Crystal Magic: Usage Guide for Beginners

Crystals and mineral stones are a natural way to energise your magical intentions. For thousands of years they have been revered as energy conductors and believed to resonate with harmonious frequencies, sending natural vibrations out into the world. Crystals have been used since ancient times for healing, divination, wisdom, jewellery, art and commerce. Today, they are also used in advanced technology, from mobile phones to satellites.

Based on the understanding that everything in the universe resonates with vibrational energy (physical matter, light, sound), crystals are a database of Mother Nature's frequencies. Formed over millions of years, they are the most ordered structure in nature, emitting specific vibrational frequencies that help to cause energetic changes by interacting with our own vibrations.

Choosing crystals

You don't have to spend a fortune to start working with crystals. Remember that rough, unpolished crystals resonate with the same energy as elegantly cut and polished ones. You can also look for rocks, pebbles, shells, or minerals that appeal to you in a natural environment. Beaches, rivers, deserts and forests hold treasures waiting to be discovered. Trust your intuition when it comes to finding a crystal or stone that resonates with you. It doesn't matter if the books say the crystal of love is rose quartz, if there is a special shard of red jasper that appeals to your heart. Follow your intuition. If you don't have a local store nearby, visit Tamed Wild - they have a wonderful selection of affordable stones.

Cleanse your crystals

Once your crystal is in your home, it needs to be cleaned. When you start working with your stones, you will also need to clean them after each spell or ritual. Also, if they have been sitting on a shelf for a long time, clean them thoroughly before working with them again. Be sure to check if your crystal or stone is soft or porous, contains traces of metals, or is prone to discolouration from exposure to sunlight.

Choose a cleaning method that is appropriate for your stone. A good rule of thumb: many crystals ending in -ite, selenite, malachite, fluorite, etc. are not suitable for water. Some of the most common methods include:

• Grounding: Bury the crystal in the ground for a few hours to ground the negative energy. This can be done in a pot if necessary. Just be mindful of any moisture that may be present;
• Moonlight: Leave the crystal in the moonlight (outside or on a windowsill) until you feel it is clear. This is best done in the light of the full moon, but you can also align it with the phase of the moon that suits your magical intentions;
• Crystals of Power: Some crystals are so powerful that they can be used to purify other stones. These include selenite, quartz, carnelian, amethyst and kyanite. Store your crystals or stones on a slab of selenite so they are always ready to use;
• Sound: you can play bells, fork, drums, singing bowl, chimes or any other musical instrument near the crystal to help clear the inner energy. Reciting a prayer or mantra also helps;
• Diffusing: This can be done with Palo Santo smoke, sage, herbs or incense. Use a fireproof basin or plate for this and move your crystals through the smoke as it rises, or use a feather or your hand to direct the smoke to your crystal;
• Sunlight: Leave your crystal in the sunlight for a short time to cleanse and recharge it. Although the sun is a powerful cleanser, be careful if your crystal is sensitive to UV rays, and if it is clear quartz, take care that the sun's rays do not magnify or ignite flammable materials such as paper or wood;
• Water: Hard crystals or polished stones can be placed in running water or submerged in a container and then wiped dry. This also works when it rains, and if you have access to streams, rivers or lakes, even better!
• Visualisation: If you have experience with this technique, use visualisation to clear your crystal or stone of any negative energy it may have absorbed. Fill it with the cleansing energy of white light.

Charging your crystals

When you are ready to use your crystals in everyday magic, it is helpful to charge them with the specific intentions you wish to manifest. Follow these steps:

1. Define your intention and imagine what it will look like once realised;
2. Choose a crystal to help you do this;
3. Take the crystal, hold it to your heart and take three deep breaths with your eyes closed;
4. Now bring it up to your third eye chakra and with a clear intention visualise the task projected on the crystal. Express your goal out loud;
5. Give thanks and begin to use your crystal. Carry it with you, place it in a crystal lattice, keep it on your altar, etc.

Creating a crystal lattice

A crystal grid is simply an intentional geometric arrangement of crystals and stones to help focus and align your energy to your intentions. These patterns can range from simple to complex and can be combined with other natural elements such as flowers, grasses, shells, etc. Sacred geometry is used as the basis for crystal grids because of the fundamental connection between the two: crystals are three-dimensional representations of sacred geometric energy patterns. Crystals act as a conduit for the very nature of reality. Working with this energy in the flow and placing it on the grid will enhance your magical intention.

Whether you are just starting out or have years of experience working with crystals, there is always something new to learn. Most of all, listen to what the stones are saying by meditating with them and diving deep within. The wisdom is already within you.