How to Use Crystals

The first thing to consider when choosing a crystal is its purpose. What do you want to use it for? If you are using it for healing, for example, then you will most likely look up the crystal with the appropriate properties.

The next thing to think about is shape, size and colour. A tumblestone is ideal for carrying around, while a crystal point is better for more focused healing. If you are using the crystal on your chakras, you would need to match the colour to the chakra.

Finally, you need to use your intuition and gut feeling. Even if you know you are looking for a purple amethyst tumblestone, you will most likely be faced with a bowl of twenty or more in the shop.

Pick a few stones instinctively based on which "call" to you when you cast your eye over them. Then, feel each one in your receptive hand (in energy healing, one hand takes energy into the body - for healing yourself - and the other gives energy out - for releasing energy or healing others). This is usually your left hand.

If you experience a positive tingle or any kind of knowing sensation when holding one of the stones, this is a good indication that this is the stone for you.

You should look for a crystal with a clear, light, positive energy. Any crystal which has a heavy energy or feels off kilter is not the right stone for you. Also, some stones, such as onyx, have a very strong energy which many people cannot get on with. If you are new to crystal healing, such stones are best avoided until you have more experience.

Crystals work by absorbing the energy around them. Any crystal that you buy will have absorbed the energy of its surroundings, and if it has already been used in healing, it will have absorbed the negative energy from people too.

Therefore it is essential to cleanse a crystal before using it - not just when you first purchase it, but regularly between uses as well. There are many different ways to do this, which are outlined below. Always research your crystal before cleansing, as there are some methods which cannot be used with certain crystals - for example, delicate crystals will be damaged by salt cleansing, some will start to disintegrate in water, and the likes of amethyst and rose quartz will fade in sunlight.

The methods generally used are:

* WATER * SUNLIGHT * MOONLIGHT * ENERGY HEALING * SOUND * BURIAL IN EARTH * SALT * SMUDGE STICKS * FLAME *
AMETHYST BED * POWER OF INTENTION

Learn more about how to cleanse with these methods by following the link below.

While cleansing a crystal rids it of any negative energy, programming or dedicating fine tunes it to the correct frequency of purpose. Most crystals have numerous properties, so it is also important to tune it to the specific property you wish to use it for.

Hold the crystal in your hand and say aloud "This crystal is dedicated to resonate with the energies of healing, love and light, for the purpose of..." Visualise the crystal being bathed in white light.

Keep this crystal separate from others, perhaps wrapping it in a silk cloth when not in use, and only use it for this purpose. If you wish to change what you use it for, you will need to cleanse and then re-program it.