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Crystals of the Craft

Exploring the Mind & Magic of Crystals

Over 100 Colorful On the Rocks Crystal Images!

By Sami Valenzuela

© Copyright Samantha Valens 2013

All Rights Reserved

www.OntheRocksCrystals.com

http://www.ontherockscrystals.com/

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Acknowledgements

I want to thank all of my YouTube subscribers, On the Rocks Crystal

buyers, the dear friends that the power of crystals has connected

me with, many whom I’ve never met face to face and my patient

and loving husband who believes in everything I do. A special thank

my dear friend Dan for your constant support and words of

encouragement and to Shaun “Symbian” Miller for making this

eBook possible. Without Shaun Crystals of the Craft would have

ended up in my computer’s trash bin a long time ago. I love you all.

Disclaimer: The content of Crystals of the Craft is based on the subtle energetic

properties of crystals and the spirituality that surrounds them and is not intended

to be a guide of treatment or cures for any ailment physical or psychological.

There is no absolute proof that crystals can heal and the author is not a

physician. If you believe you or someone you know is ill, please consult a doctor.

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Table of Contents

Introduction ...................................................................................................... 12

The Crystal Journal ............................................................................................ 20

In the Beginning ................................................................................................ 23

Back to Basics ................................................................................................... 27

The Power of Crystals ....................................................................................... 33

The Mystical, Magical & Metaphysical .............................................................. 34

The Power of Intention ..................................................................................... 36

The Crystal Buyer's Guide ................................................................................. 43

Altered & Enhanced Crystals ............................................................................. 49

The Many Crystal Shapes & Formations ............................................................ 53

The Seven Primary Stones ................................................................................. 72

The 7 Secondary Stones .................................................................................... 75

The Power of Quartz ......................................................................................... 79

Crystals of Mystery ......................................................................................... 101

Sensitizing Yourself to Crystal Energy .............................................................. 105

Subtle Energy & Crystals ................................................................................. 106

Grounding & Centering Energy ........................................................................ 108

The Chakra System ......................................................................................... 113

Crystals of Color .............................................................................................. 151

Crystals of the Elements.................................................................................. 190

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Crystals of the Zodiac ...................................................................................... 199

Crystals of the Moon ....................................................................................... 228

Crystals of the Sun .......................................................................................... 233

Crystals of the Week ....................................................................................... 236

Crystal Divination ........................................................................................... 243

Crystals of the Year ......................................................................................... 262

Crystals of the Mind, Body & Spirit ................................................................. 291

Crystals, Empowered ...................................................................................... 301

Power Pouches ............................................................................................... 301

Crystal Water & Gem Elixirs ............................................................................ 304

Crystals of the Family ...................................................................................... 315

Crystals of Intention........................................................................................ 329

Crystals of Intention Quick Reference ............................................................. 343

Crystal Terminology ........................................................................................ 353

Bibliography, Recommended Reading & Resources ........................................ 491

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About the Author

Yes, I am very much aware that most authors write their about me

section in third person as this is supposed to be some symbol of

eloquent professionalism, however, I'm not most authors. Though I

did make an attempt to write in third-person, the fact that this

perspective of writing felt overwhelmingly forced and disconnected

was hard to ignore. My purpose here isn't to show the world how

precise and grammatically correct my writing is. My purpose is to

share the trials and the errors of my life, my spiritual practices, what

worked for me and what did not. I choose to connect with you, to

walk side by side with you, unlike most teachers, guides, coaches

and mentors who would rather than jump in the front of the line and

take the lead, tell you HOW TO, WHAT YOU SHOULD and WHAT YOU

SHOULD NOT DO Only YOU can determine what you SHOULD and

SHOULD NOT do in your life, not me or anyone else. I believe it is

important to relate to my audience both when I write and when I

speak. Take me or leave me, hate me or love me, either way, I have

a purpose in this physical dimension, that is to heal and to help and

to guide and to inspire others toward a path that serves only their

highest good. If I am helping one person, just one, avoid some of the

nightmarish roads I've traveled in my short 30 years of living, then I

am serving my purpose. Are you serving yours?

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I was born and raised in the haunted and historic city of Savannah,

Georgia to my mother, a beautiful and an amazing intuitive and

artist and my father, a wild and untamed writer, musician and literal

genius who lived hard and died young. My parents were beyond

intelligent, both with an IQ way above average, but like a large

percentage of people born into this world with a heightened state of

awareness, they also struggled with deep inner demons and self-

sabotaging tendencies such as addiction, alcoholism, compulsive

behavior and bipolar disorder. My father was more prone to self-

destruction than anyone I have encountered in this life so far and

though he was extremely well liked, talented beyond

comprehension and popular writer, he lost the battle with his inner

demons and committed suicide in 2007.

I am my father's child. His spirit lives on in me. Though I've been told I

resemble my mother on the outside, my brain works like my dad's. I

have his thoughts, ideas and his drive for

excitement. I carry with me his dread for

boredom and longing for learning. I love to read,

just as he did, and refuse to even open a book of

fiction. I’ve always had this programming inside

my head that if I can’t learn something useful

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from it, I have no desire to read it. I don’t like to waste my time.

Neither did my father. I have his bold opinions, his communication

skills and his love for all things philosophical. I also have his self-

destructive qualities. Fortunately, I have found an amazing tool for

overcoming these negative qualities and staying connected to my

true and free spirit, not that it doesn’t take a beating every once in a

while…hell, who am I kidding!? It takes a beating almost daily! The

constant struggles are what I use to fuel my passions, including

teaching other about crystals and energy work.

Something else I pride myself on is my ability to be different and swim

against the current. A self-proclaimed spiritual rebel, I welcome

criticism and negative opinions. If you tell me I cannot, I will go to

extremes to show you I can. If you try to destroy me, I may not push

everything down deep inside and keep quiet about it in some

desperate attempt to prove to others that it doesn’t hurt, as denial

prevents healing, but I WILL use the pain to build myself even

stronger to resist your negative intentions. I learn from the past, plan

for the future and live, thrive and survive in the present moment and

that right there folks is the most empowering feeling a person can

experience. I haven't always been this confident though.

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I had a pleasant childhood up until I was about eight years old,

thanks to my grandparents. It wasn't until my parents divorced and

my father, won custody of me that my life started slipping out from

under me. My father re-married a woman who was mentally and

physically abusive to me and it only escalated as time went on. The

biggest blow was at age twelve when my beloved grandfather

passed away. It was my very first experience with such as profound

loss and it only amplified the downward spiral into an emotional hell

that nearly cost me not only my sanity but almost my physical

existence.

At age fifteen my father gave up his parental rights. I was living with

an aunt and uncle, attending a school of the arts and had

everything a teenage girl could possibly want, but my emotional

problems deepened and I soon encountered another harsh blow,

my family made the decision to turn me over to the state. After a

two hour drive that seemed like an eternity, my father and I pulled

up at a place that looked like the Bates Motel. Before I even had a

chance to grab all of the trash bags of clothes out of the back of

the truck he drove off. I didn't see my father again until I was twenty.

I had arrived at a Baptist group home for girls. From that point on I

spent my teen years in and out of group homes, psychiatric hospitals

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and juvenile detention centers until I turned eighteen and moved to

Texas after the state realized I had a mother out there somewhere

who was living in Dallas at the time.

I could write a novel on my life from that

point until now about the struggles, the

problems and one major life crisis after

another, but I'll digress. Point is, I come

from a very dark and unhappy place. Life

has never been a picnic for me but it has

taught me many lessons and given me

many tools. I wouldn't be the person I am

today if it wasn't for the mistakes I have made and the misery I nearly

drowned in. When you live for years in darkness, you strive to reach

some sort of light. It's like being held deep underwater and finally

being let go. Having to swim toward the light, knowing that once

you reach that light you have reached the surface and can finally

breathe, is desperation while at the same time a relief, hope that

there is a way out. That way out for me was crystals. Something so

beautiful, so filled unconditional in love, it was and still is nearly

impossible for me to feel misery when in the company of one of

Mother Earth's most amazing creations.

