A Beginner’s Guide to Healing Crystals
Welcome to the world of crystals!
If you are reading this, then I’m going to assume that you are brand new to crystals and probably have a few questions?
Well, don’t worry because in our beginner’s guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know to get you started on your crystal journey, from choosing the right crystals to caring for them.
How Do Healing Crystals Work?
One of the first questions people ask when just getting started is how do healing crystals actually work?
Well, we have been using crystals for thousands of years and they are believed to interact with our own energy fields, also known as our subtle bodies or aura and each crystal is said to have its own specific vibration and properties that correspond to different aspects of our well-being, such as emotional, physical, or spiritual.
The belief is that when we place or hold a crystal near our bodies, its energy interacts with our own energy field and this interaction is thought to stimulate our body’s natural healing abilities along with promoting a sense of well-being.
Many people also use crystals for meditation, setting intentions or enhancing their spiritual practices, some crystals are also associated with different chakras or energy centers in the body, such as clear quartz, which is commonly associated with the crown chakra and is believed to be connected to spiritual awareness and higher consciousness.
The experience of working with healing crystals is highly personal and subjective, with people experiencing different things when using crystals, which is why I encourage you to approach it with an open mind and see how the crystals resonate with you personally and you may find comfort, inspiration or a renewed sense of well-being
For many, the practice of working with healing crystals can be a calming and enjoyable experience.
Choosing the Right Crystals
Choosing the right crystals is often an intuitive and very enjoyable experience and remember, there isn’t a right or wrong way to choose crystals.
To start with it can be helpful to explore the different types of crystals that are out there and their properties to see which ones resonate with you the most and it doesn’t matter whether you are looking for crystals for:
- Healing
- Manifestation
- Or to enhance your space
You want to trust your inner guidance and allow yourself to be open to the energies of the crystals and with time and practice, you will develop a deeper connection with these beautiful gifts from the earth.
Different Styles of Crystals
When you start looking for crystals to buy, you may notice that they come in a range of different shapes and forms.
Some of these are done in nature and others are fashioned by humans and below are some of the more popular styles of crystals that you can buy:
- Natural Crystals – these are the way to crystal was formed in nature and different crystals form in different ways, which is why they all look different, in the image above, there are 5 natural crystals:
- Amethyst Crystal (top left)
- Black Tourmaline Crystal (bottom left)
- Corundum Crystal (hexagonal one next to the Amethyst)
- Fluorite Crystal (bottom right)
- Garnet Crystal (just above it)
- Points – these are sometimes called wands and can have a single or double point and are done by human hands (Fluorite point, top right)
- Tumbled Stones – these look like pebbles as they have soft, rounded corners and this can happen naturally but is often done by humans (Malachite – green stone to the right of the black tourmaline crystal)
- Cabochons – these are stones that are fashioned into a dome and a popular choice for use in jewelry, there are 6 cabochons in the image above (below the fluorite point):
- Moonstone (top left)
- Labradorite (top right)
- Ruby in Zoisite (middle left)
- Amethyst (middle right)
- Aventurine (bottom left)
- Sunstone (bottom right)
You may also find crystals fashioned as beads.
Popular Types of Crystals and Their Properties
There are many types of crystals to choose from, each with its own unique properties and energy, with some of the most popular crystals coming from the Quartz family and includes amethyst, rose quartz, clear quartz, and citrine.
- Amethyst is known for its calming and soothing energy, making it a popular choice for stress relief and meditation
- Rose Quartz is often associated with love and compassion and is believed to help heal emotional wounds and promote self-love
- Clear Quartz (also known as Rock Crystal) is a versatile crystal that is often used for cleansing and amplifying energy
- Citrine is said to bring abundance, positivity, and confidence and is often called the “success stone” because of its association with wealth, prosperity, and manifestation
These are just a few examples of the many types of crystals available and each one has its own unique qualities and benefits.
How to Choose Crystals That Resonate With You
Choosing crystals is a very personal thing and as we said earlier, it is important to trust your intuition and let your instincts guide you towards the crystals that are going to work for you.
One of the best ways to get started is by looking at the various colors and shapes of crystals and noticing which ones catch your eye as they all have their own individual characteristics and each individual crystal will be unique.
You may also want to consider the specific properties and energies of each crystal and how they align with your intentions or needs.
