The Essential Guide to Healing Crystals

You may be wondering, how do we use crystals in modern times? People typically associate healing crystals with the New Age movement. This consists of spiritual practices that derive from metaphysical beliefs and the occult.

The New Age movement usually falls hand in hand with things like astrology, meditation, yoga, spiritual energy, spells, and beliefs like reincarnation.

One popular way that people use healing crystals in modern times is to align the seven chakras. To do so, individuals will place a crystal on each chakra and partake in a meditation practice.

Some people may also place their crystals around them while meditating to reap their benefits.

People will also make something called a crystal grid. This involves setting up your crystals in a specific design and then setting an intention or manifestation you wish to obtain.

Many people believe that crystal grids amplify the crystal's energy which increases their power to bring forth their manifestation.

There's no right or wrong way to use crystals. Some may choose to carry their crystals around for protection, wear them as jewelry, or use them in their beauty products. Others may choose to bathe with them for purification.

People also use crystals for spells and other types of rituals.

Amethyst is a stunning violet-coloured crystal that comes from quartz. This crystal was held in high regard by the Ancient Romans who believed amethyst had the power to prevent alcohol intoxication.

Amethyst works for anxiety and stress by calming the mind. It is also known to work for insomnia and enhance your intuition. Some also believe that amethyst does indeed aid in sobriety as well. People associate amethyst with the crown chakra and it's also the birthstone for February.

Citrine is another popular quartz crystal that is either yellow or orange. Citrine was also used amongst the Ancient Romans. They believed that Citrine could ward off evil or negative thoughts and bring forth an abundance of wealth.

Today, many people believe that citrine is great for optimism, energy, creativity, and motivation. Citrine is associated with the root chakra and is the birthstone for November.

Rose quartz is by far one of the most popular crystals. This crystal is a beautiful shade of pink and is associated with love.

Rose quartz was formed by the Assyrians between 800 to 600 BC. It was also commonly used by the Ancient Romans and Ancient Egyptians.

The Romans associated rose quartz with ownership. The Egyptians believed that rose quartz could help maintain a youthful appearance.

Many people nowadays use rose quartz for love, healing, and compassion. It is also said to help those going through heartbreak or grief.

Tourmaline comes in a variety of gorgeous colours but is often black. A unique thing about this crystal is that it has three-sided prisms.

Tourmaline was found between the late 1600s to early 1700s by Dutch traders in Italy. Back in these days, many people considered tourmaline to be emeralds.

Tourmaline works for compassion, anxiety, self-esteem, and healing. Each colour is associated with a different chakra and it is the birthstone for October.

Clear quartz is a gorgeous, white transparent quartz crystal. Many people consider clear quartz to be one of the most powerful quartz crystals.

Clear quartz was originally mistaken for ice by the Ancient Greeks, coining the term "krustallos". Many Egyptians also used clear quartz for jewelry and other decorative means.

Clear quartz is known to raise energy and balance your entire soul. It also is said to aid in psychic abilities, memory, and strengthen your immune system.

Clear quartz is associated with all seven chakras. It's also the birthstone for April.

Selenite is a crystal that is part of the gypsy mineral and tends to be clear or white. The Ancient Mesopotamians used the crystal to get rid of evil spirits.

Selenite was also named after the Greek goddess of the moon, Selene. This is due to the transparency of the crystal. Selenite works to calm the mind and promote tranquility. It can also bring forth positivity and raise consciousness.

Selenite is associated with the crown and third eye chakra. It is not considered a birthstone but is commonly associated with the zodiac sign Cancer.

Obsidian is a black crystal that forms from felsic lava. The rock was found in Mesopotamia around 9,000 years ago. Throughout history, it was traded by Mayan merchants.

Obsidian was also used as tools by the Native Americans and other ancient cultural groups. Obsidian works to ward off negative energy and anxiety. It is also commonly associated with the root chakra. Obsidian is not a birthstone but is associated with the zodiac sign Sagittarius.

Carnelian crystals are beautiful hexagonal crystals that are reddish-brown. This crystal is considered to be a type of quartz and was found around 4,500 years ago.

At this time, many ancient cultures used carnelians as jewelry. Ancient Egyptians also used carnelians to protect against the Evil Eye.

Carnelian works great for energy and creativity. It also promotes positivity, motivation, and fertility. Carnelian is associated with the sacral chakra and serves as the birthstone for August.

Agate is a crystal that's part of the chalcedony and quartz family. This crystal comes in many different colours.

This crystal was discovered by Theophrastus in either the 3rd or 4th century BC. Theophrastus was a Greek philosopher and named Agate after a river in Sicily called Achates.

Agate works to improve concentration and heal your overall mental wellbeing. It is often associated with the root chakra. Historically, Agate was also the birthstone for May.

Lapis lazuli is a stunning celestial blue crystal. It is considered the oldest commercial gemstone. Lapis lazuli was found in Afghanistan during the 7th century BC. From there, the crystal was exported around the world.

Historically, lapis lazuli was used for jewelry and sculptures. Today, lapis lazuli works for the immune system, inflammation, and enlightenment. It is also known to help those who struggle with insomnia.

People associate lapis lazuli with the third eye chakra and the throat chakra. It is also the original birthstone for December.

One way that people cleanse their crystals is by smudging them with sage. After lighting the sage, you will wave the smoke around the crystal for 30 to 60 seconds.

This is safe to do for any crystal.

Salt water can also be used to cleanse crystals. This can be done by using ocean water or by simply mixing salt and water at home. It's important to let your crystals soak in this water for up to 48 hours. Only use salt water for hard crystals such as quartz. Do not use salt water for any soft crystal like Malachite.

Many people will clean and charge their crystals in the moonlight and sunlight. This is recommended for 10 to 12 hours. Keep in mind that too much sunlight can be damaging for the crystal.

Use this method for tumbled crystals. Do not use this method for bright or soft crystals like celestite.

Sound is a way to raise the vibration of crystals. Many people will use sound healing through singing bowls or tuning forks. This is recommended for 5 to 10 minutes and can be used for any type of crystal.

It's always important to properly store your crystals. Many people will choose to keep them in pouches or boxes. Some will choose to keep them on a shrine or displayed around their house.

It's important to not keep crystals near windows as too much exposure to sunlight can be damaging.

You will first want to set your intention for your crystal. Perhaps you have a specific manifestation you wish to bring forth. You will want to assign that manifestation to your crystal and manifest that desire whenever you use it.

There are many ways to make physical contact with your crystal. A common way is to align the crystals on their associated chakras and meditate.

Carrying a crystal around with your or simply having it in your vicinity can also create physical contact. Many people feel warmth or even a slight vibration when making physical contact with their crystals.

If you wish to wear your crystals as jewelry, you can find many different options at mystical stores. This includes crystal necklaces, rings, bracelets, or earrings.

Some people choose to keep crystals inside a crystal-infused water bottle. This makes for a beautiful display. Quartz crystals are most often used in water bottles, especially rose quartz.

Bored of your regular old coasters? Then, consider a coaster made of crystals. These can be a bit expensive but are high quality and last for a long time.

Crystals and candles often go hand in hand. So, why not have a crystal candle holder? There are a variety of different candle holders made of crystals. Himalayan salt candle holders are one popular example.

Crystal sinks and bathtubs are also an option for those wishing to incorporate crystals into their home. This makes for a luxurious look.

However, crystal sinks and bathtubs are incredibly expensive.