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The joy and well-being crystals have brought into my life over the

past few years renders me speechless because no words can

describe the experiences. When you experience something so

profound from something so seemingly simple, it's just natural to want

to share it with the world. So no matter your interest in crystals, I truly

believe that after you finish this guide, you will be able to start raising

your vibration, empowering your spirit and manifesting all the

awesomeness that you already hold within. Crystals are just tools to

bring it all out a little easier. Hell, if crystals can help me change my

life, I KNOW they can help you change yours, if that's what you

WANT them to do.

Sami

Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is NOT intended for use in

treating or curing any illness, physical or mental. The “healing” discussed in

Crystals of the Craft is based on spirituality, the power of intention, and the

subtle energies of both crystals and the human body. There is no scientific proof

that crystals can heal therefore they should not be used to replace

conventional therapy. If you believe you are ill in any way, please consult with a

physician as soon as possible.

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Introduction

Crystals are not magical tools filled with fairy dust that can make all

your wishes come true. Crystals don't work like a genie in a bottle, if

you just rub them the right way, sparkling happiness and loads of

cash will drop from the heavens into your lap. Crystals do not have

the power to walk out into the street and find you that dream job,

land you your soul mate or miraculously suck 20 pounds of fat from

your body. YOU my friend however, DO!

So why bother with crystals anyway if we hold all the power? What

purpose do they even serve? Though many spiritual teachers and

gurus spend major effort trying to convince us otherwise, we are just

as much physical beings as we are spiritual beings therefore we

respond very well to physical stimuli. To have something beautiful,

colorful, vibrationally and atomically aligned to near perfection,

straight from Mother Earth herself, makes for an incredible physical

representation of all that's non-physical. A sculptor can sit in front of

a lump of clay all day long, praying and wishing, affirming over and

over that he wants it to turn into a wonderful work of art, but that

lump of clay isn't going to change into anything unless he whips out

the chisel and the knives and the tools required to start carving

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away, crafting and manifesting exactly what it is he desires. Could

he work that lump into something beautiful by hand, without the

tools? Sure! But the possibilities would have limits and it would take a

hell of a lot longer and lack the intricate detail that only specific

tools can make. Do you feel me yet?

Here is another perspective: When you walk outside on a sunny day,

what do you see? You see bright, white sunlight radiating all around

you, right? Hold a prism up to that sunlight, and you will see many

different frequencies of light manifesting as a rainbow of colors. Did

the prism alone create those colors? No. The colors were within the

sunlight all along. It just took the right tool to bring them out. This is

how crystals work, to amplify your own true colors and bring out your

own inner rainbow. This process is what I refer to as “The Craft” and

the crystals used, “Crystals of the Craft!”

Crystals of the Craft is an extensive guide designed to assist you in

personal growth, spiritual empowerment and help you transform

yourself and your life into what you've always known it could be, all

through the power of crystals…and a little magic on the side.

Crystals of the Craft is different from other guides on crystal healing

because it doesn't enforce rules, it bends them. Crystals only need

cleansing if you feel they need cleansing. Rose Quartz works to

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promote love only if you associate Rose Quartz with love. It is about

what crystals can do for YOU, no one else. Since there is little

scientific proof that crystals hold healing power, everything can be

left to our own interpretation! Just like spirituality, each person is

unique. Just like every finger print, every crystal is different, even

when you have multiple pieces from the same specimen. Subtle

influences like the weather, the colors we wear, the phases of the

moon, the time of day, the ruling planets, create subtle changes in

the way crystals align and resonate with us. Each crystal has an

energetic profile where its general properties are determined based

on its chakra association, color, structure, chemical composition and

other aspects that work together to give each crystal its unique

vibration. WE though, are the ones constantly changing and it is

these changes that determine how a particular crystal will work for

us.

With our vulnerable and always changing vibration and the

thousands of powerfully intended crystal companions ready and

waiting to serve us with every wonderful bit of their being, the

possibilities of potential are endless!

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What is “The Craft”?

When you hear the word Craft you probably associate it with occult

practices or witchcraft. Though much of the information here will be

extremely beneficial to practicing witches, the word “Craft” by

definition simply means to create or manifest something using a

specific skill or trade. A person can craft a birdhouse, a sweater or

quilt, a dollhouse, a wonderful dinner or wealth, health, happiness

and love. When I mention “The” Craft, I am referring to YOUR craft,

YOUR practice of manifesting everything you desire in life. Everyone's

Craft is different and everyone requires different tools in their craft

depending on what it is they hope to manifest or create.

In this book I will be using a few terms that if you are not already

familiar with, you will want to be before we go any further. The first

word is intention which we will look at in detail a little later. An

intention is the primary focus and reasoning for your work. If your

desire is to overcome shyness and gain a better sense of self-worth

then your intention is just that: To overcome shyness and gain a

better sense of self-worth. The next word is spell. A spell is basically

the layout and series of steps taken to achieve the manifestation of

a desire or intention. Then we have magic which is sometimes

spelled with a “K” to distinguish it from stage magic. Magic is the

manifestation process itself and its definition cannot be pinned down

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to specifics. Just as everyone’s “Craft” is different, so is everyone’s

magic. I will also be referring to “crafting” as a form of energy

manipulation where certain energetic influences such as the phases

of the moon, color, the classical elements, days of the week, herbs,

meditation, visualization, chanting, and in this case

crystals, are used to help one create or manifest a

desire or specific intention. Though a major part of

witchcraft and earth-based spiritual practices, you

do not have to be a witch or consider yourself part

of any spiritual system or religion to practice magic.

Good Witch, Bad Witch, Black, White or Evil?

A common subject that comes up in the world of energy work is the

fear that it is somehow “evil” or once again, associated with

witchcraft, Wicca or even Satanism. I want to get a few things

straight before we delve in any further. First of all, energy is real.

Energy is science and it actually factually exists in all that resides on

this planet, living or not. Energy is all around us, inside of us, within our

physical body, our soul, in the plants, animals, crystals, and most

importantly, energy is neither good nor evil. It's neutral. It is the

intention of the person working with the energy that determines

whether it is used for good or something bad.

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Witchcraft

Witchcraft is an old practice that involves working with subtle

energies of the earth to heal, empower and bring about change. It is

also a terribly misunderstood practice thanks to Hollywood, Christian

extremists and the mass ignorance that thrives and flourishes so well

in today's news media. Witches have more of a deep understanding

and respect for the power of crystals than most people and

therefore I have chosen to base Crystals of the Craft on that deep

understanding which I have developed within myself through my

journey as a witch.

Wicca

Wicca is a newer, Pagan-based religion made popular in the 1950s

by a British retiree named Gerald Gardner that recognizes both the

masculine and feminine balance of the earth represented by God

and Goddess. Though many Wiccans also works with subtle energies,

a Wiccan doesn't always practice witchcraft. Wicca is as far from

evil as a religion or belief system could possibly be. The primary rule in

which a true Wiccan lives by is, “An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will.”

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In another words, the core basis that a Wiccan lives and practices

from a place of love and compassion for all.

The point is neither crystal energy nor the spiritual systems that

incorporate crystal energy into their practices is evil, bad or negative

in any way. Evil only exists in the intention of the person working with

them. The work we will be discussing here is part healing and part

magic.

