How to Choose and Work with Crystals
Learn how to choose, care for, and connect with them through intention and intuition.
Everything around us has energy. Crystals come from the earth, so they have a particular grounding and connection to the earth energies. They’re ancient, and it takes a long time for a crystal to be formed. During that time, they accumulate a lot of energy and wisdom, acquiring different properties that they can transmit to others. They adapt and conform to the energy of the people and situations around them.
I love working with crystals because they have different functions and properties. They can be healing. They protect you. They can help magnify the energies you’re feeling or wanting to express, and so much more. If you have read either of my novels, Lonely Dove or Can You Be, you’ll know that I feature crystals in my writing. I also write about them in my poems.
Setting an Intention
Crystals are versatile and have various properties. I’ll share more about this in future posts. Regardless of the crystal you choose, it’s important to set an intention with the crystals so they know how to relate to you. It can be as simple as sitting with it, holding it in your hands, and setting the intention with it. Because they are so sensitive to energies, it’s also important to cleanse them regularly to ensure their intent remains clear.
Maintaining Crystals
Depending on the crystal, you can run it through water, although some crystals, such as selenite and halite, can dissolve in water, especially if kept under water for an extended time. I use the moons. New moons are the perfect time to clear them, and full moons are the perfect time to charge them (and reset our intentions). I also keep them in sunlight for twelve hours to cleanse them and in the dark of night for twenty hours to charge them. Keep in mind that sunlight can fade some crystals over time, such as amethyst and rose quartz. You can also sage them, use incense, or use another cleansing crystal, such as selenite or carnelian, to keep the other crystals cleansed.
It is good to choose the type of cleansing based on what is best for the crystal. Do some research to find out what is best for what you own.
Types of Crystals
Crystals come in many forms: raw or rough crystals, clusters and geodes, slices, and polished stones.
Raw or rough crystals are the crystals that come straight from the earth. They are rough and rocky, and crystals such as rose quartz or amethyst are often found in this form. Some people believe that when left in their natural state, you can connect with them more deeply. They give off a gentle energy that can positively affect a space or even an emotional state.
Clusters and geodes usually feature a hollow cavity filled with crystals. These crystals have powerful frequencies and can emit calming, purifying energy in a space. This is a popular choice for both its power and beauty, and can make a great decorative choice.
Slices are gemstone pieces cut into thin pieces and then polished. You can truly appreciate the crystal’s inner beauty. These types of crystals are perfect for decoration and adding a peaceful energy to the space.
Polished stones are crystals that have been cut and then tumbled and/or sanded to give the exterior a smooth, glossy, or shiny finish. These come in different shapes. Here are a few of them:
Tumbled stones are typically smaller and quite versatile. They can be carried in a pocket or bag, placed on an altar, placed on the body during meditation, used in crystal grids, or used in any space. They are often great choices for beginners because they tend to be less expensive.
Pyramids are great options for amplifying energy and helping to manifest. One of my favorite pyramid crystals is a blue calcite, also known as blue alabaster, and I use it to calm and soothe anxiety, as well as to support my throat and third eye.
Wands or points are often used to amplify, direct, or transmit energy. Quartz is often found as a wand or point because it is an effective amplifier and is known for its purifying and cleansing qualities.
Spheres are great to bring harmony and balance to a space and work well in meditation and healing. I like to hold a sphere in my hands or on my lap when I meditate, and I also keep them in my bedroom and office.
Palm stones are similar to tumbled stones, but they are shaped so that they are easy to hold in your palm. These are good choices for meditation if you want to hold a crystal, and they are great to carry with you. My favorite is rose quartz, which is the self-love and unconditional love stone
There is no right or wrong choice when choosing which type of crystal to add to your collection. More than anything, the most important thing is your connection to the stone. If possible, hold the crystal in your hand and close your eyes to tap into intuitive feelings about the stone. If you are choosing the crystal online, you can always close your eyes, envision the stone in your mind’s eye, and note the feelings and sensations that arise. As long as you always trust your intuition, the right crystal will find you.