Crystal Healing 101: 5 Crystals To Get You Started

Crystals are more than just pretty to look at - their ability to affect energy and mood can become an important component in your natural health and wellness practice. But I'll admit, it all seems a little overwhelming and confusing. I know what you're thinking, do crystals really work?!

According to our friends at EnergyMuse, crystals are tangible, physical forms of the Earth’s energy. Millions of years old, crystals carry the natural life force of the earth. Which is one reason why crystals are buried in the ground for several days to cleanse and reenergize them before use (more on that in a moment).

Certified shamanic energy medicine practitioner Colleen McCann tells Goop that the power of crystals is commonly used in computers, TVs and cell phones. Their ability to emit specific frequencies and store tremendous amounts of information makes crystals essential to modern technologies.

So how can we harness the power of crystals? It's as simple as carrying them, wearing them or placing them in your home. It's totally okay to start by picking a stone just because you love the color. But every crystal type has a different purpose, so it's also good to do a bit of research to pick stones that correspond with the benefits you're seeking - love, more energy, mindfulness, better sleep, etc.

One of the neatest things about crystals is how to care for them. My kids cannot resist grabbing the colorful stones, but that is discouraged. You don't want other people messing with your energy!

And even if you don't have little people who can't resist something sparkly and pretty, you should still clean crystals once at least once month. Here are some ways to cleanse and activate your crystals.

1. Bury them in dirt, even if it's just in a healthy houseplant. Leave them for at least 24 hours (several days is better) to recharge with energy.

2. Place your crystal outside under the sun or full moon for at least 4 hours. Doing this during a full moon is best as that's when moon’s light is brightest and energetically strongest.

3. Burn a sage or Palo Santo stick and let the smoke run over the stones to purify.

Here are 5 crystals everyone needs - and how to use them.

1. Rose quartz

Rose quartz is one of the most popular stones, probably due to its lovely light pink color and ability to promote love and gratitude. It activates the heart chakra, enhancing love for self and others, while boosting confidence and helping release anger and resentment. Keep it by your bedside or add rose quartz to your beauty routine with this crystal-infused face mist to moisturize dry, winter skin while activating your skin cells and rejuvenating your energy.

2. Citrine

Connected to the third chakra, the energetic power center of the body, citrine is considered a powerful tool for manifesting goals and intentions. Associated with wealth and abundance, citrine is a great stone to build self-confidence at work (go ask for that raise!) or need help visualizing your success. Keep citrine on your desk and let its sunny, yellow color radiate light and positive energy.

3. Black tourmaline

If you struggle with anxiety, black tourmaline is a must have. Place black tourmaline in the four corners of any room or at the corners of your bed to absorb any toxic and negative energy.

And if you're feeling stressed and overwhelmed, hold large pieces of black tourmaline in each hand and you will feel its energy sucking the negativity and bad vibes out of your body. Black tourmaline also absorbs electromagnetic energy so keep it next to TVs and computers.

4. Clear Quartz

The seventh chakra stone (the crown of the head), clear quartz brings clarity of the mind and helps connect you with your intuition. It also raises and amplifies the energy level of other stones so it's a great stone to use in conjunction with other crystals.

Use clear quartz to manifest a specific outcome. It's often used at the center of a crystal grid to focus and amplify your intentions. Or try a mini meditation by holding the quartz, closing your eyes and taking big breaths. Take 10 minutes to create a mental picture of the intention for your stones.

5. Amethyst

This pretty purple crystal is known as a protection crystal because it rids any room of negative energy. Keep it by the main door of your home, in the corner of the living room or in your child's bedroom to purify and attract positive energy. A great stress reliever, the amethyst crystal helps calm your thoughts and clear your mind of unnecessary clutter.

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