The Crystalist

I want to briefly mention that you will see the

word, “Crystalist” used throughout this guide,

so let me explain. As I got further and further

into my crystal studies, I began to disconnect

with the healing aspect of crystals but

strengthened my spiritual connection. Though I have studied crystal

healing I never fully embraced the title crystal “healer” as I have yet

to have a profound experience healing any physical ailment using

crystals and the problem has always been for me that nearly every

book on crystals from a metaphysical or New Age standpoint is

based on healing. Here's my take: Crystal energy is subtle and works

to align and balance, which in result keeps the mind, body and spirit

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on a level that best resists negative influences, including illness, and I

stress the word RESIST, not PROOF. I'll use a watch as an example. Just

like a water resistant watch is LESS LIKELY to damage in water, a

water “proof” watch will NOT damage in water (yes, I know there is

always the exception to the rule but I am using this as an example

only to make a point). When someone is sick, whether it be a

common cold, chronic pain or cancer, the vibration of that illness,

and once again this is simply my opinion, extends outside of what I

view as “subtle” therefore crystal energy isn't going to have a

noticeable effect. Because of my perspective, I do not feel

comfortable referring to myself as a “crystal healer” so I created a

name that better fits what I practice...Crystalism. Crystals are not

only tools used in my practice, but they also lead me down a path to

spiritual awareness and empowerment. I have created somewhat of

a new religion for myself, all based on the guidance I receive from

crystals. Most crystal healers, certified and self-proclaimed, will

disagree with me, but this isn't a guide to crystal healing as much as

it is a guide to crystal magic, manifestation and spiritual connection.

As for you, I cannot determine whether or not you are a healer or a

Crystalist, only you can do that. Either way, if you have a strong

connection to crystals, you can benefit from what I am about to

share with you.

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As you make your way through this guide, pay attention to the

information that you resonate with and that which you do not. Write

in your crystal journal EVERYTHING that triggers an emotional or

spiritual response. As you reach the end, reflect on what you have

written and determine whether or not your connection with crystals

leans more toward the healing aspects or more toward the spiritual

aspects. Also, as we make our way through this journey, you will

meet many beautiful and colorful crystals. If you suddenly feel drawn

to a crystal, do not ignore this. Crystals have been around a lot

longer than we have and they know their purpose for you long

before YOU know your purpose for you so when a particular crystal

seems to call your name, it usually means that crystal is trying to tell

you that it has something you need in life at this time.

The Crystal Journal

Before we jump into the sea of crystal

information, the very first thing I would like

you to do is acquire a notebook, journal or

three-ring binder that you will use as your

crystal journal. As powerful as the human

mind is, it cannot remember everything

we read, see, do or experience day to day, moment to moment

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and in order to reap the most from your crystal experiences and

develop a strong and customized crystal practice, you must be able

to reflect on prior experiences. In my opinion the best way to do this

is to write everything down in one book that you can keep close by

at all times. I have two crystal journals. One is a small leather book

that I carry in my bag when I’m out and about and the other is a

huge 3” thick leather book that stays in my sacred working space. If

you are new to crystals I highly recommend starting with a 3-ring

binder. Once you become established in your practice, you can

transfer the contents of your binder into a more permanent book. So

what might you record in your crystal journal? Consider the following:

*A detailed description of every crystal related exercise, experience,

meditation and healing session you perform. This should include the

steps you physically performed, crystals used, which crystals you felt

connected to and which ones not so much. Also include thoughts

and feelings that emerged during the experience, any changes in

mood, energy level, the way other people react to you, dreams and

anything else you feel is relevant.

*Basic crystal profiles and correspondences. Your portable journal

should have at least the seven primary crystals, which we will meet

later, and their energetic properties for quick reference.

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*A diary or journal section for you to write your crystal related

experiences, thoughts, dreams and take notes on what you learn

from each day.

*A list of books you read relating to

crystals and any information found in

these books that you resonate with.

*Photos or drawings of altars, crystal grids and the crystals you work

with.

Your journals should be special and reflect your own unique self. Add

artwork, photos, feelings, day to day activity, spiritual thoughts and

exercises, inspiration images and anything else your heart desires!

When it comes to your own personal crystal journal...anything goes,

as long as it comes from your personal truth, positive intention and

straight from the heart!

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In the Beginning

The best place to start our journey is at the very beginning of the

earth's formation. This is where we can really look at the birth of

crystals, the earliest formation of crystals and

how they were first discovered by man.

If you go back in time and really consider what

primitive man must have thought the first time

he or she encountered crystals, it makes perfect

sense as to why they believed crystals were gifts from the heavens,

mystical magical tools that could heal, protect, empower and guide

the spirit through the physical realm of life into the spirit world and

beyond. Crystals have played a part in just about every spiritual and

religious tradition, culture and ancient philosophy on the planet in

some way or another. The Bible mentions crystals over 200 times and

the ancient Egyptians considered stones to be sacred, carrying

magical properties that could protect against evil, assist the

deceased in transitioning to the spirit realm and could heal both

mental and physical ailments. Cleopatra, who was the Egyptian icon

of beauty and sensuality of ancient times, wore crushed minerals like

Lapis Lazuli, Galena and Malachite on her eyes. The ancient Greeks

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and Romans believed that Amethyst could prevent drunkeness and

that Selenite held magical powers of the moon. Chinese medicine

has roots in crystal healing and a variety of stones have been found

in graves dating back thousands of years. Crystals were even used

to craft talismans and amulets to protect soldiers in battle. Organic

material is also used in crystal healing like Amber and Jet and has

long been used to create amulets and other items of personal

adornment. Amber, more specifically Baltic Amber, is one of the

oldest known materials for crafting beads and talismans with pieces

having been found that date back 30,000 years! The symbolism and

mystical power that surrounds crystals date back to early mankind

and we still recognize the symbolic power of crystals today, though

we are not always consciously aware of it. Just look at how popular

the meaning behind birthstones is and how diamond engagement

rings are the ideal symbol of love and commitment!

This is just a fraction of the history behind crystals and you can see

just from that, there's no denying the fact that crystals are special. It

is pretty obvious that they hold something far beyond their ability to

make beautiful jewelry, even if science hasn't figured out exactly

what that something is yet.

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The Birth of the Earth

Astronomers have spent years studying the Universe and the earth's

development believe that about one hundred billion years ago, the

Earth, the Sun and all the plants in the solar system were nothing but

clouds of hydrogen, the simplest form of matter. These the hydrogen

atoms started to fuse together, eventually forming a huge spinning

disk. As this disk continued to spin, large amounts of energy was

released and the disk then split off into rings. The center of the disk

became the sun and the outer rings began to split apart forming

large fiery balls of gas and hot liquid, eventually cooling, solidifying

into stars, which fused to become other elements like helium,

oxygen, carbon, nitrogen, lead and iron. These elements began to

fuse and form the planets.

Earth just happened to form at a distance from the sun that allowed

the heavier elements like iron and nickel to combine with the lighter

elements like nitrogen and oxygen. The heavier elements sank down

to form the earth's core and the lighter elements formed the earth's

atmosphere. The earth's core is made of iron and nickel and is

surrounded by a layer of molten metal which is called the mantle. It

makes up the greatest volume of the earth and is 18,000 miles thick

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and composed of many layers itself. The outer most layer is the crust,

which makes less than 1% of its total mass and is a maximum of 25

miles thick. Humans have only been able to drill 8 miles into the crust.

The earth's crust formed from hot rocks that expanded upward

through cracks in the surface layers and spread out. Some erupted

as volcanoes. This type of rock is called igneous, meaning formed by

fire. Erosion eventually wore these igneous rocks into small particles

that were carried downstream by rivers and deposited at the

bottom of the sea. The particles became compressed over time and

eventually became rock once again. This

type of rock is called sedimentary. When

sedimentary rock is exposed to intense heat or

pressure due to movements within the earth's

crust, the composition is altered and creates

what's known as metamorphic rock.

