Crystals 101: Gems Can Be Powerful, Not Just Pretty

(Image Credit: trinetuzun)

(Image Credit: trinetuzun)

Curious about crystals? Maybe you’ve seen some lovely selenite towers in the window of the local New Age store or a lovely picture of crystals on Pinterest. (There are plenty.)  Precious stones have been a source of mystery and belief for eons, appearing in the healing and worship rituals in cultures from the Americas to Asia. Here’s your step-by-step guide to entering the world of crystals.

Step 1: Scoring some crystal.

There are no shortage of stones available on the internet. Etsy is full of them, Amazon’s got them, Ebay’s got them. Many guides will tell you to start with some basics, specifically crystal quartz, rose quartz and amethyst. And these stones are great!  However, if you’re just starting out, it’s good to be able to physically interact with the stones before you buy. Search out a local new age shop and get ready to smell some incense.

Did you ever, as a kid, walk along the beach looking for the ‘right’ rock or shell? That’s all you’re doing here. Take a break from reading about the particular stones and hold them in your hand. See which stones feel the best as you hold them; which ones you find yourself drawn to. You might find they have something in common.

 

Step 2: Charging them up.

Ready to use your stones? Not yet, you’re not!

Crystals are used to help focus and strengthen your own energy. Think of a ray of light hitting a prism, and the way the prism bends and changes the light. Because they work through energy vibrations, the first step in using any crystal is to clean and charge its energy, something which should be done both when you first bring it home and between uses.

There are many different ways to clean a crystal, but the simplest is to let it sit for a full day somewhere the stone can receive both sun and moon light. (Not too much after that though! Sunlight can fade stones like amethyst.) Your stones will be full of pure energy and you are now a card carrying member of witchynation.

 

Step 3: Use them.

There are so many different ways to use crystals to center yourself and look for direction.

One great way to start out is to try meditating with the stones. Sit down somewhere quiet and pick up one or two stones in your hands. Set an intention with the stones at the outset – rose quartz is great for self-love and citrine is used to spark creativity. Then take the time to let yourself relax and see where the stones take your meditation.

If you’re in the mood for something a little more luxurious, try taking a crystal bath. Fill your tub with warm water and some bubble bath or essentials and set some crystals in the water. (Check your crystal first though! Some stones, like selenite, are water-soluble.) Then hop in and take some time to let the crystal-infused water flow all over you.

 

Step 4: Wear them.

Lastly, as a jewelry lover, I can’t write about crystals without suggesting some bling. Wearing crystals keeps them near you all day, so it’s still important to clean them between uses.

 

Hopefully, this information can provide you with some basic guidelines to enjoy crystals, but remember, you’re your own best guide! Happy exploring, and enjoy that sparkle!

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