How to Embrace the Power of Crystals in 2023 – Shondaland.com

My journey with crystals began at the dawn of my Saturn return, the astrological rite of passage that’s notorious for dishing out drama, karmic lessons, and plot twists. It’s thought to be the universe’s way of shaping one into a responsible adult. I’d delved into the mystical realms intermittently throughout my formative years, and at 28 years old and freshly divorced, I was finding my way back.

Crystals provided the perfect playground from which I could explore my spirituality and my newfound independence, working with different minerals based on my mood and agenda as a way to set intentions each day. My most valued resource was The Crystal Bible by Judy Hall, which I used to curate lists any time I visited an occult shop. Since that time, I’ve become well versed in the art of working with crystals, going as far as to curate crystal empowerment pouches.

Unfortunately, dipping your toes into these healing waters can quickly feel overwhelming, especially when you’re standing in a store full of options with little information on where to start. The most important thing to keep in mind when searching for a crystal is what type of stone might best support you.

Sal Santoro, a practicing witch and owner of The Crooked Path in Burbank, California, is experienced in helping others select the mineral most suited to their needs. “Whenever a customer asks what crystals to choose,” he says, “I always ask if there’s a specific intention or action they want and make suggestions following planetary magick principles.”

For instance, if someone says “love,” Santoro recommends pink or green crystals, like rose quartz or unakite, as those are the colors associated with Venus, the planet that represents love, whether it’s romantic, platonic, or self-love. “Crystals related to prosperity would be blue crystals, like blue aventurine, which corresponds with Jupiter,” he says. “Fast money would be working with Venus again, and I would recommend malachite. Black crystals, like obsidian or tourmaline, are great for absorbing negative energies, while white crystals, like quartz or selenite, are good for protection.”

Though planetary affiliations are popular amongst many mystics, colors relating to the chakras can also inspire specific uses, especially during mediation or crystal healing sessions. Clear stones can help align with the divine; purple promotes intuition; blue amplifies your voice; green supports matters of the heart; yellow acts as a confidence booster; orange encourages creativity; and red can be used to ground yourself.

The philosophical ins and outs of working with crystals can be daunting for a beginner, making it important not to be overwhelmed attempting to understand this broad topic at once. Don’t be afraid to play with different theories or ask questions if you’re uncertain on which stone to choose, and consider doing a bit of research to decipher what crystal you’re most drawn to based on its attributes. Above all else, try to remember that there is no right or wrong way to use a stone as long as it feels natural and supportive.

Once you’ve started to accumulate pieces, you may want to explore different ways to work with your shiny new mineral collection, a road that can take you in many different directions. Personally, I prefer to carry crystals when I feel the need for some extra spiritual support. For instance, I bring black tourmaline when heading into crowded spaces in an effort to block out any negative vibes floating through the air. And rhodochrosite is my go-to if I’m trying to elevate my aura’s allure on a date, while sunstones help me feel cheerier on days when I’m struggling to access joy. The act of acknowledging where I’m at emotionally works wonders for navigating my heart and mind. It’s taught me to become more compassionate with myself.

“It’s important to keep in mind that crystals can help — as they are a tool — but they aren’t the solution,” says intuitive guide and energy worker Kesaine Walker. “Healing starts from within, and crystals can assist with that by helping you find yourself in time of need. They will give you support if you allow them to open your heart to the healing frequencies that they’re sending out.” Being receptive to healing and personal growth is perhaps the most vital element when embarking on this journey, even if you’re not totally convinced that this practice will be effective.

Though wearing crystal jewelry or throwing a few stones in your pocket acts as a good jumping-off point, they only scratch the surface of what these natural wonders can accomplish. For instance, placing a black tourmaline and selenite stone in each corner of your house can act as a source of protection because the stones work in tandem to repel negativity from the outside world while keeping the vibe nice and light inside.

Meditation can help you go further with minerals, and many crystal enthusiasts report an ability to feel and sense the healing vibrations being projected by these tools. I typically notice a warm, ethereal sensation when I bring crystals into my meditative practice, which often moves throughout my entire body.

“Like everything, crystals have a very strong energy signature,” Walker says. “You don’t have to believe in crystals for them to work. They’ll do their job anyway. However, if you want to receive help from crystal energy, you have to take the time to connect with it. Our thoughts and intentions play a huge role in being able to receive the benefit from using them.”

If you’re using crystals as a spiritual tool, it’s important to treat them with the respect a sacred item deserves. It’s widely accepted amongst the metaphysical community that crystals should be cleansed and charged in order to purge them of vibrational buildup while amplifying the energies they’re meant to project.

Before working with any new stones, I’ll typically smoke cleanse them with cedar, sage, or juniper, allowing the smoke from these plants to waft over the pieces. However, there are other options if you’re not interested in working with smoke. “I always recommend purchasing a selenite bed or wand for a quick and easy way to cleanse [and] recharge your crystals,” Walker says. “You can also hold crystals in your hand and mentally think cleanse or purify while visualizing a white light.” Allowing crystals to charge under the glow of a full moon is also common, which will regenerate energy much like a solar panel might bring light to your home.

As you delve further into the world of gems and minerals, be wary of myths and superstitions that perpetuate fear. There have been many times throughout my career when a client expressed concern over the loss of a stone or felt afraid that a crystal breaking was an omen of bad luck. Though it can certainly be distressing when a crystal falls and shatters, other than feeling sad that your tool is now in pieces, you shouldn’t worry about whether there’s a deeper meaning. Santoro agrees. “Don’t let negative thoughts take over,” he says, “as this is self-sabotage.”

To get you started on a journey, below is a list of crystals that correlate with specific purposes. You may notice some minerals are listed more than once because of the multifaceted nature of the stones. Now, go draft your shopping list, and enjoy exploring this supportive and enlightening practice.

• Calming and healing: blue calcite, fluorite, amethyst
• Creativity: citrine, orange calcite, carnelian
• Clarity and focus: clear quartz, golden beryl, sapphire
• Conversation and public speaking: sodalite, sapphire, lapis lazuli
• Energizing: gold pyrite, sunstone, Herkimer diamond
• Grounding: garnet, ruby, lava stone
• Intuition: kyanite, amethyst, celestite
• Love: rose quartz, rhodochrosite, aventurine
• Luck: kyanite, tiger’s eye, sunstone
• Money: tiger’s eye, moss agate, aventurine
• Protection: black tourmaline, selenite, malachite

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Renée Watt is a Pacific Northwest-based professional psychic, astrologer, and witch. Her mystical insights have been featured in Vogue, Cosmopolitan, and InStyle. She hosts the weekly podcast The Glitter Cast, which features celebrity ghost stories and interviews with leading professionals in her field.

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