One way to choose crystals is to hold them in your hand or place them on your body and notice how they feel as you may experience feelings or sensations from the physical contact with the crystal and you may:
- Experience a feeling of tingling or warmth
- Feel a sense of calm or clarity
But don’t worry if you don’t feel anything right away as it can take some time to develop a deeper connection with your crystals and if you trust in the process by allowing yourself to be open to the energies of the crystals and you will be on your way to building a meaningful and fulfilling relationship with these powerful healing tools.
Cleansing and Charging Crystals
Over time, crystals can accumulate energy and may need to be cleansed to remove any negative or stagnant energy, which helps to restore their natural vibrancy and power, they may also need to be charged to maintain their effectiveness.
And in this section, we’ll look at some simple and effective ways to both cleanse and charge your crystals so that you can get the most out of their healing properties.
Why You Need To Cleanse And Charge Your Crystals
Crystals have a natural ability to absorb, store, and transmit energy, which is why they can be used for healing, manifestation, and spiritual growth, but over time, crystals can also accumulate negative or stagnant energy from their surroundings or from the people who handle them.
This can cause their energy to become dull or blocked, which can make them less effective for their intended purposes and is one of the main reasons why you want to regularly cleanse and charge your crystals so that you restore their natural vibrancy and power.
And this is a two-part process:
- Cleansing your crystals to remove any negative or unwanted energy
- Charging them can amplify their energy and align them with your intentions.
The result of this is that you create a clean slate for them to work with, which allows them to function at their highest potential.
This process can also help you develop a deeper connection with your crystals by taking the time to care for them and honor their energy, you show them that you value their healing properties, which can help you strengthen your bond with your crystals and deepen your spiritual practice.
Different Methods for Cleansing and Charging Crystals
There are many different methods for cleansing and charging crystals and choosing the right method for you may depend on your personal preferences and the type of crystal you are working with as some crystals may not be suitable for all types of cleansing.
Below, we have listed some of the common cleansing and charging methods that you can use for your crystals:
Water
One of the simplest methods for cleansing your crystals is to rinse them in water.
This works well for most crystals but be sure to check that your crystal is water-safe before using this method as it isn’t suitable for porous crystals.
You can use running water from a stream or river, or you can simply hold your crystal under the faucet and visualize any negative energy washing away.
To charge your crystals with water, you can place them in a bowl of water under the moonlight or sunlight.
Salt
Salt is a powerful natural purifier and can help remove negative energy from your crystals.
To cleanse your crystals using salt, you can place your crystals in a bowl of salt, bury them in salt, or sprinkle salt over them and let them sit for a few hours but be sure to rinse your crystals well after using this method to remove any excess salt.
Smudging
Smudging is a Native American practice that involves burning herbs, such as sage or palo santo, to cleanse your space and your crystals.
To cleanse your crystals using this method, you can light a smudge stick and pass your crystals through the smoke, or you can place your crystals in a bowl and fan the smoke over them.
Sunlight and Moonlight
One of the most powerful ways to charge your crystals is to use the power of the sun and/or the moon and this is done by placing your crystals in direct sunlight or moonlight can help charge them with positive energy.
Sunlight and moonlight can also help to remove any negative energy but you need to be careful with this method as some crystals, like amethyst, can fade in sunlight, which is why it is best to only leave crystals in sunlight for a short period of time such as like a few hours or overnight if you are using the power of the moon.
Sound
You can also use sound to help you cleanse and charge your crystals and this can be done with the aid of a singing bowl or bell and is done by simply ringing the bell or play the singing bowl while holding your crystals or by placing your crystals on the bowl while playing it.
Visualizations
You can also use your own mind and energy to cleanse and charge your crystals by using visualization, which is a powerful tool for energy work, and you can use it as well.
To do this, simply hold your crystal in your hand, close your eyes and visualize any negative energy being released from the crystal, followed by positive energy flowing into the crystal, filling it with light and vitality.
One thing to remember is that there is no right or wrong way to cleanse and charge your crystals and it is best to experiment with different methods so that you find what works best for you and your crystals and you may also find that different crystals respond better to different cleansing and charging methods, so be open to experimenting and adjusting your approach as needed.
When and How Often Should You Cleanse and Charge Your Crystals
How often you will need to cleanse and charge your crystals will always come down to your own personal circumstances as will depend on things like:
- How often you use your crystals
- The type of crystal you are working with
- The energy of your environment
But as a general rule, it is a good idea to cleanse and charge your crystals when you:
- First acquire them
- Before and after each use
- Whenever you feel like their energy is becoming dull or blocked
If you are using your crystals for more intense activities, such as healing, manifestation or to clear negative energy or emotional blocks, you may need to be cleanse and charge them more frequently than if you only use them for meditation or relaxation.
