Introduction to Crystals and Their Healing Properties
Are you attracted to crystals? Wondering about the healing properties gemstones might possess? You’re not the only one. Crystal magic has seen a resurgence in recent years, and for a good reason: Crystals can be gateways to transformative experiences in your life.
Skepticism vs. Curiosity: Exploring Crystals
Of course, gemological aficionados might argue that the only alchemy associated with crystal possession is the spell that keeps one’s bank account balanced—especially when it comes to purifying or “charging” one’s new-agey trust in the mystical benefits of quartz over, say, superconductor silicon. But my curiosity was piqued nonetheless, and after doing some reading, I consulted an expert.
Finding the Right Crystal for You
You can find crystals for every conceivable purpose—from chakra clearing to “law of attraction” work. The right crystal for you is the one that resonates with your energy and your intuition. But how do you find one that does that? The first step, as with any sort of magic you might practice, is to learn to trust yourself. What the act of selecting a crystal for magic does is tap into a sort of self-wellness routine where you are first and foremost the effigy and the magician making something happen in the universe on your behalf.
The Mystery and Power of Crystal Collections
There is probably more than one crystal out there that resonates with you, and that’s perfectly fine. Joyfully, some of us build crystal collections, and our reasons might range from simply liking or even loving the way our stones look to something deeper, a kind of mystery we may not fully understand. Why do we feel attracted to certain stones? Why do we think of some crystals as friends? Or even as fierce protectors of sorts? Why do we think some crystals can help us get through a rough patch, can re-motivate us when life feels stagnant? Why do we think certain crystals have a power that can work wonders when we need them, and why do we think those powers are inherent in the stones and not in our minds?
Crystals as Representations of Intent
Our intent is depicted visually. Gems are representations of our intentions. And if these representations sparkle, shine, or glow in any way, they are visual symbols of our care and the compassion we have “not only for ourselves but also for the world ‘out there’ in the wider cosmos.” Kristina’s assertion is that the universe we encounter inside our minds is just as pivotal as any outside experience. So when you step into your light as the owner of a crystal collection, you can rest easy knowing you are caregiving both for self and for the wider world.
How to Choose Healing Crystals
The most intuitive way to select healing crystals is to choose the ones that you feel drawn to, in terms of both their physical appearance and their purported metaphysical properties. You might be surprised to know that there isn’t a right or wrong crystal for you to choose—only the ones that resonate with you at any given moment.
Popular Crystals for Beginners
Because there are so many beautiful and fascinating crystals to choose from, we’ve put together this guide to the most popular crystals for beginners. These easy-to-find stones are gentle enough for novice practitioners, and many work well in tandem for a killer (by which we mean a lovely and effective) home healing setup.
Clear Quartz: The Master Healer
Brings clarity and amplifies energy. Also known as the Master Healer, Clear Quartz is at the very top of our beginner crystal must-have list. This stone is one of the most popular crystals, and for good reason. If you’re looking for a stone that serves as a purist point of view, brings a sense of clarity, raises your vibrations, and works wonders for your self-esteem, look no further than Clear Quartz. It’s infused with the energy of spiritual growth, and it really does do a spectacular job clearing out any negative energy that might be hanging about. Overall, it’s a major long-term plucky up stone and is really good at “stabilizing” emotions, especially for those who might be going through some rough patches.
Amethyst: Fostering Peacefulness
You can’t miss Amethyst when you see it. The rich purple and violet colors of this quartz make it very noticeable. It isn’t hard to see why this crystal has long been associated with the highest energy point in humans, which is also our connection to the universe on a spiritual level (hello, crown chakra!). But even if my last line made you roll your eyes, it doesn’t take much to see why Amethyst is a crystal of not only calmness but also one of deep contemplation and decision making. What also makes Amethyst a great starter stone is the fact that it also promotes sleep. Indeed, if you are a fan of some old-school crystal healing that conjures up images of placing rocks on or around the body, you should definitely place an Amethyst (or a few) around your head region when trying to sleep. On physical terms, Amethyst also works to boost immune systems and alleviate headaches and migraines.
