A Beginners Guide to Crystals
I’ve always been spiritual, not religious in anyway, but spiritual. I believe in energy and connection, and in teaching ourselves to focus and think in ways that will allow us to have more positivity, patience and courage.
Finding ways to have a healthy mindset is something we do for ourselves and we should do what works for us (no matter how silly it sounds to others)!
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My Introduction to Crystals
My first real visit to a crystal shop was in spiritual Sedona (Arizona). Known for its vortices, visitors flock to this mystical desert town in search of good energy to charge both their crystals (we’ll get to that later) and themselves.
Always curious, I wanted to experience the hype.
I was really the only one in the group with any interest in this kind of stuff and I felt a bit rushed. Realistically, I needed a few hours to get my bearings. I needed to do some reading and, ok, feeling, to really know what I wanted.
I spoke to the clerk for a minute or two, which lead to $75 worth of rocks and an annoyed husband.
Fast forward one year and I still wasn’t really sure what I was suppose to do with these crystals, or if I had even bought the right ones!
I started to do some research and this is what I learned.
Finding the Crystals that Are Right for You
Before heading to a crystal shop, take some time to think about your focus and intention. What do you want to get from using crystals? Do you want to increase your confidence, strengthen your relationships, or get better sleep?
Think about how you want to use your crystals. Do you want to simply sit them in a corner and admire them or do you want to actively use them during meditation or affirmations?
I would suggest picking up a basic crystal book, which will detail the benefits and “powers” of popular stones. When you’re faced with basket after basket of colorful crystals, you will feel overwhelmed.
If you have an idea of what you want beforehand, you’ll have more focus once in the store.
Note: Some crystal shamans believe that you’ll gravitate towards the crystals that you need the most. They would suggest that you visit a shop and have the crystals pick you. If you choose this method, it’s still a good idea to have a bit of a knowledge base so you’re not totally blind.
Crystals Should be Cleansed and/or Charged
The idea behind this process is that you need to give your crystals a fresh start. Crystals have been around for (literally) 1,000s of years. When you bring a new crystal home, it has the weight of the energy that it has accumulated for centuries. To harness its energy and make the crystal work for you, you need to rid it of all its past forces.
I know – it sounds like a bit of nonsense – but if you want test-drive this trend you won’t get anywhere if you don’t cleanse.
There are many ways to charge your crystals, which I’ve summarized below:
- Water: Run the crystal under water or soak it in a bowl of Epsom salt infused water. Note that this technique should not be used for porous or water-sensitive crystals (such as Angelite, Labradorite, Selenite, or Turquoise).
- Sunlight: Place the crystal in sunlight for an afternoon. Note that some crystals (such as Aventurine, Amethyst, Aquamarine, Citrine, Rose Quartz, or Smoky Quartz) can fade in sunlight.
- Moonlight: Leave the crystal outside for an overnight moon-bath. Again, be mindful of the possibility of rain, as some crystals do not pair well with water.
- Earth: Bury the crystal in the earth (a potted plant will do), and leave it for a full day. Remember to mark the spot where the crystal is buried.
- Smoke: Cleanse the crystal using the smoke from a sage stick (my preferred method).
- Crystals: Some crystals do not need to be charged, and some even will help to charge others if left together for a full day. Crystals that will charge others include Quartz,
Charge your crystal when you first bring it home before you start using it. After having your crystal for sometime, it may start to feel heavy or dull, at which time you should repeat the cleansing process.
Set your Intention (Program your Crystal)
After the cleanse, you’re ready to program. You want to complete this step if you want your crystal to help you with a particular goal or feeling. Basically, you’re going to communicate this goal to the crystal so it will have a clear mission.
Program a crystal for long-term goals; goals you’ll work on over a few weeks, months or even a year.
You do not have to program your crystal, but I find it helpful because you’ll have a constant reminder of whatever it is you wish to achieve.
Find a quiet space at a quiet moment and take a few deep breaths.
To program your crystal, simply take the stone and say to it: “Crystal, please assist me with…” Some crystal healers would say “I command you” or “I program you,” but I personally think that wording is a little harsh. I think of the crystal as working with me, not for me.
As you hold the crystal, visualize the goal that you set.
Then thank your crystal.
Ways to Use a Crystal
There are many ways that you can work with your crystal. You can use it during your meditation practice to assist you with relaxation and focus. You can hold it while saying affirmations to remind you of what you’d like to manifest.
You can create a crystal grid in certain areas of your home to attract (or reject) certain types of energy. You can also carry a crystals with you when you leave the house for a little on-the-go protection.
Lastly, you can place your crystal in certain areas of your home because its pretty and looking at it makes you feel happy!
My Takeaways
I have been using my crystals off and on for over a year now. I have built a small collection and I’m familiar with the various properties that each of my crystals possess.
Do I think that using them magically brings my wishes to life? No.
What I do believe is that if we use crystals to channel our intentions, we can maybe focus on figuring out what we want, and what we need to do to reach those goals or desires.
Looking at the pirate on my desk reminds me of what I want to achieve professionally, and encourages me stay focused and motivated.
The same goes for the rose quartz heart that I hold when I am falling asleep. It reminds me to focus on my breath and peaceful thoughts, which leads me into a better sleep.
Lastly, I love the earthy touches my crystals add to my home. Even if they aren’t doing anything, they still make me happy!
In conclusion: I can’t say whether crystals possess a magical energy, but I do feel that working with crystals has made a positive change in my life.
There is really no reason not to test them out, so why not try?
What are your favorite ways to use crystals? Do you feel like they work for you? Comment below – I’d love to hear from you!
