Who is the Founder of Crystalcense? Part 1 - Foundation

Part 1

My introduction to crystals happened on a trip to Kailua, Hawaii, on the island of Oahu on December 22, 2019.

Before then, I had seen crystal shops and did not have any interest in them at all. I spent decades living in Santa Cruz, California, a place known for spiritual conscious living where crystal stores are everywhere. We called it the "woo-woo" place.

As a typical Vietnamese American immigrant, I was taught to be realistic, work hard, be good, and live the American dream of consumerism and ownership. Though I achieved all these goals, I only felt genuinely connected to my life's purpose once I purchased my first collection of crystals from Kailua Crystals.

Spirituality was introduced in different forms in my upbringing. My mother dabbled in reading cards, Vietnamese astrology called Tử Vi, and palm readings for friends and family. It was entertaining to watch her practice, and she was quite good at it. Then, one day, she stopped the card readings. In the Vietnamese culture, it is believed one could "die without a bamboo mat to be buried in" when practicing prophecy. This is especially true when we are paid to pass on divine knowledge. In later years, she studied Phong Thủy or more commonly known as Feng Shui to expand her knowledge.

Though our family identifies as "Buddhists," we hardly visited the Buddhist temple except during the Tết Lunar New Year or funerals. As a child, I don't remember visiting any temples in Vietnam, but we had an altar at home where my grandmother burned incense for Buddha and our ancestors. Buddhist practices were passed on to us from one generation to the next as part of our cultural upbringing. I only learned more about Buddhist teachings, chants, and mantras later in life.

My mom also exposed me to Catholicism and Protestantism. I remember enjoying reading religious storybooks made for children. I also went to a private Catholic school from kindergarten to first grade. I don't remember learning much about the religion while in school, as the Communist regime may have forbidden religious teachings, but I can still see the kind faces of the nuns and their pink robes and white habits in my memory. 

During my early formative years, I lived with my maternal grandparents. I remember my grandmother took me to several Mother Goddess worship ceremonies. My family felt Đạo Mẫu, or Mother Goddess Worship, was a superstitious practice, but Grandma did not, so she went secretly to avoid unwelcomed comments. During these ceremonies, I saw my modern, cultured, and "appropriate" grandmother change to become more herself, happy, and lively. I remember seeing her eyes light up as soon as we arrived and they flickered with joy as the sights, sounds, and smells of incense of the rituals kicked into high gear as the night went on. She became alive during these ceremonies. Sometimes, she climbed on the stage and danced with the goddesses as the crowd watched. She seemed to be in a trance, moving her body freely with the sound of the rhythm of the drums and music. All I remember was that I felt thoroughly entertained by the traditional songs, elaborate costumes, swords, dances, foods, smells, and goddess possessions.

I grew up in Vietnam right after the Vietnam War ended in 1975. The people who remained behind were desperate, so they sought out all forms of spirituality, from Christianity to Buddhism to the Occult, to help give them hope for an uncertain future. The same adults who told me not to believe in such nonsense also sought out clairvoyants to seek information about their futures.

These experiences formed the foundations of my spirituality.

I am sharing my journey with you so you may understand the intentions behind the creation of Crystalcense. Each gift is created to help restore balance and harmony in your life.

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