Welcome to part 3 of the Crystal Series. In part 3 I will talk about how to pick out your crystals to suit whatever needs you have, the different ways oh how they can be used, as well as how to cleanse your crystals before you use them. At the very end I will include the safety precautions regarding certain crystals, gemstones and minerals. 

If you are new to this series, and this is where you are starting, I recommend starting at the beginning 

Part 1: A brief history of crystals

https://www.crossingtheveils.com/blog/1923885_crystals-pt-1-a-brief-history 

Part 2: Summary of uses

https://www.crossingtheveils.com/blog/1923908_crystals-pt-2-summary-of-uses 

If you have any questions about any of the information that you see in this blog posting, leave us a comment in the comment section below, or you can also send us an email, and we will be more than happy to answer your questions. 

Click the link below to be taken to our group page on Facebook, and join a growing community of like minded people. 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/279281968511810 

How to pick out crystals that suit your needs

Picking out your crystals can seem like a daunting task at times, especially if you are new to using crystals for their various uses. I have been using crystals for the past 20 years, and sometimes I cant decide if I am out somewhere that sells crystals because I have to get a crystal from everywhere I visit. My soon to be Mother-in-law, came to visit us and she spent a couple days trying to figure out which ones she wanted from my shop, So I had to work with her and explain the process of picking them out. It is very easy to over think it, and it can even be stressful at times. Picking out crystals is actually a simple process, and becomes easier the more you do it. 

When I am picking out crystals to add to my personal collection, I go based off of what I am drawn to. An important thing to know is that if you doubt a certain stone, even just a little bit, then that usually means that one is not for you. Secondly, if it is one that you keep finding yourself drawn to, that is usually a good indication that stone, is one that you need for a certain aspect. Now, there is two ways you can approach the situation. You can identify what you are needing, whether it be for protection, luck, self love or anything else you may need. once you decide that, you can research into what stones work for whatever your need is. Now when it comes to picking out a particular stone, follow your intuition. Sometimes you will get lucky, and as soon as you make contact you will feel its energy. Sometimes, it will be a pulse of energy that you feel when you pick it up. Sometimes the stone will vibrate or pulse in your hand as you hold it. You could pick up a stone and a feeling of warmth washes over your body, or a certain stone makes you giggle or feel happy.

Ultimately, I can't tell you what it is supposed to feel like to you. That is something that only you will know. Crystals speak to people in different ways. Something to think about is, When you picked up the stone, did you feel differently when you picked it up versus before picking it up? When you picked a particular stone up, did you see a different one that caught your attention more than the one you picked up? Like i said, The more you do it, the easier it will become. Another thing to keep in mind, if you see one you like, but you want to see if there is any others, that is an indication that stone is not meant to be used for what you need it for. 

Another method you can use if you find that you are having a little difficulty picking out a stone, take a stone and hold it in your power hand (dominant hand). If you are right handed your power hand will be your right hand and vise versa. Close your hand around the stone and hold it. What do you feel? It may also help to close your eyes. When you handle a crystal, you will know. Don't go and just buy some random stone because you need that kind of crystal. Let your intuition guide you. Its a little bit of teamwork. The crystal will let you know, you just have to listen.

How to cleanse your crystals before use

When I say cleanse your crystals before using them, I'm not talking about putting them in the sink and washing them with Dawn. You can however, wash them but this is not necessary. It can also be dangerous depending on the crystal. I have included a list of stones that can become toxic when water is introduced. When I say cleanse your crystals, I am referring to cleansing the energy from the crystals. When people visit places there is a transference of energy, the same can be said for items that are touched, especially items that were previously owned by someone. I am not going to get into cleansing a location or items you bring into your home, but if you want to learn about that click the link below and you will be directed to my blog about smudging technique.

https://www.crossingtheveils.com/blog/1710217_smudging-herbs-and-procedure 

Now, Cleansing your crystals is essentially resetting the energies of your crystals, and there are several methods of doing this. It is said that certain crystals like Citrine, Selenite and Kyanite are self cleansing, and that these crystals release negative energies on their own. But intuitively I know that it is important to cleanse all of your crystals. Even Selenite, with its high vibrations, I still cleanse and charge my Selenite.

1. Return it to the earth. It makes sense that burying them outside in the dirt would cleanse the energies. This allows the crystals to re-develop their connection to the earth and it is a simple process. Dig a hole big enough for the crystals, place them in the hole and push the dirt over them. You want to leave them buried for at least 24 hours. You also want it to be in a location where no one is going to disturb them, and you probably want to check the weather to make sure rain is not expected depending on the crystals. Certain stones dissolve in water and certain stones become toxic when water is introduced. See the list below. Now, I realize that this is not possible for some people like those in multi-story apartments. But there is a solution for this.  If you take a bag and are able to find somewhere where you can collect some dirt. Somewhere like a forest type area, somewhere that has not been claimed by man. When you get it home, put it in a pot on your balcony. Place your crystals in this just like you would if you were burying them in your yard. When you are done with the process, I recommend returning the dirt to the location that it was taken from. 

2. Sage/Palo Santo Another great option, is to sage your crystals. This will cleanse the built up energies on the crystals and restore it to its natural energy. This is a great option when you plan to charge your crystals under the full moon. This can be done a couple different ways. Option 1: Light your sage and once its burning good, blow out the flame and make sure the smoke is billowing. Take your crystals and hold them in the smoke and visualize the energies of the stone are being cleansed away and reset. Repeat the process until all of your crystals are cleansed. Option 2: Place your crystals on a flat surface. Bonus points if you lay it on a saucer of sea salt. With your smudge stick lit and smoke billowing, waft the smoke over the crystals with your hand, feather or whatever you have. As with the first option of smudging your crystals you will want to visualize the energies of your crystals being reset.