Crystals are found in all three classifications of rock. As all these super

hot gasses and liquids rise up and out of the cracks, they pool and

cool around the surrounding rock, crystallizing into the colorful and

sparkling minerals we are so familiar with today. Harder minerals like

diamonds form at high temperatures, usually around areas of

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volcanic activity and softer minerals like Halite (salt) form in

sedimentary rock.

This is the way the entire universe is formed and through these same

chemical elements, when given the right conditions, will bond

together to form other minerals and the process continues. Minerals,

which we will explore more in just a moment, are combinations of

the different elements that form all matter.

Back to Basics

You cannot begin to truly benefit from a crystal until you know what

a crystal is. A crystal by basic definition is a solid material with atoms

and molecules arranged in a repeating pattern. Whereas the atoms

that make up most matter are just scattered all over the place, a

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crystal's atoms are arranged in a repeating pattern forming what's

called a lattice.

A lattice is a geometric arrangement or network of points in which a

crystal grows. This lattice determines what shape the crystal will

have. There are seven crystal structures named after their geometric

shape. The seven crystal structures include:

*Isometric or Cubic crystals are great for organization and balance.

Pyrite, Galena and Halite are examples of Isometric crystals.

*Tetragonal crystals have an energy great for resolving problems,

promoting balance and gaining the ability to see all sides of an

issue. Rutile is a Tetragonal crystal.

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*Orthorhombic crystals generate energy helpful for clearing and

cleansing and include Celestite and Topaz.

*Hexagonal crystals work well for exploring and pinpointing details

and specific issues, concentration and learning. Emerald and

Aquamarine have Hexagonal structures.

*Trigonal crystals are protective and help restore health and vitality

and include clear Quartz.

*Monoclinic crystals help to purify and widen perception and

include and include Moonstone.

*Triclinic crystals help link polarities, combine opposite energies and

teach unity. They are also wonderful crystals for deepening

meditation and exploring other dimensions and realms. Turquoise

and Rhodonite are examples of Triclinic crystals.

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Minerals

The terms “crystal” and “mineral” are often used interchangeably

and to define the same material however there is a difference

between them. A crystal, as we just learned, forms in one of seven

geometric shapes. This formation is referred to as crystalline. When

you think of minerals you probably think of the vitamins and minerals

needed for us humans to survive and be

healthy such as iron, copper and magnesium.

Well, these minerals are crystals too! A mineral is

a solid material that must have a chemical

compound, is crystalline in structure and

formed from geological processes such as

volcanic activity. The study of minerals is called mineralogy.

Minerals are classified in a number of different ways. One way is by

their ability to scratch and be scratched by other minerals. The scale

used to determine this is called the Mohs Hardness Scale invented in

1822 by a German mineralogist named Friedrich Mohs. The tighter

packed the atoms are within a material the harder that material will

be. The scale progresses from 1 being the softest to 10 being the

hardest, but the scale is not uniform. For example, Diamond is a 10

on the Mohs scale, the hardest known mineral, Sapphire a 9 and

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Topaz 8 however Sapphire and Topaz are closer together in hardness

than Sapphire and Diamond. Each mineral can scratch itself or

something lower on the scale but not something higher. You will find

a printable Mohs Hardness chart that you can add to your crystal

journal in the Quick Reference Guide.

Rocks

We often call just about any hard substance

found in nature a rock, but it can be a bit

more complex than that. Rocks form on the

surface of the earth through a process called

the rock cycle. A rock is an aggregate of

minerals and doesn't necessarily have a

chemical compound. Rock has the ability to transform and crystallize

into other forms. This is how crystals are made. Let’s take a second

look at the three main rock classifications.

*Igneous Rock – which is rock that has solidified from a molten state

when magma reaches the earth's surface and cools. Obsidian is an

example of an Igneous Rock.

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*Sedimentary Rock – which is compressed of particles on the earth's

surface forming layers. These layers sometimes trap fossils. Limestone

is an example of a Sedimentary Rock.

*Metamorphic Rock – is rock formed when existing rock undergoes

dynamic changes from natural activity within the earth such as heat

and pressure. Quartz and Kyanite are examples of metamorphic

rock. Quartz can be formed from any of the three classifications.

Gems

A gemstone is basically any mineral that is used for personal

adornment. Though gemstones carry healing properties, they are

often small and expensive therefore not as common for energy work

as larger tumbled and rough stones. Gemstones can also include

non-crystal, organic material such as Amber, Jet and Pearl.

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The Power of Crystals

Crystals are different from anything else on the planet. Because

crystals form within the earth under extreme heat and pressure, the

atoms are squeezed together into an organized pattern forming a

lattice as we just discussed. This lattice then determines what shape

the crystal will have. Because the atomic arrangement of a crystal is

near perfect, it creates a direct connection to perfect Source

energy. We humans are in constant need of stability because our

energy constantly shifts depending on certain influences around us

at a particular moment. Everything from the phase of the moon, the

colors we wear and the food we eat to the people we are around,

the weather outside and what area on the planet we are located in

influences us in some way. When a person is constantly shifting and

vulnerable to every energetic influence they encounter, positive or

negative, it makes it extremely difficult to focus and align with the

higher self. Bringing something with a strong, stable energy that

reflects that of Universal, Source or Divine energy like crystals into the

personal space of an energetically vulnerable human, the human

will begin to align with that of Source or Divine energy as well. Plus,

balance is the key to optimum health and well-being.

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There is no set proof that crystals can heal or do anything other than

sit there and look pretty and crystal healing itself is based on the very

subtle energies of crystals. In my personal opinion, crystals cannot

heal on any significant level as most physical ailments and illness are

anything but subtle, therefore outside the rage of what crystals can

influence. Crystals CAN however create balance within the mind,

body and spirit and balance is the key to optimum health and well-

being.

The Mystical, Magical & Metaphysical

The Magical

Scientists and doctors usually want documented and proven

beyond a reasonable doubt results before they will support a

medical theory or process, and this is understandable to a certain

degree as they are dealing with people's lives and well-being,

however, science hasn't caught up to everything and it is primitive to

think otherwise. Some of us spiritual folk like to call these unexplained

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happenings magic . I mean, an iPad would have been considered

“magic” just 50 years ago. To require a scientific explanation for

everything is extremely limiting. Just imagine if Albert Einstein had

refused to see beyond what was already explained. Physics wouldn't

be what it is today.

The Mystical

Much of the “unexplained” revolves around spirituality. Fortunately

the integration of science and spirituality is becoming more and

more recognized today and more people are aware of alternative

healing methods such as those that focus on the subtle energies of

the body, like crystal healing. Spirituality that includes the awareness

of an ultimate source energy like God or Goddess through a direct

means of contact or communication is referred to as mysticism.

Mysticism can be practiced in prayer, meditation, or simply through

thought. Since crystals align with that of source energy, they are

able to provide that direct contact and communication with the

Divine, in whatever way you choose to perceive it.

The Metaphysical

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You have probably heard of the word metaphysical. It's used all the

time to describe everything from religious practices and energy work

to psychic abilities and even ghost hunting, which goes to show that

many are quite confused as to what the term actually means, more

specifically, the difference between metaphysical and New Age.

Metaphysics is a type of philosophy or way of understanding the

nature of reality and the relationships between things. New Age can

be described as a spiritual movement that has its basis in eclectic or

dogma-less religious identity. The New Age movement became

recognized in the 20th century and combines much of Eastern

mysticism with Western occultic practices and religious beliefs. There

is really no set definition or way to describe New Age because the

whole movement is based on just that, no definition or set way of

practice or belief.

