Crystals, Gemstones, Magic Rocks...I'm sure we have all heard them referred to as many different things.
Most people wonder which crystals should they get and how are they used? I'm going to supply you with some pretty basic information that will hopefully help you get started.
...If it's something you're interested in dipping your metaphysical toes into.
What is the Point?
Crystals are defined as solid objects with atoms organized into one of seven distinct repeating lattice patterns. But they happen to be more than just pretty or interesting to look at. They each have unique energetic properties associated with them and these properties have been used by healers for a very long time. In the last decade or so, as they have started to make their way into the modern world, I'm sure you have been seeing them pop up everywhere. But before they were sold at Urban Outfitters, their energies were the focus of many spiritual and healing practices around the world.
In very basic terms, we are all just energy walking around emitting vibrations. So if you think of yourself having one energy, and a crystal having another, the point would be for that crystal to shift yours into a better place.
What Crystals Should I Get?
First, I always recommend that you find a local-to-you shop to visit (or even one on vacation, as I like to do!). The people who work there can be a big resource for what you're looking for, relative to what they have. It's also important to pick up the stones to see if you feel something or, if you are drawn to something in particular.
If you can't head somewhere to look in person, the internet is a big place that has everything available, no matter the hour. Etsy is a great resource, as is Instagram. My advice is to start out with around 1-3 stones for a specific area in your life. Remember that crystals can come in both tumbled or raw form and in many different shapes and sizes. That will be a personal preference for you to decide.
Here are some ideas to help you get started:
Protection:
Whether it's protecting your own energy from negativity or your home, for this I would recommend Black Tourmaline, which provides psychic and energetic protection. This stone absorbs negativity and can transform the negative into positive. Keep one on your desk, by your bed, or anywhere else you want to push off negativity.
Love:
Raising up any type of love, including that of self, Rose Quartz is the big winner here for me. Keep a stone where you need a little extra burst of love and goodness- maybe by the bathroom mirror?!
Worry/Anxiety:
Blue Lace Agate is not only calming to look at, it also will energetically ease your nerves. Hold in your hand or keep in your pocket to ease what may be weighing on you.
Sleep:
Amethyst is probably one of the most well known crystals out there and is associated with more than just one's sleep. But, if you struggle with less than restful nights, try placing this one under your pillow or on your bedside table.
*I highly recommend having Clear Quartz to start out with as well. It is known as a "master healer," amplifying energies, cleansing your spaces (I keep little quartz points on top of my Tarot cards when not in use), and cleansing and charging other crystals.
For more info, I recommend getting a beginner book that will break down uses and properties for you. This is a great one to start with:
Crystals For Beginners: The Guide to Get Started with the Healing Power of Crystals.
How Do I Use Crystals?
The biggest question of all, right? You are sitting at home staring at some pretty rocks, now what?
That's the best part because there are so many ways to incorporate them into your life and space. I have them on my mantle, my coffee table, my kitchen counter...basically everywhere. Choosing a piece for your home can be fun because depending on its size, you can work it in as both decor and an energy shifter for the room. I keep amethyst in my living room to keep it peaceful, rose quartz in my bedroom for love, citrine in the left most corner of my home for abundance, and fluorite at my desk for focus. However, I keep most of my crystals at my altar and meditation space so when I am looking to work with a particular energy, I can hold that stone or place it on my journal page as I write.
If you are using a stone specifically for an event you may be nervous about, try keeping it in your pocket or purse and holding it in your hand to calm you every so often as the moment approaches.
I also carry a few around me everyday, on my person...in my bra to be specific. No, I don't feel them, no one can see them, and they are safe and happy there! I made a little bag for them to rest comfortably for all. You can see it below along with the 3 stones I currently carry- Citrine, Herkimer, and Rose Quartz,
How and Why Do I Clean My Crystals?
As your crystals sit out, or as you handle them, their properties may begin to hold your energy or any negativity. It's important to give them a bath, if you will, to reset them. Before doing this, I always reset my intentions with each. I hold the stone in my right hand, close my eyes, and set the intent I would like to manifest with that stone.
For example: if the stone is rose quartz, you may wish to manifest more self love.
As for how to cleanse them, there are a couple options.
1. Set your crystals out in the light of the full moon. As they twinkle and shine, they will be fresh for you come morning. Pssst...it's okay if it's cloudy or raining!
2. Arrange your crystal(s) on a Selenite plate- that's it! Selenite is both mystically pretty and clearing.
3. Clear them with herbs like sage, palo santo, sweetgrass, etc. Just as you would with your space, you can clear your stones as well.
4. You can give them a salt bath. I try to steer away from recommending this one because some crystals don't like to get wet! If you have done your research and know your stones are safe, add about a tablespoon of salt into a bowl of water and let your crystals soak from a few hours up to a few days.
And as always, if you have anymore questions, don't hesitate to reach out!
XO,
Mandy
