If you’re yet to pick up a crystal as part of your manifestation journey, autumn is the perfect time to start. Here’s how to incorporate crystals into your journaling and meditation practices.
Crystal healing is probably something you’ve heard of but aren’t quite sure about — and we don’t blame you. Reiki, manifestation and meditation are all quite ‘out there’ when it comes to self-help, but there’s no doubt that more and more people are preaching their benefits.
I’ve dabbled in other forms of spiritual work before, like smudging and reiki, but crystals seem like a big investment, and despite my own research, I didn’t initially understand a whole lot about the process. In fact, I often ended up more confused than I was before I started.
So, I sat down with the experts to find out which crystals to get, and what to do with them once I had them.
Read more: Why you should start journaling
What’s the first thing I should do with a crystal?
The first step when you get a crystal, even if you’re purchasing a brand new one, is to cleanse it. “It’s just a way of clearing any energy the crystal may have picked up on its journey,” explains Vicky Rawcliffe, a numerology and wellness expert.
For water-safe crystals, you can place them under running water for a few minutes or leave them in sunlight or moonlight for a few hours. “You can also simply set the intention that it’s clear and ready to use,” Vicky adds.
How do I use my crystal?
“When we talk about ‘working with crystals’, we simply mean using them intentionally as supportive tools,” says Vicky.
This sounds vague, but Vicky goes on to explain that having a crystal in your pocket or bag, on your desk at work or holding it as you meditate or journal can help to remind you of your intention for the day. “The key is using your crystal in a way that feels supportive to you,” she adds.
Read more: What are the health benefits of sound baths?
Which crystals do I need?
We now know what to do with the crystal once we have it, but which crystal should we buy? Crystal healer Natasha Longman explains that each crystal has a different purpose, and you can choose certain crystals to help you at specific times of the year.
“Crystals are a beautiful way to align with cycles,” she says. “Currently, I’m suggesting four crystals that are especially supportive to my clients: citrine, tourmalinated quartz, smoky quartz and carnelian.”
“Citrine is known as the stone of success,” says Vicky. Natasha adds that it helps to clear away heaviness or self-doubt — ideal as we start a new season and school year. “Citrine is perfect for times when you need motivation, clarity or simply a boost of optimism.”
Read more: “I tried smudging my home – this is why you should do it, too”
How can my crystal help me?
Jyoti Sheath is the founder of Not Another London, a fashion brand centred around crystals. Having started her journey with crystals over three years ago, Jyoti describes them as helping her to feel “waves of calmness and stillness”.
“I have a big bowl of crystals next to my front door,” she explains. “If I ever feel like I’m not the strongest version of me, I pick one on instinct that appeals to me as I’m grabbing my keys and heading out.”
I don’t know if I feel convinced enough to start buying crystals just yet, but much like smudging and journaling, they represent taking time and thinking about yourself, which — in my opinion — is certainly worth the investment.
Feature image: Pexels