The Power of Intention

Intention is the most important part of working with the energetic

properties of crystals whether it be for relieving minor pain,

strengthening the mind or to manifest more money, an abundance

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of love or personal joy. By having a set intention, your subconscious

has a clear pathway for helping guide you to the manifestation of

what it is you desire.

Before you start working with crystals for any specific purpose, you

want to get specific in your intention. Spend some quiet time in self-

reflection, really exploring what is you want and hope to gain from

working with crystals. For example, if you are in desperate need of a

job, write down exactly what type of employment you wish to

acquire. Is there a specific company you would like to work for?

What are your monthly expenses and what are your salary

requirements? What are you skilled at? Do you have a degree or

special training in a certain area? Write all this out on a sheet of

paper until you have established a clear intention, complete with

details. Then speak out loud to yourself what your intention is. You

can say something like,

“I am wonderful with children of all ages but have a special bond

with preschoolers. I have a teaching degree and worked five years

in an elementary school teaching first and second graders as well as

experience as a daycare worker. I can give children the special

attention and love they need to grow and reach their goals and I

would fit in perfectly at “name the place you desire to work”. In

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order for me to give the most to my job, I must also be able to afford

my monthly living expenses which are “name dollar amount “ I

would require a salary of “name approximate dollar amount “ and I

desire a schedule of “ preferred work schedule”.

It is also important that when setting the details of your intention that

you think in realistic terms and be totally honest with yourself. You

must be willing to put forth the energy and work toward achieving

your goals as seriously much if not more than you give to your

intention itself. What setting an intention does is basically program

the information into your subconscious mind. Your subconscious

mind never forgets and stores all the answers to life's questions which

we can access through different means such as meditation and

crystal work. The subconscious mind works toward our goals even

when we are not consciously aware of it, such as during sleep and

times when your primary focus is on something else.

Once you have established your intention you can then begin to

seek out the crystals that will best assist you on achieving this goal. If

you have yet to work with crystals, you can use basic crystal profiles

and correspondences charts to give you a general idea of the

crystals that best influence your specific purpose. When it is time to

actually acquire the crystals, select at least three different varieties

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to experiment with. Just because Aventurine is helpful to many

people in manifesting financial abundance doesn't mean it will be

the ideal crystal for you. The only way you will know what crystals jive

with you and your intentions and which ones do not, is to open

yourself to experimentation. In another words, you won't know til ya

try!

7 Steps to Make It Happen

When it comes to practicing magic whether it be through crystals or

not, there are certain guidelines and steps that should be taken to

ensure that you get the most out of your work. The following is a very

simple yet important series of steps that when incorporated into your

magical work will help eliminate some of the main vulnerabilities that

often cause our intentions NOT to manifest.

1. Intention is key.

Before you move any further in your work you must have a solid

purpose of what you are performing the work for.

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2. Make it personal.

The more emotional attachment you have to your purpose the

more energy and intention you will have to fuel your work.

When you think about the purpose of your work, you should

feel it pull deep within your Solar Plexus area. To achieve a

desire though magic you cannot just simply hope for it to

manifest. You must not only NEED it to manifest but BELIEVE it

WILL manifest as well.

3. Knowledge is power

Know what you are doing and why. Each step you take in your

work you should be able to fully explain why and how it will

work. If your intention is to jump start your new business and you

are working with Garnet and patchouli incense, you need to

have a good understanding as to how these items influence

business success and WHY you chose to incorporate Garnet

burn Patchouli incense. “Because the spell book told me so” is

not a valid reasoning and if that is all you have to back your

work, don’t expect it to manifest in the way you want.

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4. Give it your all

When performing magic you must give 100% of yourself to your

work. Your mind, body and spirit must all be present in each

action and each step you take in aligning yourself with your

intention. This is why it is not recommended to perform energy

work when you are sick, exhausted or not mentally coherent as

these are uncontrollable limitations that can be destructive rather

than beneficial to your intention.

5. Be realistic

You can cast spells all day long to turn your ex-boyfriend into a

frog or sprout wings and fly away to the moon but it simply isn’t

going to happen. It is important that you desire be something

obtainable and possible in the physical world.

6. Shut up

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Keep your work to yourself. This is extremely important and a key

part of the Witches Creed. By telling others about your work you

are making yourself vulnerable to possible negative influences

which can inhibit the manifestation process. All it takes is just one

person with enough negative thought to throw you and your work

out of alignment with your intention.

7. Pursue your goal in the physical world

This is a step many overlook because it isn’t part of the mystical

magical fun found in the actual casting of a spell. Balance is

important in everything you do in life, especially in manifestation

and energy work. You represent the physical just as much as you

represent the spiritual therefore just as much time and energy

should be given to the physical aspect of achieving your desire as

given to the non-physical.

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The Crystal Buyer's Guide

When it comes to shopping for crystals, it can be

a fun and empowering experience or a total

disappointment if you go into it unprepared. As

someone who buys and sells crystals for a living, I

have experienced the best and worst of dealing

with other sellers. This includes determining what

crystals are or are not right for me, if a crystal is priced reasonably,

the quality of a crystal and one of the most frustrating

encounters…determining whether or not a crystal you are

considering is even real at all or simply a manifestation of dishonesty,

greed and ill intention, commonly known as a big, fat “FAKE”.

Unfortunately, the spiritual and metaphysical world is a breeding

ground for many frauds and scam artists. These people make their

money by playing on the ignorance of those new to crystals and the

desperation of many people who are struggling in life and in search

of spiritual guidance. This quick, non-bias, step-by-step guide will

help you be on your A game when shopping for crystals both in local

metaphysical stores and online.

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1. Establish your intention

Like we've already covered, intention is the most important part

of working with crystals and this includes acquiring them as well.

Grab a sheet of paper or better yet your crystal journal and at

the top of the page write the date and what it is you want to

acquire crystals for. Are you struggling with minor pain or

having a hard time breaking a bad habit? Do you have a

friend who you feel could benefit from crystal energy and you

want to choose a stone for them? Do you just want to browse

around and see what's out there or simply make yourself

available for the perfect crystal to call out to you? Even if you

don't have any specific purpose, write as much detail about

why you want to purchase a crystal at that particular moment.

2. Research

Research the crystals that best fit your intention. If you plan on

simply browsing crystals with no specific reason in mind, you

can skip this step however when you have a specific intention

in mind, it is good to have at least some idea of what crystals to

consider. If you are having issues relating to stress, browse

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through the rock glossary I have provided for you and look for

the crystal profiles that match up to stress relief such as Smoky

Quartz or Blue Lace Agate. Write down at least three different

crystals for consideration.

3. Set a budget

It isn't just likely that you will overspend on crystals, it is almost

guaranteed that you will spend more than you intended on

crystals. Why? Because crystals are magnetic and for the same

reason we are so drawn to them in energy work, we are

physically attracted to them as well. Shopping for crystals

creates a high for some people, myself included, and like any

addiction, once you set your eyes on the perfect piece and

bring it home as your companion, you

immediately want more. By setting a

budget, you give yourself the boundaries

needed to make overspending a bit less

likely. If you are going to a local rock

shop, hit the ATM first and withdrawal only

the amount of cash you can afford to

spend, nothing more. Then take the cards home and leave

them there. If you are shopping online, you really have no

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choice other than to tap into some good old fashioned self-

control.

4. Find a place to shop

Whether it be a local metaphysical shop, gem and mineral

show or an online crystal store, determine where you want to

start your crystal buying journey. Once you find the place, it is

time to get a feel for it.

5. Meet the seller.

Once you have established a place to shop, take some time to

meet the seller or shop owner. Even if you plan to buy online,

take the time to send an email to the seller and ask questions.

