Crystal Healing - for personal development, spirituality & energy healing

It can be a very confusing thing to get into and stick with. Crystals have an abundance of uses, from supporting spiritual connections, manifesting, increasing focus, encouraging prosperity, diffusing anxiety, protecting the home and eliminating fear…just to name a few. What does what can make you feel like a deer in headlights. So let me break it down for you.

Here are the basics to using crystals. I will teach you what they are, how to use them and how to look after them in an easy to understand way…

I have also included some suggestions of what crystals to start with if you are new to the crystal world.

What is a crystal?

Crystals grow over time as more atoms are added to it. As the atoms combine, they create these wonderful structures, depending on their environmental influences such as pressure and temperature and it’s characterisitics. The longer they are left, the bigger they grow.

They grow all over the world, in mountains, around volcanic activity, underground then brought to the surface by water such as rivers, beaches and caves.

Due to their atomic structure, it is said that crystal can hold energy which them goes out into the environment it is in.

Different crystals and what they can be be used for;

  • Anxiety - Amethyst, Rose Quartz, Sodalite, Black Tourmaline

  • Sleep - Moonstone, Dalmation Jasper, Sodalite, Obsidian

  • Protection - Labradorite, Hematite, Smoky Quartz, Carnelian

  • Love - Rose Quartz, Rhodonite, Opal, Tigers Eye

  • Finance & Success - Citrine, Amazonite, Jade, Pyrite

  • Pain - Malachite, Amethyst, Amber, Selenite

  • Females - Moonstone, Red Jasper, Rose Quartz, Larimar, Labradorite

  • Creativity - Tigers Eye, Citrine, Green Aventurine, Blue Lace Agate

  • Positive Energy - Lapis Lazuli, Selenite, Citrine, Shungite

  • Psychic Intuition - Amethyst, Apatite, Lapis Lazuli, Labradorite

What do I do with them?

The possibilities are ENDLESS! But I will keep it simple.

Let’s start with choosing a crystal. Go for the crystals you are naturally drawn to. They are jumping out to you for a reason. Whilst most crystals are very beautiful and pleasing to look at, they hold energy and therefore heal or perform in some way. If you are drawn to a crystal, chances are you need it.

Once you have cleansed and charged your crystal (see ‘How do I look after them?), you need to set your intention. Get comfortable, close your eyes and hold it in your hands for a few minutes and get settled with it. Then either in your head or out loud, tell the crystal what it is you need from it to programme it. Using the present tense, here are some examples;

  • “I am protected from negative energy around me.” - Tourmaline

  • “I am confident and accept myself for who i am.” - Rose Quartz

  • “I am motivated to work to achieve my goals.” - Pyrite

  • “ I am ready to embrace a world of new opportunities that are heading my way!” - Clear Quartz

You can use them in an array of ways, such as placing them around your home, workplace or in your car. Wear them in earrings, necklaces and bracelets, which is a great way of having them with you all day. Place small pieces in your purse or pocket. Add them into your meditation practice by either holding them in your hand or laying down with them on you. Create crystal circles with them to set intentions for multiple crystals. Combine them with your favourite essential oils.

How do I look after them?

This isn’t as hard as it sounds, I promise. Think of your crystal like a phone. Your phone uses energy to work. When you have used your phone all day, it’s energy runs low, so you charge it.

Here are some options of how you can charge and cleanse your crystals at home to increase it’s energy and clean them of unwanted energy;

  • Place them on a selenite plate for 4 hours

  • Put them in direct sunlight or moonlight for 12 hours

  • Plant them in the earth outside overnight

  • Hold an incense or smudge under them for 20 seconds

  • Charge using a sound bowl for 20 minutes

Charge and cleanse your crystal when you first bring it home, if you feel it it hasn’t been charged for a while, if you have used it heavily or if you don’t feel the goodness coming from it anymore.

Be careful using water and salt water to cleanse your crystals as some crystals will dissolve or change in their appearance. They can be rinsed but due to their low level of hardness, being left in water for a long period of time will damage them.

Some crystals may also fade in sunlight, so ensure they aren’t displayed on your window sill as the light and heat will change their appearance.

As a general rule, without going into it too deeply, don’t put contrasting crystals together. Your energy centre will get very confused, for example you wouldn’t put together Clear Quartz (boosts energy) and Aventurine (calming). They do the opposite.

Straighten your crown, stand tall and make them wonder how you’re still smiling!

If you are new to crystals, below are some common crystals you can begin with, along with some hits and tips for getting the best out of them…

Rose Quartz

Birthstone: January

Chakra: Heart

Use: Use this pretty pink crystal for matters of the heart. Whether that be self-love and confidence, romantic, friendly or family relationships or emotional balancing, Rose Quartz emits calming, happy and peaceful vibrations. Wear is on a necklace close to your heart.

Amethyst

Birthstone: February

Chakra: Crown and Third Eye

Use: Use Amethyst to alleviate anxiety. Wear it as a necklace or place it in your living room to support good communication, confidence and calm. Amethyst is also a highly spiritual crystal, used for those during psychic and intuitive practices with it’s ability to open up the third eye chakra.

Clear Quartz

Birthstone: April

Chakra: Crown

Use: A staple crystal in any collection, this ‘Master Healer’ is known to clear any negativity in the mind and body, bringing you back into balance, heal what needs healing and encourage focus. Hold a piece in your palm when manifesting, meditation or breathing exercises.

Citrine

Birthstone: November

Chakra: Root, Sacral and Solar Plexus

Use: The ‘Merchant’s Stone’ attracts wealth and prosperity. Pop a small piece into your purse or place some on your desk at work to encourage the flow of creativity and success.