Rose Quartz: The Crystal of Love
Young or old, single or taken, we all ought to have a Rose Quartz held close to our crust or somewhere in our boudoirs. It’s the crystal that makes the heart shape make sense. Is it pink? Yes. Is it also pretty? Yes indeed. But those two factors don’t exhaust the why’s of the Rose Quartz’s being the heart crystal. The reason this crystal goes ham in the self-acceptance and self-love department is because it is a freaking heart chakra healer in the best way possible. Old relationship wounds? What wounds? Walls that don’t serve you? Just stop it. Do you know what “like” or “love” even means? Or is your conceptualization of “love” and what it means to you too cloudy, muddy, or past-relationship-wrong to get to the uncomplicated, Pink Frosted cake that is the Rose Quartz?
Lapis Lazuli: Cleansing the Throat Chakra
The wise Lapis Lazuli is part of the more mystical crystal set but is still excellent for beginners. If you want to get in touch with your intuition and perhaps even develop some hidden psychic abilities, this is a good starter stone for you. Lapis Lazuli’s deep blue color has long made it a favorite among pharaohs and goddesses, and its serenity has an effect on sitting comfortably in one’s own thoughts at the same time as promoting self-expression. Lapis Lazuli has the longest history of use as a throat chakra stone. That means using it when trying to communicate is a good idea because it helps one speak one’s truth.
Carnelian: The Root Chakra Stone
Carnelian is soaked in sunset colors. One look stirs up all the energy in your body. A member of the Chalcedony family, carnelian is a stone of beginnings, a most stimulating stone to have at the start of anything—be it a project, a path, or a day. Its colors (and even its name) make you think of fire, but fire in the sense of energy and passion, not in the sense of danger. Indeed, carnelian is a stone of vitality, and my experience is that it’s best used in a Way. You have to turn to it in order to feel its energy crackling, in the same way that kindling has to be coaxed until the fire grows strong and makes the Room warm. Indeed, that usability is part of the energy that carnelian brings: The crackle of the clear mind and the fizz of physical energy are its two notes.
Hematite: A Stone for Strength and Courage
Hematite, a hard crystal available in shades of silver and black, is known for providing strength and courage. Long ago, in ancient Greece, people were obsessed with this iron-rich stone. For them, it was a revered and protective crystal, powerful enough to heal and safeguard anyone from the battlefield to the birthing bed. We know now that Hematite has no special protective powers, but it does provide mental and physical strength. It is a “rooting” stone that helps us face fears big and small and overcome them with the kind of bravery that almost always seems necessary for anything worthwhile. Whether you are trying to find the courage to cut out toxic people, to overcome an addiction, or to shout your secret in a voice that carries, Hematite can help you find your way to that hard-won moment of bravery.
Moonstone: Embracing Change
If you are trying to infuse your collection with the presence of a highly feminine crystal, then the Moonstone’s pale and pearly luminescence is a must. It is a stone of inward vision, helping the beholder to see (and be) what they truly are. The glimmer of hope and wellbeing found in the Moonstone’s magic is a powerful presence for anyone who identifies as a woman. In a physical sense, the Moonstone is also a great stone for those seeking to get in better touch with their bodily wisdom and to find an easier, more natural path to their own “flow.” Whether through the practicing of yoga, meditation, or just the act of being mindful of one’s own body, the Moonstone facilitates its user finding the light (and flow) within.
Black Obsidian: The Grounding Truth-Seeker
Black Obsidian is a deep and dreamy protector of the realm. Whether you need a little safeguard from picking up everyone else’s emotions (if you’re an empath) or want a way to stay clear of negative energy and toxic emotions, this is the stone for you. Not only does it keep you safe, but it connects you with your root chakra—a combo that helps you build those essential near-sighted protect-yer-self skills.
Obsidian is also a stone that seeks the truth. It works alongside you to help you discover your authentic self and your unique pathway. It will help you peel through the layers of your life to get down to what is truly meaningful.
Selenite
Selenite is a highly spiritual stone that provides clarity and vision. A saintly gem that sparkles in angelic tones, selenite has all the qualities of silk and goddess energy. This stone is known by a handful of other names, such as Satin Spar and Desert Rose. Selenite is known for its glowing clarity and vision; it radiates peace and offers protection for energetic fields and space. It makes a great stone for conducting energy and also serves as a reminder that we can create our own sacred space in body, mind, and soul.
It helps a lot. I don’t know why, but it does. When I feel the heat of my troubles, or the weight of my concerns, or the bondage of my mental prisons, I hold this glowing white stick and let it do its work. I feel it directly in my nervous system, and what it usually brings is a kind of electric calm. It nudges away the anxiety and encourages a healthy kind of insight.