Give the seller a day or two to respond as we cannot always

reply to each and every email the same day, however, if the

website doesn't have an option to contact the store owner or

webmaster, leave. An online seller should always have a

contact option where potential buyers can communicate their

desires and ask questions regarding the crystal selection. A

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seller should never act put out or offended by your questions as

long as your questions are relevant to your intention. What I

mean by this is, avoid asking questions such as, “I want to start

a crystal store. Can you give me the names and contact

information of your wholesalers?” I receive questions like this

often and it puts the seller in an awkward place so stick with

questions regarding the seller's knowledge of crystals rather

than seek business advice. Another question sellers receive

often revolves around crystal cures for serious illnesses and

ailments. I personally do not offer crystal advice or even

promote my crystals for physical healing. If you or someone you

know has been diagnosed with cancer, HIV, or even a simple

stomach flu, seek medical advice from a licensed physician.

Crystals can be used in correspondence with conventional

therapy to promote the body’s natural healing abilities and

bringing about a sense of peace and acceptance by keeping

vibrations strong and resonating with health, but NEVER in

place of.

The following are a few red flags to be on the lookout for when

shopping for crystals. Of course if a seller falls into one of these

categories it does not guarantee that they are dishonest but it can

give you at least some insight into the possibilities that the seller isn’t

the one for you.

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*If you tell the seller your budget amount and they continue to sway

you toward crystals outside your budget, walk away.

*If a seller seems offended by your legitimate questions regarding

the crystals they are selling, it could indicate that assisting you in

finding the crystals right for you is not their primary concern. Leave.

*If a seller tries to talk you into purchasing a psychic reading,

expensive healing session or crystals you cannot afford or tell you

that in order to manifest your intention, you MUST purchase a specific

crystal and that no other crystal will work except that specific crystal,

walk away, Joe.

*The most accurate red flag detector is your own intuition. If

something about a crystal or a seller doesn't “feel” right, then it isn't

right for you. Just because you don't connect with a crystal doesn't

mean it is fake or that something is wrong with you, it just means that

particular one isn't right for you at this time. Always trust your gut

when it comes to shopping for crystals, or anything else for that

matter. Also remember that just because a crystal isn’t a complete

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fake doesn’t mean it hasn’t been enhanced in some unnatural way.

When it comes to crystals used in healing or for magical purposes,

Quartz tends to be the most commonly misrepresented, more

specifically clear Quartz. You can learn more about spotting fakes at

the-vug.com

Altered & Enhanced Crystals

Does Heated & Treated Mean Depleted?

Though a crystal may not be a complete fake, it may be artificially

enhanced. Many crystals in the gemstone trade are enhanced in

some way by artificial or purposeful means. It is up to you to use your

intuition to determine whether or not you choose to work with

altered stones. Let’s take a look at a few methods of enhancement

that you will probably encounter at some point in your crystal

journey.

http://the-vug.com/

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Heat Treatment

Many crystals when heated will change color or form. One of the

most common heat-treated crystals is Amethyst, which when heated

to a certain temperature turns to a golden color and is sold as

Citrine. Heating crystals is safe and does not change the crystal on a

molecular level but the color change does affect the healing

properties of the stone. For example, Amethyst in its original form is

violet in color linking it to the Third-Eye and Crown chakras, the

chakras that govern spirituality and psychic awareness. When

heated into Citrine, the golden color resonates with the Solar Plexus

chakra which is where individuality and willpower originate. Other

commonly heated crystals include:

Carnelian – When Carnelian is heated it turns a

deeper red color.

Ruby and Emerald – Raw Rubies and Emeralds

are usually found with cracks which makes

them brittle and hard to cut and shape.

Sometimes, especially with gemstones, a filler

or resin is heated along with the stone to fill in the cracks making the

stone more durable and resistant to breakage.

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*Tiger's Eye – Golden Tiger's Eye

turns red when heated taking it

from the protective and

strengthening power of the

golden variety to the sexually

empowerment and emotionally stabilizing power of the red variety.

*Aquamarine – When raw Aquamarine is heated,

much of the green is removed producing a more

attractive blue color.

Irradiation

Irradiation is when a crystal is subject to radiation

which changes the color and the energy of the

crystal. The earth also naturally irradiates crystals

however when a crystal is purposely subject to

radiation in order to change its appearance, the

amount of radiation still present within the stone is not known and

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though I proudly work with heat-treated crystals, I don't personally

don't care to take the risk with ones that have been subject to

irradiation. Some common irradiated crystals include:

*Smoky Quartz – When subject to radiation, clear Quartz or very light

smoky varieties will turn a dark brown to black color. Though the

result is quite beautiful, it isn't the same energetically as acquiring a

naturally black smoky Quartz, which is extremely rare.

*Amethyst – Amethyst is sometimes irradiated to achieve a deeper

violet color.

*Topaz – Is commonly irradiated as a way of color change most

often for gemstone purposes.

Dying

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Some crystals are dyed, usually for personal

adornment purposes. Though the safest and

most gentle method of enhancement, dyed

crystals do not look natural, easily fade when

exposed to sunlight and can leave behind

stains if the crystal comes in contact with

water. I personally do not work with dyed

crystals. Agates are often dyed to accentuate

their already beautiful and contrasting bands.

The Many Crystal Shapes & Formations

When selecting a crystal, you also have the option to select a

naturally formed or man-formed crystal tool such as a wand,

pendulum, geode or master Quartz crystal. Let’s take a look at some

of the most common natural and man-formed crystal

considerations.

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Geodes

Geodes are pockets of crystals that form from volcanic activity. As

hot lava erupts, it forms balls which cool on the outside. Inside these

balls, gasses promote crystal growth. Geodes can be as large as a

person to as small as a marble. When they are broken open, a

sparkling surprise awaits! Metaphysically,

geodes are great for containing and storing

energy, charging other crystals and for

personal transformation. They also make

great meditation aids and assist in deep self-

reflection and contemplation. Geodes can

be placed around the home or dwelling space to catch and

transform negative energies.

Clusters & Druse Crystals

Clusters are a group of similar crystals that are all

attached to the same base. They are perfect for

representing group cooperation, family

togetherness and promote harmony with the home and workplace.

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Work with clusters if you are a student who seeks to learn or a

teacher who needs guidance on where to offer your skills. When the

crystals of a cluster are too small to broken off individually, the cluster

is referred to as a druse. (other names include druzy, druze or druzie

though druse is the correct spelling) Druse

crystals form when tiny crystals grow on the

surface or within other crystals giving off

amazing sparkle. Quartz is the most common

type of druze however other minerals like

Chrysocolla and Garnet also form Druze

crystals. Drusys are excellent for bringing forth hidden talents, skills

and other greatness within the spirit. They help with spiritual growth

and are helpful to those who are making small steps toward

achieving goals of success rather than

jumping in head first.

Wands

A wand is basically an extension of one's

own energy. The energy within the body

flows through the arm and into the wand which then directs it

toward a specific location or to move the energy is a specific

direction. Wands with a crystal point work especially well for

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directing energy and are commonly used in circle casting. Circle

casting is when energy is intentionally drawn in a circular movement

to shield off unwanted influences. Magical

practitioners often cast circles to protect

sacred space and block out any energetic

interruptions which can negatively affect

energy work.

Another popular type of crystal wand is the

crystal massage wand. A massage wand usually has at least one

rounded end which can be used on pressure points and in

reflexology. The smooth, elongated structure of the wand can be

rolled along the body for a deep, healing massage or to relieve

tension, stress and minor aches and pains.

Spheres

When you think of a crystal sphere you probably

think of the crystal balls used by psychics and

witches, thanks to Hollywood's portrayal such as

the Wizard of Oz, to see into the future. Crystal balls are commonly

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used this way, which is referred to as gazing, or scrying when

performed on a dark reflective crystal. To gain insight into the future

or for an intuitive look into a particular aspect of one's life, find a

quiet space where you have at least fifteen minutes of uninterrupted

time, longer if you have never performed gazing exercises before.

