A Beginner’s Guide To Using Crystals

To understand exactly what crystals are, what they’re for and how to use them for the best results, we caught up with crystal expert, astrologer and psychic Judy Hall to find out more...

What are crystals?

Crystals are millions of years old and were forged during the earliest part of the earth’s formation. They absorb information – whether a severe weather pattern or the experience of an ancient ceremony – and pass it on to anyone that comes into contact with them. In short, crystals absorb, focus, direct, detoxify, shift and diffuse energy as they interact with the electromagnetic forces and subtle vibrations within the human or environmental energy field. They have the power to bring the body back into equilibrium and are used to heal body, mind and spirit.

How do you use them?

There’s no right or wrong way to use crystals – some people keep them under their pillows, others around their necks and some when they’re meditating. You may also have heard of a crystal grid – essentially a hand-arranged collection of crystals, which can help to turn the energy up a notch. Grids can be as small or as large as you wish – remember it’s all about harnessing the energy of the crystals to re-align your body and re-set the mind. It’s okay to use more than one crystal at a time, too, just be aware of their strong healing power, which will be multiplied when you’re using more than one.

Do they need much upkeep?

Whether you wear your crystal or meditate with it, it should be cleansed once a week. Cleansing is necessary because it removes any dense or stale energy the crystal may have picked up in its environment, or from you. When you first buy a crystal and before you use it, wash it in salt water (salt purifies and absorbs negative energy, but as a rule of thumb, any stones that ends in ‘–ite’ are not water friendly); leave it out in the moonlight or sun for at least four hours; bury it in soil for up to 24 hours (this allows crystals to recharge with the vibration of the earth); or use a cleansing essence such as Petaltone Clear2Light.

Listen To Your Intuition

It may sound ‘out there’, but if a crystal is meant to be for you, it will speak to you. If you’re browsing crystals in a shop, take the time to hold different ones in your hand – notice if you feel any sensations such as a temperature change, pulsations, or calmness and tranquillity. These are all signs that this particular crystal is perfect for your healing needs. Always choose your crystals according to what suits you, not from the label in a shop. When you visit a crystal shop, notice which crystal catches your eye first – more often than not, this will be the crystal for you. In this light, there is no one magic ‘cure all’ crystal, although you might find the many varieties of Quartz or a Brandberg Amethyst come close.

It’s Okay To Buy Online

While it’s always worth choosing your crystals in person, sometimes it’s easier to buy online and there’s often more choice, too. Just be sure to check the size and quality, and always choose your crystals intuitively – look at which colours and sizes appeal to you and trust your instinct. Try AstrologyWise.co.uk and ExquisiteCrystals.com.

Think Twice About Sharing

Try not to share your crystals with your friends or family – remember, your crystals are finely attuned to you and if someone else touches them, this could affect their energy. If someone does come into contact with your crystals, cleanse them immediately before you wear or use them again. If this does happen, you can simply run the crystal under water or let it rest overnight in a bowl of brown rice.

Feeling sceptical?

If you’re not sure about using crystals, remember quartz makes up 12% of the Earth’s crust and crystals are used in almost every kind of technology, from watches and other electronics to information storage and more. Crystals have incredible properties and really do have the potential to harmonise the atmosphere as well as mind and body – they can be programmed to radiate ‘good vibes’ out into your environment, which makes them ideal for enhancing your home, car or workplace. They can attract prosperity, love and friendship, and can even be used to heal specific points on the body, such as physical pain.

Best crystal for...?

There are hundreds of crystals which all have unique properties that can be used for different things. In terms of a starter bag, try the following for...
Love & Romance? Rose Quartz, Mangano Calcite, Rhodochrosite, Rhodonite and Green Aventurine
Wealth & Success? Citrine and Goldstone
Health & Performance? Bloodstone, Quantum Quattro and Que Sera
Passion & Creativity? Red Calcite, Red Jasper and Triplite
New Beginnings? Mookaite Jasper, Bumble Bee Jasper and Clear Quartz
Focus? Fluorite
 
Judy Hall’s Crystal Companion is available now from Amazon priced £20; for more information visit JudyHall.co.uk