The word crystal comes from the Greek word for ice, because the Greeks believed that clear quartz was water so deeply frozen it would remain solid forever. The oldest amulets on record are of Baltic amber - some from as long as 30,000 years ago - but beads excavated from a grave in Russia were carved from the ivory of a mammoth’s tusk and date back 60,000 years!

Crystals in their original form are called raw, and maintain their irregular and rough aspects. To create the smooth stones that are more popular, raw rocks are placed in a machine called a rock tumbler, which spins and tumbles them until their edges and surfaces are smooth. Some of these tumbled crystals retain a matte finish, while others appear shiny and are referred to as polished.

There are many, many types of crystal formations. A few of them are:

• Crystal Point / Terminated Crystal - there is a point at one end

• Double Terminated - each end has a point

• Generator - a large point with six equal sides and six equal faces that lead to one point

• Cluster - a group of crystal points growing from the same base

• Geode - a hollow rock with potentially hundreds of crystals growing inside of it

Crystals come in many shapes. You will find crystal chips or seeds, asymmetrical stones in various sizes, smooth palm stones, eggs, balls, hearts, and wands. As mentioned in previous newsletters, crystals are often used for mala beads and pendulums. Another popular use is for jewelry, including rings, bracelets, pendants, pins, earrings, and necklaces.

Why work with crystals?

• Physical Healing

• Emotional Soothing

• Mental Clarity

• Chakra Balancing

• Spiritual Growth

Where do you get crystals? Buy them in-person at local shops - if the stores are currently open and only if you are comfortable going inside. A quick internet search will help you locate a shop near you. There are thousands of small independent on-line websites, shops on etsy and eBay, and larger sellers such as those on Amazon. Always investigate the seller, especially if shopping on-line where you cannot observe the quality of the item you are purchasing. When in doubt about a shop, move on to another.

How should you choose?

• Research - Books and websites abound. Use the items listed above in the ‘Why’ section as the basis for your searches.

• Intuition - What are you drawn to? (It’s not always the prettiest stone in the shop or on the page.)

• Astrology - Work with crystals associated with your sun sign or rising sign.

• Online tests - Some of these provide results generated from your responses to questions, while others are based on the crystals that visually appeal to you.

• Pendulum - If you’re comfortable using a pendulum, let it help. Ask “is this the right crystal for me?” and wait for the pendulum to advise you.

• Consult with others - The people who work in shops that sell crystals are generally knowledgeable and eager to help you find the right stones. Ask friends and family if they’re familiar with crystals. Many practitioners of holistic modalities are also going to be a good source of information. I regularly discuss crystals with my clients and then offer suggestions based on our conversations as well as what I find during sessions.

Crystals pick up energy from their environment and from every hand that touches them. Therefore, it is imperative that you cleanse and clear your crystals when you first obtain them, and on a consistent basis thereafter. Some suggested methods are:

• Selenite - This is one of the easiest methods to use. Set the crystals on a piece of selenite (which is a crystal that has clearing abilities) and leave them there for up to 48 hours.

• Moonlight - Leave your crystals in a spot where they can absorb moonlight, preferably during a full moon. This can be done inside or outside, but if you’re leaving your crystals outdoors do ensure they are protected from birds and squirrels who might want your little gems for themselves.

• Smudge - Burn White Sage or Palo Santo and then run the crystals through the smoke several times. Incense may also be used for this purpose.

• Sea Salt - Place crystals in or near sea salt and allow the salt to pull the impurities from the crystals. Certain crystals may be damaged by salt, so know what you’re working with before using this option.

• Pyramids - You can purchase or build your own pyramid and place crystals within. I have no personal experience with this option but have read interesting things about it.

• Sound - Place crystals near (but not inside) a Tibetan Singing Bowl. Strike the bowl and allow the vibrations to wash over the crystals.

• Reiki - Any Reiki Master can use this option for crystal clearing. I certainly do!

Call them crystals, stones or rocks. Wear them as jewelry, carry them in your pocket, place them nearby as you work, put them under your pillow before you go to sleep, or hold them in your hands while you meditate. The options are numerous. Whatever the choices, I encourage everyone to add crystals to their life. Do so without delay. Give them a chance to make a positive impact. I believe you’ll be pleasantly surprised - and possibly even amazed - with the results.