Pyrite
Defends against electromagnetic fields. Sparks self-assuredness. The name of this mineral comes from the Greek word for fire. Although nearly identical in appearance to gold, the mineral pyrite is all energy and no bucks. It is fantastic at deflecting bad vibes and keeping the effects of EMF at bay. Not only does pyrite sound like a good choice for an EMF necklace, it is also a solid ally for people hoping to shore up their emotional or physical stamina and confidence.
People who aspire to be leaders have a great affection for pyrite. This beautiful stone is all about the light. It is associated with bringing back the light of lost dreams and reigniting the creative energy of the solar plexus and sacral chakras. What else is there to like about pyrite?
Black Tourmaline
Forms an impermeable wall against detrimental energy. Ensures stability and equilibrium within the triad of body, mind, and spirit. Another in the long line of “warrior” stones to be called upon when protection from EMF (electromagnetic field) radiation is necessary, Black Tourmaline is by far the most powerful and potent walloping stone known to humankind. On the raw and raucous side of the protective stone spectrum, having a Black Tourmaline in one’s collection is like donning a protective cape. No nasty energy is getting past this nasty, no-nonsense stone (its matrix in no way suggests it’s “nice”).
This stone can get you grounded in seconds, and when our root is tethered to the floor, we no longer need to concern ourselves with external forces that might otherwise unsettle our foundations. This in itself seems a huge empowerment boost and grounds us in body, mind, and spirit.
Citrine
Bestows fortune and success. It is a merchant’s stone, a harbinger of luck and riches. More than that, it is the most brilliant of crystals. Energetically, it is the sun in a stone, bringing light and life. Everyone needs a little sunlight, and Citrine can deliver that to even the dimmest of days. Citrine wants you to be a winner; it gives you the kind of energy that makes you feel as if you could do anything and with this stone’s innate prosperity energy, it makes you feel as if you have won something already, set up and ready to go.
To begin with, its vibrant energy suffuses you with a sense of excellence, which then instills the confidence to pursue your most outlandish dreams. If you struggle with the consistent drain of chronic fatigue or some other energizing ailment, this is a good stone to keep on hand. Citrine is a natural pick-me-up, a life-giver, and a light-bringer. It is suffused with optimism and assurance. Find out its secrets in the following paragraphs.
Using gemstones
Invite them in. Welcome them to your home. The next step is to know how to use them to get the most from their energy. After all, you now have your fantastic set of starter crystals. One of the best ways to use your crystals is to look for gemstone jewelry and have crystals placed directly on your skin. If you have no desire to drape yourself in BeDazzled ensembles, you might consider using worry stones, which are smooth, typically oval pebbles held in one hand that you’re supposed to rub with your thumb while you’re contemplating the future or past. Williams suggests using worry stones when meditating. Of course, BeDazzled ensembles are not the only way you can employ crystals as tools in polite meditation.
How to keep your crystals clean and full of energy
It’s important to keep your crystals active and vibrant. To do that, they need to stay clean and have their energy recharged regularly. Think of it like this: your crystals are a direct conduit between you and the indeed infinite field of conscious energy that conditions the very fabric of this reality. If they are in a state of disrepair, or worse, a state of negative energy, then they are not doing their job when you really need them! In a way, they are a part of your team—a spiritual part of your team, if you will.
Crystals can change your life, the author declares. They resonate with “self-care,” help us to remember that we are all on a journey to make ourselves whole and well, and prompt us to consider why we may have “stumbling blocks.” The author also sees them as not only beautiful but calming, and says they are a perfect “gateway” to what the book is really about—”building yourself up and working to align your body, mind, and soul.”
Please let us know in the comments which crystals you favor as starter stones and which one you would choose first.
For novices, one of the simplest and best ways to use crystals is to wear them.
When you wear a crystal, you’re technically using it in the most direct and powerful way possible. Always remember to cleanse, charge, and set your intention with the crystal first, as mentioned before. You can also carry a worry stone.
For those just starting out, how do you meditate with crystals?
As you settle into your practice, welcome your healing crystal into the space with you. You can either hold it in your hand or place it on a chakra that you feel may be blocked. In doing so, you will shift energy and encourage healing to occur.
