The wellness craze has proven itself to be way more than another passing trend—even the term craze evokes something too fleeting—it’s a movement and for more and more people, a way of life. With that, some surprising things have been thrust into the mainstream. We’re looking at you: crystals. While we can all understand the power of yoga, the healing energy of a stone, though pleasing to look at, may be harder for some of us to wrap our heads around.
But like matcha and mindfulness, crystals have proven their staying power, and we’re curious to learn more. So, we asked Heather Askinosie, the co-author of Crystal Muse, which she describes as a recipe book where crystals are the main ingredient, to help us dip our toes in these alluring waters. Askinosie has been studying with healers all over the world for over 25 years and is now a leading influencer of crystals and other holistic practices in her own right. She believes that crystals are tools from the earth that can help us grow and expand. “They are meant for anyone who is open, willing and curious to venture onto the path of bringing more balance, happiness, love and/or harmony into life,” she says.
When used in rituals or simply carried or held, crystals can
supposedly help summon certain things in one’s life. Askinoise says the best
way to use or “connect with a crystal” is to hold it in your hands and breath.
“By holding and seeing it, you are working with your crystal,” she explains.
There is no specific amount of time or way to do it, but some people like to
hold one while they meditate, carry a crystal around with them in their purse,
or place one under their pillow.
To get started, think about what you want to achieve, then
head to the crystal shop. “Finding the right stone is like any practice of
wellness,” says Askinosie. “It requires patience while you quiet the mind. She
suggests holding the stone in your hand and quietly thinking of your intention.
Notice if you feel sensations such as hot or cold, pulsations, or calmness and
tranquility—these are signs this rock is perfect for your healing needs.
This of course doesn’t mean you’re limited to just one, and
it’s quite likely that once you get bitten by the crystal bug, you’ll soon have
a collection—and if you’re not healed in the process, at least they’ll look
gorgeous on your mantel. Ahead, Askinosie lays out six crystals that we could
all use in our lives and explains the power that lies within each.
Selenite
If you’re feeling like you need a detox or a reset, selenite
is said to have the power to cleanse and purify. “The pure, high vibrational
energy of selenite is like liquid light,” says Askinoise. “As it flows through
your space, it brightens the energy of everyone and everything within it.” This
milky stone will help shift your own energy into a higher space. According to
Askinoise, raising your vibration in such a way, will also help keep feelings
of grief, fear, anger and anxiety at bay.
Amethyst
Amethyst is like a spa in a stone—it holds the kind of
relaxing energy that we could all use after a long day. “It will not only help
your body give into innate desires like sound sleep and relaxation, but it will
also work with your third eye to balance the mind with insightful solutions to
problems.” Anything that can help soothe stress and anxiety and ease us into
sleep has our vote, plus it’s pretty gorgeous.
Clear Quartz
Clear quartz is one of the most popular crystals, and is said
to intensely resonate with the body. “It’s a universal healer and has the
ability to manifest intentions unlike any other crystal,” says Askinoise. Not
surprisingly, the clear stone is all about clarity. If you’re looking for
answers (aren’t we all?), this one may call to you. “For those whose spirit
needs illumination, clear quartz will bring clarity to the shadows within the
mind.”
Pyrite
Often referred to as “Fool’s Gold,” pyrite may not have the
monetary value of its doppelgänger, but it’s still a treasure. In addition to
attracting wealth, abundance and good luck, it’s believed to hold a strong
protective energy and can help you check in with yourself. “It’s reflective
nature is more than just physical,” says Askinoise. “It has the ability to show
you which behaviors are holding you back and can elevate your consciousness to
be more aware of what you need to change.”
Rose Quartz
This stone is all about love. It will open up your heart to
whatever kind of love you’re in need of—whether it’s self-love, familial love,
friendship or romantic love. It can also help tame the toxic emotions that can
accompany some of these types of love. “Rose quartz will send a flush of
compassion, happiness, forgiveness and peace through you,” says Askinoise.
“With this sense of release, your spirit can be free of petty negativity.”
Fluorite
If you’re in one of those cycles where it feels like one
thing bad keeps happening after another, this rainbow stone might be just what
you need. Fluorite is an absorbent crystal that is said to neutralize all of
the negativity around it. “Let fluorite guide you from a state of anxiety to
one of tranquility by cleansing both your mind and environment,” says
Askinoise. She suggests sleeping near it or meditating with it to ensure
harmony between the mind, body and spirit.
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