Some crystals may benefit from daily cleansing and charging, whereas others may only need to be cleansed and charged once a month or even less frequently and as you work with your crystals, you may begin to develop a sense of when they need to be cleansed and charged, based on changes in their energy or how they feel to you.
But remember, cleansing and charging your crystals should be a positive process that is done with a sense of calm and intention and with consistent care and attention, your crystals can continue to support and uplift you on your journey towards balance and wellbeing.
Using Crystals For Healing
Crystals have been used for centuries as powerful tools for healing and transformation as their unique vibrations and energy patterns can help to:
- Balance and harmonize our own energy
- Promote physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing
And in this section, we’ll explore how you can start using crystals for healing in your own life, from selecting the right crystals to creating a healing practice that works for you.
How Crystals Can Be Used For Healing
There are a number of different ways that crystals can be used for healing and it will often depend on your needs and preferences as to how best to use them.
One of the most common ways to use crystals for healing is by placing them on or near the body, allowing their energy to interact with your own and this can be done by:
- Holding the crystals in your hand
- Wearing them as jewelry
- Placing them on specific chakra points or areas of tension
You can also use crystals for healing by incorporating them into your meditation or mindfulness practice and this is done by simply holding a crystal or focusing on its energy during your practice and this can help to deepen your connection with yourself and the present moment, promoting relaxation and inner peace.
You can also use crystals to promote positive energy and wellbeing in your environment, whether this is at work or at home and this can be done by:
- Creating a sacred space for your crystals
- Placing your crystals throughout the space
Doing this can be especially helpful if you spend a lot of time in a particular room or if you are looking to create a specific mood or energy in a space.
In addition to these methods, crystals can also be used for healing through crystal grids, which involve placing multiple crystals in a specific pattern to create a powerful energy field, or through crystal elixirs, which involve infusing water with the energy of a particular crystal for internal or external use.
As you can see, there are many different ways to use your crystals for healing and you should experienment to find out how they work best for you, just remember to approach the process with a sense of calm and intention, and trust that your crystals will guide you towards the best method for you.
Specific Crystals And Their Healing Properties
There are many different types of crystals available, each with its own unique energy and healing properties and below are a few crystals and their associated healing properties:
- Black Tourmaline – a grounding stone that is believed to help protect against negative energy and promote a sense of safety and security
- Selenite – known for its cleansing and purifying properties, selenite can help to clear away negative energy and promote mental clarity and spiritual growth
- Labradorite – an iridescent stone is known for its ability to enhance intuition and psychic abilities, as well as promote spiritual growth and transformation
- Aquamarine – is believed to promote emotional healing and balance, as well as enhance communication and self-expression
- Carnelian – a vibrant orange-red crystal is known for its ability to enhance creativity, motivation, and vitality
The crystals mentioned earlier in the post also have their own unique healing properties, it should be noted that each crystal may manifest differently for each person, which is why it is important to choose crystals that resonate with you and your specific needs and intentions.
Using Crystals For Manifestation
Crystals can be powerful tools for manifestation as they help to bring our desires and intentions into reality.
By harnessing the unique energy and vibrations of different crystals, we can amplify our intentions and bring greater focus and clarity to our manifestation practice and in this section, we will explore how to use crystals for manifestation and which some of the stones that can be used for this purpose.
How Crystals Can Help With Manifestation
There are a number of ways that crystals can help with manifestation, the first is that they can amplify our intentions and desires, which helps bring them into sharper focus and making them more tangible.
Each crystal carries its own unique energy and vibration, which can help to align us with the frequency of our desired manifestation and by holding or meditating with a specific crystal that resonates with our intention, we can enhance our ability to attract and manifest what we want.
Another way that crystals can help with manifestation is by clearing blockages and negative energy that may be standing in the way of our desires as many crystals are known for their cleansing and purifying properties, which can help to remove any energetic obstacles or limiting beliefs that may be hindering our manifestation process.
Finally, working with crystals can help to boost our overall sense of positivity and wellbeing, which can in turn enhance our ability to manifest as when we feel good and our energy is high, we are more likely to attract positive experiences and outcomes into our lives.