Once you have your area established, sit comfortably with your

crystal ball in front of you, preferable even with and in front of your

Heart chakra. Next, look into the ball and focus on the very center

until your gaze softens, as it does when you daydream. Once your

gaze softens you will notice that blinking doesn't occur as often and

eyes can become dry and painful over time so allow yourself

moments to rest your eyes and keep them hydrated with drops if

need be beforehand. As you gaze into the crystal you will begin to

notice reflections and random images appear as the light and

reflections make contact and distort the natural cracks and any

inclusions within the crystal. When these images begin to emerge, it is

up to you to interpret and apply them to your life or the situation you

are attempting to gain insight into. Keep your crystal journal or a

small notebook on hand to record as much detail of your

experience as possible.

Crystal spheres can be used for other workings as well. Spheres are

smooth and symmetrical and give off an even emission of energy in

every direction making them great for space clearing and keeping

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the home or sacred space harmonized and in alignment with the

intention of the crystal. Depending on the variety of crystal sphere

you are using, you can enhance and amplify the energy of a space,

neutralize it or shield it against any unwanted and unwelcome

energies.

Pendulums

A pendulum is any weight suspended on a cord or chain that picks

up a continuous steady movement. Crystal

pendulums are commonly used in divination

and magical work to gain insight into specific

areas of one’s life. Though a pendulum doesn't

have to be made of crystal, working with a

crystal pendulum that is in alignment with the

issue you are seeking its guidance into will give

you a stronger and more accurate insight. For

example, if you are seeking out answers

regarding the fidelity of a lover or the truth of a

spouse, an Emerald pendulum would be an excellent choice

because it is the stone of fidelity and has energetic traits that align

with that of partnership and relationships.

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Depending on whom you ask, explanations vary as to why

pendulums work so well for divination. In my own personal

experience and opinion, pendulums work as a trigger for the

subconscious, which holds all the answers to our life's questions. We

are born into this physical dimension with everything we could

possibly need to understand life. Unfortunately, people usually lose

the majority of these amazing abilities and understandings as

children after being constantly told that focus should stay in the

rational and realistic physical world rather than opening up and

strengthening the spiritual aspects of the self. Even though we are

not always consciously aware of what we hold deep inside, our

subconscious always knows and never forgets and a pendulum

works as a key for unlocking these abilities so they can be applied to

our life.

Many people who first work with a pendulum often describe the

experience as feeling like they are moving the pendulum with their

mind. The reason for this is because they ARE moving it with their

mind! When we move our arms and legs, we do so thanks to the

central nervous system and physical responses that occur due to

communication between the brain and the body however when the

arm and hand is holding a pendulum, the subconscious mind takes

over and becomes responsible for sending the signals to the arm

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and hand in order to move the pendulum in the right direction. This is

called an ideomotor response.

How to Use a Pendulum

To use a pendulum, you will need to have at least fifteen minutes of

uninterrupted time in a quiet place. Using your prominent arm, rest

your elbow on a solid, flat surface and hold the pendulum between

your first finger and thumb as still as possible. Once you feel

grounded, centered and ready to begin, ask the pendulum to show

you the answer for “no” and watch the movement. You will begin to

notice a slight movement of the pendulum. Pay close attention to

what direction the pendulum is moving then bring it to a stop once

again. Next, ask the pendulum to show you “yes” and again, wait for

its response. It should move in a different direction or in the same

direction but in a different pattern. Now that you have your answers,

it is time to bring the pendulum still and ask it your first question. As

you ask each question and take note of the “yes” or “no” direction,

write it down in your crystal journal. Be sure to bring the pendulum to

a complete stop before proceeding to the next question.

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Pendulums are fun and easy to master but like anything in life,

practice makes perfect. Experiment with different crystal pendulums

until you find one that works best for you or you can put together a

divination set containing three to five pendulums, each for different

types of energy work.

Pyramids

Pyramids are a symbol of strength and

ascension. This formation not only holds

great prominence in Egypt, but is widely

considered a sacred shape. Wide and strong at the base then slowly

tapering to a point of destination at the top, crystal pyramids are

perfect for anyone who has trouble setting and accomplishing

goals, needs extra structure, organization or stability in life.

Palm & Meditation Stones

Palm stones, or meditation stones as I call

them, are very large palm to fist size

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polished stones that can be used during meditation as a focal point

or intention guide, displayed on an altar to align the energy of your

sacred space with that of the crystal, carried for protection, placed

on your desk at work or near the bed as you sleep to enhance

dreams. The possibilities when it comes to palm stones are endless.

Worry Stones

Worry stones smooth, polished stones that

are a bit smaller than palm stones and are usually flat, round or oval

in shape. Some worry stones have a slight indention on one side

where your thumb can be placed which creates a comfortable grip

in the hand that can trigger pressure points calming stress and

anxiety. Worry stones also make great dream stones because their

flat shape and smooth surface fits well under the pillow or inside a

pillow case.

Crystal Eggs

The egg shape is one of balance and unity. It is also a symbol for

fertility and re-birthing. Crystal eggs are crystals that have been

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polished and formed into an egg shape and are often collected

and displayed on stands. Crystal eggs can be used during

meditation to integrate polar energies and maintain focus on unity

and togetherness. To work with an egg shaped crystal, hold with the

smaller end upwards toward the Crown chakra and the wide

rounded end pointing downward with both hands. This establishes

balance and the connection between yin/yang energies. Crystal

eggs can also be used in massage and reflexology.

Animal Carvings

Certain stones make great material for

carving figurines such as skulls and animals. A

crystal carved animal is a great way to

connect with your totem animal or

encourage a specific animal's energetic traits and symbolic

characteristics within you. For example, if transformation is your goal

a butterfly or lizard carving would be ideal to have on hand. For

flexibility and flow, work with a fish carving and to enhance speed

and agility a cheetah carving would be perfect. The following are

just a few basic animal spirit meanings and characteristics:

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Alligator – survival, patience & quick action

Ant – determination, teamwork & patience

Armadillo – security, protection & stability

Bat – longtime, mystery & privacy

Bear - resourcefulness, healing & strength

Bee – organization, production & wisdom

Butterfly – personal transformation, beauty & drastic change

Camel – endurance, accomplishment & survival

Cat – sexuality, beauty & spirituality

Cheetah – swift action, insightful & agility

Cow – patience, focused & nurturing

Crow – justice, creativity & change

Dog – loyalty, guidance & learning

Dolphin – kindness, emotion & sexuality

Dragon – prosperity, strength & personal power

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Eagle – Sacrifice, spirit & courage

Elephant – strength, affection & overcoming obstacles

Fish – open-mindedness, grace & flexibility

Fox – cunning, freedom & diplomacy

Frog – cleansing, re-birthing & adaptability

Hawk – victory, illusion & messages

Horse – freedom, stamina & imagination

Lion – family, energy & protection

Owl – clairvoyance, insight & adaptability

Panther – protection, standing up for oneself & guidance

Raven – courage, wisdom & introspection

Scorpion – transformation, inspiration & passion

Shark – survival, protective & fearlessness

Snake – re-birthing, impulsive & passive aggressiveness

Swan – grace, balance & love

Tiger – power, stamina & leadership

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Turtle – nurturing, shyness & protection

Unicorn – unity, dreams & innocence

Wolf – perseverance, intuition & success

Crystal Jewelry

One of the easiest ways to immerse yourself in

crystal energy is to wear them. There are many

unique and beautiful ways to adorn yourself in

crystals and depending on where you choose to

wear your stones, what metal your stones are set

in and what chakras your stones align with can

create a wonderful healing and spiritual experience.

