Just like Aesop skincare products and turmeric lattes, the billion-dollar crystal industry relies heavily on convincing people of its power – but does it actually?

Crystals can be immensely effective when used with intention. They can serve as a way to get clear about what you wish to manifest in life or simply serve as beautiful decor pieces.

Choosing a Crystal

Finding a crystal that resonates with you requires intuition and feeling of connection. To choose an effective crystal for yourself, first decide your goal – such as relieving anxiety or improving sleep or strengthening spiritual practice. By knowing this intention you will narrow down which types of crystals may best serve your needs.

Crystal healing books can also be useful when searching for crystals with specific properties and benefits that could benefit you, yet it is wise not to choose your crystal based solely on what it says as descriptions may contain errors and bias.

When browsing crystals online or in store, use your intuition to select one that catches your eye and feels pleasant when touched. Whenever possible, let the retailer walk you through each crystal so they can use their expertise and intuition to identify one that suits your needs best.

Purchasing a Crystal

Crystals can serve as healing aides and are often sold alongside mindfulness practices such as meditation. “Adding crystals to my clients’ meditation practices really helps them relax and focus,” according to Janet O’Shea, a New York City-based social worker who combines traditional psychotherapy with soul healing methods like crystal therapy.

Crystals may promote feelings of calm and reduce anxiety or stress levels; she advises speaking to your physician before adding crystals into your wellness regime.

To keep your crystals charged, place them in direct sunlight either on a windowsill or outdoor bowl. The sun provides masculine energy that helps purge away negative chi. Alternatively, placing crystals in saltwater baths will also help clear and charge them properly – just make sure they come indoors when the weather turns bad!

Taking Care of a Crystal

Caretaking of crystals is an integral component of their use. Proper storage helps preserve their energy, prevent damage, and preserve their aesthetic appeal.

Cleansing crystals regularly is vital in order to ensure they emit positive vibrations, and can be done through various means, such as leaving them outside in direct sunlight or under full moon, smudging with sweetgrass, white sage or palo santo, spraying water (rainwater, seawater or Moon water), or visualizing angels and guides cleansing it for you.

Some people believe in programming their crystals – an exercise which involves assigning them an intention or task related to spiritual work. For example, amethyst can help manage anxiety as its properties include tranquillity and balance. Programming crystals doesn’t have to be complex – rather, it can make your experience with them more meaningful and help achieve results faster than otherwise possible.

Using a Crystal

Crystals can add immense value and meaning to your life when you understand their potential. Unlike regular stones, crystals are believed to possess powerful energy-healing properties which may positively impact physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing of their users.

Once you find a crystal that speaks to you, it’s essential to cleanse and energize it before using. This allows you to form an intimate bond with it before working together to manifest your intentions: whether that means healing relationships, activating self-love or increasing wealth.

Some crystals are believed to be effective at shielding away negative energy, so if you need help clearing your space of toxic vibes, try placing a black tourmaline near your computer or under your pillow at night. However, crystals should never replace professional mental health treatment for anxiety or depression; rather they can help provide grounding support while supporting therapy sessions.