Imagine there was a way you could shift your energy on a bad day. Imagine you could alter your state of mind, ward off negative thinking, or manifest your desires more easily. Crystals are said to help you do exactly that.
For millennia, people have been working with these mystical little stones, harnessing their energy to attract health, wealth, love, and abundance, and recently they have enjoyed a resurgence.
Trouble is, you might not understand what crystals can do and how to use them, let alone how to select one that’s right for you. The good news? Crystal work is actually a really simple tool to master.
Let us demystify this ancient practice…
What actually are crystals?
Crystals are precious gemstones that are formed in the earth over thousands of years. The most natural structures in the world, people believe these mineral compounds harness potent energies that can influence us and the environment around us.
Crystals are said to emit vibrational pitches that interact with our body’s energy field, altering our state of mind and improving our overall well-being.
They can be used for everything from healing and manifesting to shifting subconscious beliefs and warding off negative energies.
There are hundreds – if not thousands – of different kinds of crystals and each one is different in appearance.
The science behind crystals
What about the science? Are crystals actually proven to work? Well, it’s complicated.
Traditionally, scientists are reluctant to conduct studies on alternative therapies or any practice that could be considered mystical or ‘woo woo’, perhaps because they worry it will damage their reputations. That means, research supporting the benefits of crystals is fairly limited.
One very small study published in 2018 examined the use of crystals during reiki treatments. Researchers found that when the healer held a quartz crystal during the session, the body’s electromagnetic field was more coherent compared with when they didn’t use a crystal.
Quartz crystals are also used a lot in modern technology. For example, they are often used in clocks and watches and ultra pure natural quartz particles are also used to produce silicon chips that are used in smartphones and computers.
Some researchers have linked crystals with a placebo effect too and say their benefits lie in the power of suggestion.
While there may not be a tonne of scientific research to support the use of crystals, that doesn’t mean you should write them off. Consider this: hundreds of thousands of people around the globe from all different cultures and walks of life have been using crystals to great effect for centuries.
The only way to truly understand their power is to try crystals for yourself.
How to choose a crystal
If you’re brand new to crystals, you’re probably eager to get started. But hold up: not all crystals are created equal and choosing one (or many) that fit your lifestyle is an important first step.
Some people say you should choose crystals intuitively. In other words, you should pick stones that you feel drawn to.
Another way is to consider your goals. What purpose do you want your crystals to serve? Perhaps you’re looking for a stone that will attract financial abundance, one that will help you have better health or a gem that can protect your home from unwanted energies.
Got an idea of what kind of crystal you’re looking for? Great! We’ve rounded up a few of the most popular…
Crystals for love
Rose Quartz is known as the ‘stone of love’. Pink in colour, it’s said to encourage love and trust, as well as helping you establish a more loving relationship with yourself.
Ruby is believed to enhance sensuality and sexuality.
Garnet is said to ignite passion. Its vibration is believed to get the blood flowing and pave the way for clear expression and open communication.
Crystals for good health
Clear quartz is considered to be a ‘master healer’. As well as supporting the body’s entire energetic system, it’s said to be a powerful amplifier, intensifying your energy as well as the energy of other crystals.
Bloodstone is believed to support blood-related issues and improve circulation.
Amethyst is a pretty purple stone that’s said to have a healing and purifying effect. It’s also believed to enhance willpower, which may help with any health-related goals you have.
Crystals for wealth
Pyrite is also known as ‘fool’s gold’. It’s believed to powerfully attract abundance into your life.
Selenite is said to be an excellent stone to add to your collection if you’re experiencing money problems. It’s also associated with luck and good fortune.
Citrine is a money stone that’s believed to attract abundance, change your money mindset, and help you achieve your intentions faster.
Now that you know what crystals you want to purchase, you might be wondering where to buy them. You’ll need to be wary of fakes, and there are also ethical considerations to bear in mind.
Many crystals are overmined so be sure to purchase ones that are ethically sourced. A reputable seller should be able to provide details on where they source their crystals upon request – and some may be able to provide a certificate of authenticity.
How to use your crystals
Place them around your home
Crystals aren’t just pretty to look at, but decorative pieces that could influence the energy in your home. It’s all about where you decide to place them.
For example, some people like to place a crystal with protective qualities at their front door, believing that the stone will prevent negative energy from coming inside.
You could also place Rose Quartz (the Stone Of Love, if you remember) in your bedroom, or place pyrite, a stone of wealth and abundance, in your home office.
Wear them
Bracelets. Necklaces. Rings. Crystal jewellery has become popular in the last few years and one of the easiest ways to carry the benefits of crystals with you is to wear them.
If you don’t fancy donning a necklace or other jewellery item, you could always carry your favourite crystal inside your pocket or wallet.
Meditate with them
Meditation is a practice that allows you to access higher states of consciousness, so it makes sense that while you’re in this heightened state, you’d want to tap into crystal energy.
The simplest way to do this is to simply hold a crystal in your hand while you meditate. If you’re meditating with a specific intention in mind – perhaps you’re searching for clarity or want to align with the energy of abundance – it’s a good idea to select your crystal according to that goal.
Other people like to place crystals along their bodies while they meditate, often aligning each stone with their chakras. Not your thing? Another way is to create a crystal circle. Simply place your crystals in a circle around your body, as the name suggests, before starting your usual meditation practice.
Caring for your crystals
Yep, that’s right: you need to look after your crystals, a little like you would a pet. But don’t worry, crystal care is pretty simple. In fact, it’s a two-part process of cleansing and charging.
Cleansing means removing any unwanted energies that your crystal may have picked up. To do this, you can smudge with sage, run it under cold water, or immerse it in sea salt.
It’s a good idea to clear out any unhelpful beliefs you might have about crystals too.
To charge your crystal, you can place it in direct sunlight, under moonlight, or bury it in the soil for around 14 hours.
This is said to renew and amplify the crystal’s energy. Ideally, you should aim to charge your crystals once a month if you use them regularly.
And that’s crystals: powerful healers that can amplify the power of your intention and bring peace, harmony and good vibes into your life.
Author - Victoria Stokes
Freelance Writer And Editor - View All Articles
Writer specialising in personal development, wellness, mental health, and women's lifestyle niches. Previously digital and deputy editor of Ireland's biggest women's title STELLAR Magazine and Senior Editor at Ireland's Wedding Journal.
