this post was submitted on 17 Aug 2024
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Science Memes

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[–] [email protected] 71 points 3 months ago (3 children)

One day at work, I found out a work friend actually believed the whole "crystal energy" thing.

Since she was the first person I had ever met who actually admitted to that, I wanted to know more about what her specific beliefs about them were.

At first she was super bubbly about it, on par with her personality. But then as I asked a couple common sense questions about why science doesnt find anything measurable, and first she got hostile and mad that I would dare question another person's beliefs, but when I explained I was genuinely curious and had no interest in changing her beliefs she just kind of broke down because nobody ever takes her seriously or believes her about her "personal healing journey"

The way I see it, it's for adults who like pretty rocks, but can't come to terms with the fact that they like something "childish" (because for some reason a lot of adults call a rock collection cringe or childish or dumb, but clearly they've never met a geologist) so instead of having a pretty rock and mineral collection, they have "healing crystals", and eventually it just becomes kind of like part of their identity the way a religion is.

I will however, 100% giggle at their expense with my wife, later. Because anyone who buys $50 polished selenite ~~drink coaster~~ "charging plate", and a $200 brass pyramid to "recharge" their $50 "healing quartz wand" while refusing to listen to real science deserves to be giggled at.

[–] [email protected] 43 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) (4 children)

I will however, 100% giggle at their expense with my wife, later. Because anyone who buys $50 polished selenite drink coaster “charging plate”, and a $200 brass pyramid to “recharge” their $50 “healing quartz wand” while refusing to listen to real science deserves to be giggled at.

I mean, humans do all sorts of wierd, irrational, ritualistic things. IMO, whatever floats your boat.

Did you buy your wife a diamond ring? Or at least gold? :P

[–] [email protected] 17 points 3 months ago

I think this is the perfect response haha. Ppl find comfort where they can in the world, even if it looks a little whacky. So long as it's not hurting anyone, let them have their whacky

[–] [email protected] 10 points 3 months ago

humans do all sorts of weird, irrational, ritualistic things

lil private giggles about it seem fairly unobjectionable

[–] [email protected] 8 points 3 months ago (1 children)

No, I made the ring from sapphire (birth stone) and silver. Jewelry is easier than you might think when you've been doing small metalwork for knife handles, pommels, and guards.

[–] [email protected] 8 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Birth stones huh? More magical woo. No for real that's awesome.

[–] [email protected] 8 points 3 months ago

Lol at least she just thinks they're pretty instead of thinking it'll balance her energies.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Wonder if they had a big wedding that cost quite a bit more than 200$

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 months ago

No, because large weddings are a waste of money and stress, neither of which I make enough money to afford.

[–] [email protected] 11 points 3 months ago (1 children)

In many circumstances the placebo effect is superior to common medical environments. I was completely dismissive of homeopathy until I came to understand its actual appeal. Obviously there is no proven physical mechanism of the substance itself; the water is just part of the ritual. The ritual of being cared for and being paid special attention to by another person who cares that you get better and can do nothing for you but give you that attention you need is 100% placebo oriented medicine and 0% drug.

I was dismissive about crystals as well, but the reality is that if you are aware of them they are in some way altering your awareness by being present. The way they alter your awareness could be as simple as noticing an interesting looking stone, a reminder that there is a vast unknown and many others trying to find their way as you are, or a meditation weight and focus. I don't know about crystal effects on vibrations other than to know that mass is literally energy and different compositions of molecular structures could have effects on the immediate environment beyond our ability to yet measure. I'm most comfortable saying that crystals definitely have some effect, definitely have assisted others in their healing journeys in some form or another, and beyond that I do not know many specifics.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) (1 children)

I mean crystals definitely have gravity pulling you towards them.

I understand your reasoning and even the appeal, however I personally just wonder if all of these effects wouldn't be possible by any other means. Why does it need to be crystals, intentionally overpriced at that. Marketed by capitalistic interests to exploit you. Theoretically, couldn't you just go out into nature, find a rock you like, and it could have the same effect?

[–] [email protected] 4 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Wait, so you're telling that to not feel ashamed of liking rocks for how they look, they believe silly things about them?

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 months ago (1 children)

That appears to be their hypothesis

I suspect they're just credulous, and believe in magic

[–] [email protected] 0 points 3 months ago

in a young girl's heart?

How the music can free her whenever it starts 

And it's magic if the music is groovy 

It makes you feel happy like an old-time movie