The world has seen a shift in people’s interest from traditional medicine to alternative treatments in the past decade. Because of this, there is an upsurge in the popularity of crystal healing. Many people believe crystals have healing properties, including reducing stress, bringing peace of mind, reducing inflammation, and so on. Healing crystals are often included as part of a self-care practice or daily ritual.
It seems like out of nowhere crystals became an “it” thing. Popular chain stores, Instagram accounts, and celebrities began promoting colorful stones. But before they were mainstream, crystals could be found at alternative stores and spiritual spaces. I’ve been lucky enough to have friends who have been using crystals for years, so I’ll break down the basics of how they work for you!
There are two schools of thought regarding the healing properties of crystals. Many people believe that crystals truly heal. So, keep your heart and mind open to the possibility and wonder that energy and vibration can bring to your life.
How Do Healing Crystals Work?
The mechanism is fairly simple. Crystals are said to emit positive energy and absorb negative energy. Therefore, positive energy enters the body while allowing the body to do away with the negative energy bottled inside. Some people put the crystal in their room for color; other people use it as a talisman or touchstone. I have a friend who puts different stones in her pocket, depending on her mood. Sometimes I sleep with Amethyst under my pillow to help me sleep. Be open and do what feels right.
A unique feature is that different crystals have different frequencies and vibrations due to molecular composition. Because crystals are minerals, they can be “charged” by other natural factors like the moon, sun, and the oceans—this cleansing or charging changes the energy or vibrations of the crystal. Thus, promoting emotional, spiritual, and mental cleansing.
When I get new crystals from a store or nature, I always charge it in the sunlight. I usually do a simple water bath then set them in the window to soak up some rays. Cleansing or charging crystals is super personal, so do what feels right for you. Maybe that’s placing it outside under a full moon or performing an intention-setting ceremony. Perhaps you’d prefer cleansing it with smoke, salt, or music.
Which Healing Crystal is the Best?
We define crystals according to the properties they have and the effect these properties have on the human mind and body. Therefore, be sure to pick your crystals based on the properties or feelings you want to bring to your life!
My top choices for versatile and essential crystals for any beginner are:
- Quartz (rose, clear, or spirit): transformation-, love-, or joy-centered
- Pyrite: promotes confidence, luck, and abundance
- Amethyst: transformative and protective energy that assists with sleep
- Celestite: calming and known to spark intuition
- Rainbow Fluorite: a mind and body anti-inflammatory that promotes focus, creativity, and productivity
- Black Tourmaline: grounding and known as a spiritual defender
- Apophyllite: purifier and cleanser of physical spaces
Remember to be open to the possibility and wonder that energy and vibration can bring to your life! Be sure to check out the “Spiritual Spotlight” series for an in-depth look at some of my favorite crystals outside of the list above! xoxo Mo
