Nikki Van De Car - Crystals

WE OFTEN THINK OF CRYSTALS as rocks that are just really pretty. And theres some truth to that! Crystals are formed when liquid matter cools and hardens in such a way that the molecules sort themselves into a repeating pattern, which is what makes them so lovely and forms them into such interesting shapes.

But theres more to these stones than just aesthetics. Crystals are millions of years old, and they are a way to help us connect with the power of the earth and the very molecules that make up the universe. Those incredibly specific molecular geometric patterns create vibrations that allow crystals to store and harness specific energies and information. Clear quartz, for instance, is used in watches, memory chips, ultrasound devices, and more as a way to store information like an unchanging time or a steady frequency. If electronics can harness this power then so can we, on a more basic, natural level.

In fact, crystals have been used in these ways for thousands of years. Our ancestors incorporated crystals into healing rituals, divination practices, burial rites, symbolizations of power or meaning (think crowns studded with gems or even diamond rings), and protective spells. Ancient Egyptians used peridot to ward off nightmares, and ancient Greeks used amethyst to prevent intoxication (or perhaps just the resulting hangover).

There are several different shapes of crystals, and each can be used in a different way.

WAND

Rough at one end and pointed at the other, these kinds of stones are often used in jewelry or as protective amulets. They can also be used to activate crystal grids, as this shape allows you to direct the crystals energies in a more targeted way.

THE FIRST STEP IN CHOOSING a crystal to work with is to determine your needs at the moment. Ask yourself questions. Are you addressing a physical ailment or a spiritual one? Sometimes you might find yourself drawn to a particular stone, so that the stone chooses you, rather than the other way around. When you are looking to add a new crystal to your collection, start by following your instinctswhat attracts you? You should pay attention to aesthetics here, because what seems like an attraction on a purely visual level might be your mind telling you exactly what you need. Then hold the stone in your hand. Does it feel warm or cool? Do you feel any vibrations or pulses? What is your emotional response? If you feel in resonance with the stone, then it is right for you.

Its possible, even likely, that from time to time you will need a combination of stones, such as obsidian, hematite, and pyrite for protection, or amethyst and lapis lazuli for intuition. Trust your instincts.

And if youre not sure, try clear quartz. Its the salt in the spice cabinet of crystals.

Common Stones and Their Uses

AGATE

Invites courage, strength, and self-confidence.

ALEXANDRITE

A detoxifying crystal that can help control anxiety and aid in finding emotional maturity.

AMAZONITE

Protects against electromagnetic stress and seasonal affective disorder. Encourages self-determination and leadership abilities.

AMETHYST

Develops intuition and spiritual awareness.

Aids in meditation, calm, and tranquility.

Relieves headaches.

APATITE

Brings out the best version of yourself, and heals the bones and teeth.

APOPHYLLITE

A calming stone that cleanses the third eye and crown chakras, releasing tension.