To use a crystal ball for divination, beginners should select a ball made of Clear Quartz or Smoky Quartz.
As these varieties are more accessible to read. Cleanse the ball and establish a positive presence for it. Use this space to set your intention with candles and by smudging the ball with sage. Find a comfortable position and hold the ball in both hands. This is the “connect” stage. You should take deep, intentional breaths while you and the ball are both in the receivership mode. You need to allow your mind to enter a space that is free of “normal” thoughts. Do not try to force any images. Instead, be a good receiver.
Programming crystals for beginners starts with the simplest of principles: cleanse your crystals.
Make sure they’re clean. If you’re using a natural crystal, it may be coated with a layer of “crusty stuff” that dulls its beauty and its energy; it may not even be a shiny crystal at all until you clean it. After that, there’s not much to this business of programming crystals: hold the clean, energetic stone in your hand, and speak your intentions to it, either directly or in the form of a mantra, that lets it know what you want it to do for you.
Which chakra crystals should a beginner acquire?
One of the best is the Clear Quartz stone. It is known as the master healer and works across all energy points in tandem with the crystals for the different chakras. It will just about always clear out any stagnant energy and blocks when it is the stone placed for the chakra. Note that Clear Quartz is also an amplifier. When any other stone is used with Clear Quartz, the good effect of that other stone is increased, along with the balance of the energy in the chakra.
Which size crystal is best for someone just starting?
While larger crystals may be more potent, slightly smaller stones are a great place to begin for someone new to crystal work. A beginner might also find it beneficial to use a crystal in the form of gemstone jewelry, in which one can wear the stone close to the body for a more direct effect. One might also consider tumbled stone sets or worry stones as entry-level options.
For novices, the Amethyst crystal is easy to employ and is most effective when worn as jewelry.
Adorning oneself with Amethyst in the form of a ring, bracelet, or necklace allows the wearer to benefit from the gem’s potent vibrational energy. In addition to being a beautiful adornment, the Amethyst imparts a sense of calm and clarity to its wearer. When you take the Amethyst crystal in your hands, you can feel the tension fade away. When distressing thoughts invade the mind, simply holding an Amethyst stone can bring about a steady and gentle feeling, making this crystal a go-to for anxiety and worry.
For those just starting out with crystals, there are many ways that you can incorporate them into your life.
Wearing your favorite crystals as gemstone jewelry is an excellent way for them to work because they are close to your skin. Crystals can help bring emotional balance and work wonders with your chakras. You can also use crystals to meditate with, and you are very welcome to have them in your home, either as a centerpiece in the form of a tower or in a more practical sense, as a stone in your pocket, to bring healing energy into your space.
For those just starting out, how to charge crystals?
If you want your crystals to operate at full power, you must keep them “charged.” You can do this as often as you feel is necessary or after an intense energy session. One of the easiest and most lunar-goddess methods is to hold your unlit (that’s right: unlit) cigarette lighter above your crystal for 2-3 seconds while whispering, “You’re charged, baby. You’re charged, baby. You’re charged, baby.”
What are the ways to clean crystals for beginners?
An important aspect of having a crystal is to keep it clean. There are various methods of cleaning crystals, but they do not all work for every type of stone. Some stones are too soft to withstand the process of elimination with water, so those stones can be smudged along with the person who owns them. It is possible to use a variety of methods to clean crystals, but they do not all work for every type of stone. Two methods that are pretty safe for any type of stone are using Clear Quartz and using Selenite.
For beginner wire wrappers, the first step in wrapping a crystal is to cut two lengths of wire that are about the same length.
Then, take both wires and hold them together, as if you are going to use them as one. From there, you will need to twist the two wires together and make around three twists. At this point, make a “V” shape at the bottom. The “V” is important because it allows you to hold the stone in place just long enough for you to bend the wires around the crystal and secure it. From there, you will take the top half of the “V” (which is one of the two wires, of course) and start to wrap it around the top of the stone and down the side.
Which crystals should a beginner purchase?
Some optimal choices are Clear Quartz, Amethyst, Rose Quartz, Lapis Lazuli, Carnelian, Hematite, Moonstone, Black Obsidian, Selenite, Pyrite, Black Tourmaline, and Citrine. All of these are good stones to start with, as they have loving, positive energy, protective vibes, and can help to bring one’s body, mind, and soul into kind of a harmony and balance.