3. Selenite this crystal is a self cleanser, and because of that, you can use it to cleanse your crystals as well. this is an option that is great for people that live in a shared space and are unable to burn Sage or Palo Santo.  

How to charge your crystals

Light of the Full Moon I have a table outside in my back yard that I sit my crystals out on. I lay mine out on a tray on the table that way its easier to move them outside and back inside the next day. As for placement, I put then in direct line of the full moon, but sometimes it could be a cloudy night. That doesn't matter, your stones will still be charged by the moon. Before putting them outside to charge under the light of the full moon you will want to cleanse your crystals with the smudging method.

Different ways to utilize your crystals

Now that you've picked out your crystals, its time to discuss the different ways you can use your crystals for their benefits.

* It is important to know your crystals. There are some that dissolve when they come in contact with water like Selenite and Tourmaline. There are some that are Toxic, like Galena, Galena is lead and is toxic. I will do my best to provide you with the necessary information. 

Mala or prayer beads

Mala or prayer beads are something that you can wear around your neck, or worn on the wrist. Mala Beads are are Buddhist meditation beads that are used during meditation to count the repetitions of mantras or other sacred chanting. Prayer beads or the Catholic Rosary is essentially the same thing, and they are both used in similar ways. These are worn to inspire positive feelings, like hope, courage or peace. I personally have mala beads that I wear on a daily basis. During the day I wear it as a necklace, and at night when I go to sleep I wear it as a bracelet. The standard mala beads are made with 108 beads, which is the quantity of repetitions when speaking the Buddhist/Sanskrit mantras. It also includes a Guru Bead is located at the end of the mala. This bead is not counted as part of the 108 repetitions of mantra. At the end is usually a tassel, or some kind of charm. The rosary is similar to Mala beads first originated in the 8th Century BCE. The rosary was first created between the 12th and 15th centuries. 

Jewelry

Wearing them as jewelry can incorporate crystals into your daily routine and wardrobe. From rings to necklaces to earrings, there are plenty of options. I have tons of jewelry from necklaces, to bracelets to rings that wear based off of my mood for that day. 

Coasters

You can find stunning coasters made from genuine gemstones. Ones made with agate stone are believed to help promote balance and harmony within the home.

In your pocket or home or car

Another great option is to carry them with you. This can be in your pocket, purse or bra. You can carry them loose or in a small pouch. I recommend carrying them in a pouch as carrying them loose can result in the loss of crystals or the chance of them breaking if they fall and hit the ground. I also have tons of crystals scattered throughout the house. All three bedrooms, both bathrooms, the living room, Kitchen and dining room. Another great place to keep them is in the car as well. You can keep them in a pouch, loose in the console, cup holder or under the seat for protection from travelling.

Smoking Pipes

Now within the past few years there has been a craze of smoking cannabis out of pipes carved out of crystal. This is something that I do not recommend because crystals contain minerals like aluminum, so smoking out of crystal pipes may have certain effects on health. But I am not here to tell you what to do with with your body, and you can do what ever you choose.

Water Bottles

This is another "Newer" Trend. Crystal-infused water bottles contain either a pod to put crystals, kind of like the fruit infusion water bottles, or i have seen some that where the crystals are mounted to the base of the water bottle. It is thought that drinking water from these bottles offers increased benefits of the stones. I am neither for or opposed to this, as this can give the idea that any crystal can be used in this manner, which is not the case. Some stones like Selenite or tourmaline dissolve in water, and there are some stones that become toxic once exposed to water. Malachite, Pyrite and Fluorite are 3 such crystals. Malachite and Fluorite can release toxic materials into water and Pyrite when wet can release sulfuric acid and arsenic into water making the water unsafe to touch or ingest.

Sex Toys

Not sure how long this trend had been around, and I was just as surprised as you are right now. Crystal sex toys are designed to mix their metaphysical energies with your sensual energies. This is something that I suggest not trying, as mentioned before, certain crystals can become toxic when wet. That being said Crystals are also a porous to semi-porous material. This means bacteria can get inside or be absorbed by the toy, even after being cleaned, which can lead to infection. 

Crystals Stones that can/might become toxic with prolonged exposure to water. This includes: soaking for extended periods of time, swimming, showering or bathing in the tub.

Temporary exposure to water like washing hands is generally safe. 

Dry handling these crystals, or crystals specifically cut or made for the use of jewelry such as beads or faceted gemstones is generally safe. This does not include stones/minerals that are considered dangerous to handle which I have listed in another section below.

1. Actinolite: fibrous form of asbestos
2. Amazonite: contains copper which is toxic
3. Angelite: contains lead and sulfur
4. Azurite: contains copper
5. Chrysocolla: contains copper
6. Garnet: contains Aluminium
7. Hematite: contains iron and will rust when submerged
8. Labradorite: contains Aluminium
9. Lapis Lazuli: contains sulfur
10. Lodestone: contains iron and will rust
11. Malachite: contains copper
12. Pyrite: contains iron and traces of sulfur
13. Serpentine: fibrous form of asbestos
14. Shungite can release toxic heavy metals like nickel, copper, zinc, lead, arsenic, and cadmium
15. Stibnite: contains lead and antimony
16. Tiger's Eye: raw Tiger's Eye is a fibrous form of asbestos
17. Unakite: contains Aluminium and may also contain Zirconium, which is radioactive
18. Zircon: contains Zirconium (radioactive)
19. Fluorite:
20. Lepidolite
21. Opal

As a general rule, any stone or crystal that ends in "its" is generally unsafe to add to water.

Crystals, Gemstones and minerals to toxic to touch