We love crystals. We hate crystals. We have opinions about crystals. But wtf are they, really? If you have questions about crystals, here’s a quick crash course in what they’re all about and how to use them.

In the wellness world, crystals are notorious – they line shelves in curated boutiques, fill IG feeds, adorn manicured nails. We love crystals. We hate crystals. We have opinions about crystals. But wtf are they, really? What, and who, are they actually for? If you have questions about crystals, here’s a quick crash course in what they’re all about and how to use them.

What Are Crystals?

What we call crystals in the alternative wellness sphere are basically stones / gems / rocks, from the earth, that are used for healing the mind, bod, and spirit. Different crystals carry a distinct property, appearance, and energy. They’re used in meditation and in day-to-day practices like yoga, sleeping, bathing, and working, to help you break through blocks and facilitate energy flow.

The way they work can be traced right back to the law of physics. According to Energy Muse, ‘on a cellular level, our bodies and (crystals) are both made up of mineral silicon-dioxide. Because of this, we are naturally receptive to the vibrations of crystals as they transmit, reflect and receive energy. When crystals are placed on your body, they have a vibratory effect that surges from the crystal to you. According to the law of physics, thoughts direct energy and energy follows thought… crystals serve as a tool to help the thoughts of our consciousness connect with our body.

Best Crystals For Beginners

It’s said that we tend to be subconsciously drawn to the crystal we most need in our life – each vibration speaks to us in a different way. So, the best way to select a crystal is to just go to a store and see which your intuition guides you to. Generally, here are 3 crystals that are beginner friendly and easy to cultivate a ‘relationship’ with.

Rose Quartz: This pink stone supports self love and the opening of the heart chakra. It’s comforting and helps you feel supported in yourself.  

Citrine: Ideal for creative people of all kinds, citrine moves negative energy out, rather than absorbs it, so you can use it for creating space for happiness and welcoming positive opportunities into your life.

Amethyst: This purple and white beauty helps clear away stress and enhance your intuition. Use it for clear thinking and direction.

Hematite: If you tend to get stuck in your head or struggle with anxiety, hematite can be a helpful grounding aid. It helps protect and focus your energy, and keep you chill.

How to Use Crystals

Just like your intuition will likely tell you which crystal you need, how you feel drawn to incorporate it into your life will let you know what to do with it. Truth is, people use crystals in a bunch of different ways, depending on their needs and lifestyles. Advanced users can create crystal grids to set intentions, or do body layouts for healing the chakras. Beginners might want to just stick one in their bra before a meeting, or something. No one way is better than the other – it’s a totally personal relationship, so it’s whatever is best for you. Here are some common ways to use crystals:

Meditation: Holding your crystal in your hand, close your eyes and concentrate on your breath and the weight in your hand. If you want, recite a mantra in your head that corresponds to the intention you set for the crystal. As you breathe in and out, allow the crystal to transmit its energy to you.

If you want to work with a specific chakra, try a body layout. Lay down and place a crystal that corresponds with a chakra onto that area (take a look at a chakra map to see which colours are associated with each chakra – most likely, crystals of that colour will work to heal that chakra).

Energy clearing: Keep a crystal by your laptop or another electronic to keep the energy clear and you protected. Himalayan salt lamps are great for this. 

Protection: Carry the crystal you want to work with in your bag, your bra, your back pocket, your bun. Having close physical contact with the crystal will be a constant reminder of your intention and help you direct your energy back to what matters.

Cleanse and Charge Your Crystals

Cleanse your crystals periodically or their energy won’t be as strong. If you’re a fan of sage or palo santo, give them a once over with some cleansing smoke. Or, you can lay them out in direct sunlight or moonlight for 4 hours or overnight for clearing.

Now go forth and let that energy flow!

Categories: WELLNESS