When it comes to selecting a piece of crystal jewelry, you will

first...can you guess? Establish your intention! Why are you interested

in crystal jewelry? Is there a specific are of the body you wish to bring

crystal energy in contact with? Do you want a piece that reflects

who you are spiritually or emotionally? What about romantically or

sexually? Use the chakra map as a guideline for selecting a piece of

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jewelry and where to display your jewelry. We will get more into

chakras later but in the mean time, use the following guide:

*For issues relating to physical health, stability, security and

materialism wear red, brown or black stones like Garnet, Obsidian,

Black Tourmaline, Smoky Quartz and Red Jasper low on the body

such as in belts, waist bands, navel rings, anklets or bracelets and

rings. When the arms rest at the side, the stones will be in the area of

the Base chakra which governs the physical body and stability.

*Orange stones like Carnelian, orange Calcite and Tangerine Quartz

in the form of bracelets, rings, navel rings and low hanging pendants

work best on issues related to sexuality, emotion and personal

pleasure.

*Yellow and gold stones like Citrine, Pyrite and golden Calcite

activate the Solar Plexus chakra governing individuality, willpower

and immune health. Try wearing these stones in the form of low

hanging pendants, bracelets or rings.

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*One of the easiest areas to access by wearing crystals is the Heart

chakra. Pendants that contain green or pink stones like Watermelon

Tourmaline, Rose Quartz, Emerald and Dioptase work best for issues

relating to self-love, relationships and empathy.

*The Throat chakra is best activated using blue stones like Lapis

Lazuli, blue Kyanite and Sodalite worn in the form of a choker or high

hanging pendants and earrings. The Throat chakra governs

communication, self-expression and health issues related to the ears,

nose and throat.

*The Third-Eye or Brow chakra as it is also called is located above

and between the eyebrows and is best activated with dark blue to

indigo stones like Charoite, Sugilite and Dumortierite. The Third-Eye is

best accessed by wearing headbands or earrings.

*The Crown chakra is probably the most difficult to reach wearing

stones unless you choose to wear a tiara. A headband with a white

or violet stone like clear Quartz, Amethyst or Moonstone that rests

over the forehead can also be used to access and align the Crown

chakra.

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Metals

Another consideration is the metal a stone is set in. Metals contain

their own unique energetic properties and can enhance the healing

abilities of stones in the right combinations.

Gold is the master metal. It is masculine in energy and stimulates the

masculine qualities in stones. It is best used in correspondence with

stones used for leadership, personal power, assertiveness, sexuality,

standing up for oneself, strength and stamina. Gold works well with

stones like Lapis Lazuli, Sunstone and Tiger's Eye.

Silver is the feminine metal with a soothing, lunar energy. Silver

balances jewelry that contains more than one type of crystal and

doesn't interfere or block any of the crystal energy. Silver works best

in correspondence with stones used for intuition, spirituality,

motherhood, healing and calming like Moonstone and Selenite.

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Copper is the conductive metal that stimulates

and activates all stones without interference or

blocking the healing effects. It stabilizes the

energies of multiple stones in one piece of

jewelry and amplifies the body's own natural

healing abilities.

Shape

The shape of a stone has a strong influence on its energetic traits as

well and can be a consideration when selecting a piece of jewelry.

Square stones are symmetrical and represent organization and

structure. Square stones are ideal for issues relating to balance,

stability, business success, strength and direct focus.

Oval stones represent the unity of opposing energies like yin and

yang, masculine and feminine, light and dark, sky and land. Oval

shaped stones are ideal for integrating energies, balancing polarities

and connecting with the oneness of the Universe. An oval shaped

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ring or pendant can be worn establish a romantic relationship,

enhance attraction between a male and a female or in same sex

relationships, an oval shaped stone can help merge the feminine

qualities and the masculine qualities within each person creating a

stronger and more balanced connection and overall relationship.

Circular stones also symbolize unity, the merging of energies and

completion. Circles, rather than integrate polarities like oval shapes,

integrate a variety of energies. Circles represent group cooperation,

completion of projects, goals and symbolize unity in an even and

complete perspective.

Triangular stones symbolize strong foundations and ascension. The

wide base represents the solid foundation needed to ascend in any

area of life and the slow taper to a point is reflected in spiritual

growth and enlightenment. A triangular shaped stone is ideal for

anyone seeking to achieve difficult goals, overcome obstacles or

gain strength to emerge from a place of struggle and negativity.

Faceted stones have many faces that are cut and polished to reflect

light for high sparkle and beauty. Faceted stones represent steps

and are ideal for those needing structure and guidance in life. The

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stone symbolizes achievement and overcoming struggles by taking

one day at a time and through a step-by-step approach. The

complexity of a multifaceted stone also reflects the difficulties in life

and each step taken to overcome and a rise above the obstacles.

The Seven Primary Stones

Every crystal healer, author and teacher has his or her own

recommendations as to the must have crystals every beginner

should start with. The following are my primary recommendations

that I base from the seven chakras as each chakra is linked to a

primary aspect of the self.

Clear Quartz

If I could have only one crystal to use in my

spiritual practice, it would be clear Quartz. Clear

Quartz works as a default crystal and can be programmed for

just about any intention however it works especially well for

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enhancing and empowering the energetic properties of other

crystals.

Amethyst

Amethyst is named from the Greek words for “not

drunken” and is still considered a stone of sobriety

and recovery today. Amethyst is linked to the

Third-Eye chakra making it ideal for those just starting out on a

new spiritual path as it stimulates psychic awareness, spiritual

development and enhances intuitive abilities.

Lapis Lazuli

Lapis Lazuli was a favorite among the ancient

Egyptians and is linked to the Throat chakra.

Lapis Lazuli is excellent for confidence and self-

assurance and makes a wonderful aid for communication and

counteracting shyness.

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Rose Quartz

Rose Quartz is the ultimate stone of

unconditional love and emotional healing. Its

gentle and calming energy is especially

soothing to children and Rose Quartz helps one overcome

even the deepest emotional trauma.

Citrine

Citrine is energizing and cleansing. Citrine helps

boost creativity, happiness and sexual confidence

and promotes optimism and self-worth.

Red Jasper

Red Jasper is a stone of independence and

sexuality. It has a strong link to the Sacral chakra,

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the chakra that governs sexuality and emotions. This stone is perfect

for those who are co-dependent on others, clingy or fearful of being

alone.

Tiger’s Eye

Tiger’s Eye is strong, protective and masculine in

energy. This stone makes a great grounding tool for

those who tend to daydream too much or feel

spacey and unfocused.

The 7 Secondary Stones

Once you become comfortable working with the seven

primary stones, you will then want to expand your practice and

begin working with the following secondary stones.

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Moonstone

Moonstone has a strong, feminine energy that

helps relieve feelings of anxiety, abandonment,

depression and anger. It can be used to promote

fertility and is a must for all female Crystalists.

Blue Lace Agate

Blue Lace Agate is a light blue stone with bands of

white and has a very calming energy. Blue Lace

Agate is perfect for anyone with anger issues,

aggression and those suffering from severe anxiety, panic

attacks or mood swings.

Green Aventurine

Green Aventurine is a variety of Quartz that makes

a wonderful aid in expansion and growth in all

areas of life. It helps the heart heal after the

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betrayal of a loved one, a breakup or any other emotional

stress and protects the heart against future pain.

Carnelian

Carnelian is named from the Latin word

carnis, meaning “flesh” and was once

considered “The Blood of Isis” by the ancient

Egyptians. Carnelian is a stone of focus, concentration and

vitality.

Bloodstone

Bloodstone is extremely grounding and has a

romantic quality that can be used to attract a

soul mate, increase sexuality and also detoxifies

the mind, body and spirit.

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