Crystals can be powerful allies in our manifestation journey as they help us to align with our intentions, clear any obstacles in our path and boost our overall energy and positivity
Specific Crystals And Their Manifestation Properties
Different crystals are associated with different manifestation properties and can be used to enhance specific areas of our lives and below are some examples of popular crystals and their manifestation properties:
- Aventurine Quartz – This green crystal is associated with luck and good fortune, making it a popular choice for manifestation, it is also said to stimulate the heart chakra, which is associated with abundance, compassion, and healing
- Pyrite – often called “fool’s gold” due to its metallic appearance Pyrite is believed to enhance manifestation, prosperity, and abundance, it is also said to promote confidence and creativity, making it a useful tool for manifestation in career and business
- Smoky Quartz – a grounding stone is often used to enhance manifestation and protect against negativity as it is said to stimulate the root chakra, which is associated with grounding and stability, and can be used to bring clarity and focus to our manifestation practice
- Tiger’s Eye – a golden-brown stone that is associated with manifestation, confidence, and personal power, it is also said to stimulate the solar plexus chakra, which is associated with confidence and willpower
- Sunstone – an orange crystal that is often associated with abundance and prosperity, making it a popular choice for manifestation work and is said to stimulate the sacral chakra, which is associated with creativity, passion, and abundance
These are just a few examples of the many crystals that can be used for manifestation, along with many of the other crystals mentioned in this post (we didn’t want to repeat ourselves.
When it comes to choosing a crystal for manifestation, you want to select one that resonates with your specific intention and desired outcome and by working with the unique energy and vibration of different crystals, we can enhance our ability to manifest and bring our desires into reality.
Caring for Your Crystals
Caring for your crystals is an important part of working with them as proper care can help keep your crystals energetically clear and functioning at their best and we’ll look at some things you can do when it comes to caring for your crystals, so you can enjoy their benefits for years to come.
Tips For Caring For Your Crystals
We use crystals to care for ourselves and in return, we need to look after them so that they remain beautiful and vibrant for years to come and some of the things you can do include:
- Keeping them out of direct sunlight – while Sunlight can help to charge crystals, prolonged exposure can cause the colors of some crystals to fade over time and it is best to store them in a cool, dark place to help preserve their natural beauty
- Use a soft cloth or cushion – when storing your crystals, be sure to use a soft cloth or cushion to prevent scratches and damage
- Avoid water exposure – some crystals are sensitive to water and you want to avoid getting them wet but if you do need to clean them, use a dry cloth or a gentle, non-abrasive cleaner
- Use clear containers – if you want to display your crystals, consider using clear containers, such as glass or acrylic that allow their natural beauty to shine through, you can add some decorative elements like sand, stones, or shells to enhance their beauty (just place them in an area that doesn’t get direct sunlight)
- Keep them organized – keeping your crystals organized and separate from each other can help to prevent scratching and damage, you can use small boxes or containers to keep them separate and easily accessible
By taking some simple steps to look after your crystals, you can keep them in beautiful condition and enjoy their healing and manifestation properties for years to come.
What To Do With Broken or Damaged Crystals
It can be disheartening when a beloved crystal breaks or becomes damaged but fortunately, there are a number of options for dealing with this situation in a mindful and respectful way.
Firstly, it’s important to acknowledge that a broken or damaged crystal can still hold energy and may still have a purpose and you can keep it as a reminder of a specific intention or experience, or use it in a different way than originally intended.
If you choose to dispose of a broken or damaged crystal, it’s important to do so in an environmentally friendly manner, such as burying it in the earth or offering it to a body of water and thanking it for its service and returning it to the earth.
Alternatively, you can also repurpose broken crystals by using them in crafting or jewelry making, you could also consider having the crystal re-cut or polished by a professional lapidary to give it a new life.
Prevention is also key when it comes to caring for your crystals, always handle them with care, avoiding sudden impacts or extreme temperature changes along with regular cleansing and charging your crystals to maintain their energetic properties and store them in a safe and secure location.
By following these tips and approaching the care of your crystals with mindfulness and respect, you can continue to enjoy their beauty and energetic benefits for years to come.
Conclusion
Crystals can be powerful tools for promoting relaxation, healing, and positive energy in your life and whether you are using them for meditation, manifestation or simply for their beauty, it is important to approach crystals with intention and mindfulness.
One of the keys is to choose crystals that resonate with you, caring for them properly, and using them in a way that aligns with your goals and values.
By doing this, you can tap into their full potential and experience the many benefits they have to offer and remember to take the time to connect with your crystals and listen to what they have to teach you, as you continue on your journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
