A Beginner’s Guide to Healing Crystals

From the time when it was still acceptable for a mini hippie to be running around barefoot and pant-less, I’ve been attracted to crystals. From the geodes you could smack with a hammer to reveal chunks of earth that sparkled in sunlight, to my mother’s agate bookends that I may have dropped a few too many times because they were too heavy for little hands, I always felt that crystals were magic. Some people might equate my love of crystals to a magpie’s attraction to shiny objects, but looking back I believe that I was (and still am) attracted to the vibrations of the crystals themselves.

As humans we are constantly moving- shifting, stressing, eating, laughing, loving, even our very smallest cells vibrate constantly as they reproduce. So often we don’t pay attention to those vibrations, or acknowledge the very energy that keeps us alive and connects us to the world. Even the smallest shifts in energy can make us feel a bit off, or on the flip side, ready to conquer
the world, and that makes us human. So, how exactly do you go about paying attention to those little things, the shifts that so often we can ignore? One my favorite tools, along with meditation, is a collection of crystals. Who’d have thought that something so small and so beautiful could facilitate such introspection?

There are so many different crystals and so many different gemstones and each has its own specific properties. So, if you’re new to the practice of healing through crystals, starting out can be daunting! This a little ‘intro to crystals 101’ if you may, some tips on choosing and caring for your stones, and the five crystals that every crystal lover should have in their arsenal!

The Basics:

 

What Makes Crystals Special?

Each different type of stone vibrates at set frequency- this is why watch makers can literally tell time by regulating their clocks with quartz crystals! In crystal healing, we use different stones and their corresponding vibrations to open and access different parts of the body, mind, and spirit. Over millennia of use, communities of intuitives have discovered which stones work best for what.

Where to Buy Crystals

The great thing about the metaphysical getting more mainstream is that where it used to be difficult to purchase a stone, now they are available all over! Metaphysical stores (type ‘where to buy crystals near me’ into Google!) will stock a variety of stones (there are even some shops that only sell crystals!) but they are also widely available online as well! Check out Etsy for some amazing options.

How to Choose a Crystal

Choosing a crystal is all about feeling. At first you may just feel that for some reason you like one stone over another- listen to that! As you become more aware of yourself and what you feel certain stones will call to you. Can’t decide? Choose two stones that jump out at you, and walk around the store with them in your hands, as you shift your focus to other things, place one stone back. The one you’re still holding without thinking is yours!

Raw Versus Tumbled Crystals

You’ll notice that crystals have many different forms. You can find raw (meaning that the crystal has been left in the state in which it was discovered) and tumbled (smoothed) crystals. Both retain the same properties but each has a different feel. Generally speaking I gravitate toward raw crystals because I like the roughness in my hands, but tumbled crystals are oftentimes much more portable and can be held easier!

Five Fundamental Crystals

 

Quartz

There are SO many different variations of quartz, but the image of a clear quartz point is fairly synonymous with the idea of ‘crystal’ in many people’s minds. As basic as quartz might look, it is anything but. It is a powerful healer with a incredibly high vibration. It is known as an energy amplifier- it helps everything around it to seem clearer, helping with concentration and memory, and reducing distraction. This is perfect to have present in your workspace!

Rose Quartz

A variation of the traditional clear quartz, the pink rose quartz is the stone of love, both of others and yourself! Rose quartz is used to attract love and relationships towards you, and also gently removes bad or negative energy and replaces it in your life with the positivity that love can bring. It is wonderful for healing emotional distress, especially heartache. Rose quartz is often placed on the heart chakra, making it a wonderful stone for a necklace!

Hematite

Hematite, a black/reddish stone with a silver sheen, is known for its incredible grounding properties. The prefix hema- comes from the ancient Greek word for blood and the iron within. When you have those days when you feel like your head is in the clouds, hematite can ground you, allowing you to connect with yourself and the earth. It can settle your energy and anxiety- I often travel with a piece of hematite in my pocket.

Amethyst

Varying in shades from light lavender to deep purple and another type of quartz crystal, Amethyst is a very common crystal with an incredibly powerful energy. It is a stone of psychic protection with a strong connection to the spiritual side of each of us, thus why it is used for emotional and spiritual healing. It’s name in ancient Greek meant non-drunk (sober), and Greeks would make drinking cups out of the stone in thoughts that it would help prevent inebriation! In a more conventional use, it can steady the mind and energy and keep bad thoughts away, and is especially great for those dealing with addiction. Amethyst is my favorite crystal!

Fluorite

Fluorite is a stone of many colors- it ranges from clear to green, blue, brown, purple, and yellow. I’m most drawn to the green shade! Fluorite is a stone of protection, and can also be used to cleanse and stabilize energy. Green fluorite in particular is known for its abilities to cleanse the mind, brining negative thoughts out of the subconscious and processing them!

Caring for Crystals

Now that you have chosen a few of your favorites, caring for crystals is simple! Just like us, crystals need to be cleansed and recharged. Now this can depend on the crystal, but the vast majority can be cleaned/cleaned and recharged by using a salt bath. Crystals with a smooth surface can be dunked in a salt water solution, and all crystals can be submerged in a container of sea or rock salt overnight. Also many crystals can be recharged by the moon, especially the full moon- just leave them in the moonlight overnight!

Want More?

Hooked on crystals and want to know more? These two books from author Judy Hall have everything you need to know about them! From pictures and stats to uses and aligning the chakras, these two books are incredible resources for both the beginner and the seasoned crystal enthusiast! I was sent Earth Blessings years ago by Hall’s publisher and was immediately hooked. I went out and purchased the Crystal Bible and adore it, its the perfect little reference book! (Not sponsored, I just LOVE them!)

Crystals can be integrated into so many things from home decor (like those bookends I mentioned earlier) to jewelry, and are amazing all on their own! These little gems (look at me being pun-ny) cam bring up the vibration of yourself and your space. Do you own and use crystals? Which are your favorites? Let me know in the comments below, and as always if you have any questions let me know!

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