speaking.

Groups can be treated as well as individuals.

Bowls and Meditation

For many people the greatest problem in meditation is thoughts preventing any connection. The sound of a crystal bowl as well as working energetically seems to fill the mind and reduce thoughts. Bowls do not need to be played continuously. The sound will resonate on and the playing stick used as it is dying down to pick it up again to create a continuous sound. At the end of the meditation, the person leading it stops playing the bowl and the everyday sounds return allowing people to gently emerge from meditating.

Working With Intent

It is possible if you wish to play bowls with intent. For instance if you are playing the bowls with a group of people you can ask that the energy is directed to one person. Everyone will hear the sound from the bowl but the energetic effects will be primarily felt by the one person. This is an interesting aspect to play around with, but generally it is best to use them without intent apart from if you wish asking for it to be for everyone's highest good. Directing energy can be limiting and we would prefer to let the energy work freely.

Working with Crystals

Crystals can be cleansed using crystal singing bowls. It is recommended that crystals requiring cleaning are placed around the bowl while it is played. Once they are cleansed they can be placed inside bowls. Large pieces like clusters are probably best placed on a piece of cork or fabric to avoid it rattling against the quartz. When the bowl is played the energy of the crystal is amplified and transmitted by the sound.

By choosing appropriate crystals any bowl can be changed to have a desired effect; black tourmaline for grounding or working on the base chakra, rose quartz for the heart for instance.

Care needs to be taken with what you choose to place in the bowl. Plastic, for instance, will be amplified and transmitted in the same way which most people would not consider desirable.

Space Clearing

In the same way as other sources of sound, crystal bowls can be used to even out and balance energies in rooms and houses. Because of their power they are able to work very rapidly and clear large spaces such as halls.

Energising Water

Water can be energised with a bowl. We would recommend that the water is in glass rather than plastic and that you are sure of its purity. Good spring water or distilled water is best. A container full of water can be used or water can be directly poured into the bowl but not so deep as to inhibit the ringing of the bowl. If water is placed directly into the bowl we suggest not using a suede stick (unless you like drinking bits of leather in your water!).

The bowl is then played for a few minutes until you feel that it is energised. This can then be kept and small amounts placed in drinking or bath water where it will energise the entirety.

Practical Matters

Do not play bowls too loudly; this will create an unpleasant sound and could weaken the bowl leading to its failure in the future. Energetically bowls do not have to be played at a high volume.

When carrying bowls it is best not to hold them by the rim. For larger bowls wrap your arms around them so that they are protected if you accidentally bump into something solid such as a door frame. For transporting them by car a bit of bubble wrap and a strong cardboard box is fine. The box is best placed on the floor and held in place with other items to stop it moving around too much.

If bowls become dirty from rubber from the ball stick or dusty they can be cleaned. We placed frosted bowls in a bath or shower and give them a good scrub with a stiff nylon brush and soap. Quartz is very hard and will not be scratched easily. Rinse it thoroughly, leave it to drain for a while and carefully lift it out. Be cautious as it can be slippery when wet.

We suggest that you ensure that your bowl is covered by your house contents insurance. It may be that you need to be sure that you have accidental damage cover and that you may need to specify individual items over a certain value for them to be covered.

More Ideas

We would like this page to be an open resource for ideas and ways of using quartz crystal singing bowls. If you have any suggestions for things that could be added or to point out errors or omissions please email us

Prices and ordering of Quartz Crystal Singing Bowls

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Page last updated March 3, 2009
Copyright: Martin Dowling 2002-2009

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