Crystals have been sought after and treasured for thousands of years. People have used them, not just as jewelry or for decorations, but also for their healing and protective powers. Many people believe that various crystals can both absorb and emit energy that can be harnessed for healing and other uses.

As crystals have the ability to absorb both positive and negative energy, it is important to cleanse and recharge them before using them. There are several easy methods for cleansing crystals. You can hold them under running water for several minutes. You can also place them in a container of salt water for an hour or two. If you cannot or do not want to get your crystal wet, simply place your crystal in a container of salt for several hours.

Once your crystal is cleansed, it is important to recharge it and to also activate it for your own intentions. To recharge your crystal, simply place it in direct sunlight or moonlight for several hours. You are then ready to activate your stone with your own intention. Do this by holding your crystal in your hands and picturing light surrounding your hands and the crystal while you focus on how you will use your crystal or what type of energy you hope your crystal will bring to you.

Different types of crystals are best used for certain types of healing or energy. Two very popular and well-known crystals are rose quartz and amethyst. Rose quartz is most often used for matters involving love or romance. It can be used to draw love towards you, as well as to enhance and support existing relationships. It is good for emotional healing and for healing a broken heart. Amethyst, a purple stone, is a very spiritual gem and is useful during meditation and for enhancing and remembering dreams. It can assist with visualization and may help improve memory. It can also improve your motivation, especially regarding spiritual tasks.

Clear quartz is a powerful stone that helps with all types of healing. It also helps to amplify and regulate energy and can be helpful during periods where you feel run down. It is useful after times of stress as a deep soul cleanser. Smoky quartz has similar properties and is often used as a general cleanser and protector. This is a very grounding stone and is beneficial during times of stress. It can also be used for detoxification.

Many red crystals are used for their energizing properties. Garnets are a good choice when looking for a crystal to provide both protection and energy. It can be used to draw and inspire love, and can also be used to balance out your sex drive. Rubies are very effective protectors, especially against psychic or emotional attracts. They can be used to ward off these sorts of negative energy, but can also be used to increase motivation and your zest for life.

Blue-tinted crystals are often useful for calming and focus. Aquamarine is a great crystal to use during meditation to help focus your mind. It helps filter out the extra information reaching your brain and also shields your aura from negative energy. It can help you become more tolerant and can often be a catalyst for change. Lapis Lazuli is very useful for spiritual endeavors. Carrying or wearing Lapis while engaged in your spiritual practice increases your spiritual power and can lead to spiritual attainment. Like amethyst, it is useful during dreamwork. It aids in your ability to harmonize with others while protecting you from the thoughts and actions of others. It also enhances creativity.

Citrine, a yellow-hued crystal, is good for cleansing and regenerating energy. It is very good at grounding negative energy. Citrine is also good for attracting abundance. Malachite, a green gem, provides protective powers while also being an energy conduit and an emotional cleanser. Malachite is very good at absorbing negative energy and pollution. Tourmaline, which comes in a variety of colors, grounds spiritual energy and acts as a protective shield. It is useful for mental healer and balancing. It is also good for crops and plants.

There are many ways you can carry and use your crystals. While reclining, you can place the crystal on a specific body part that you are hoping to heal or enhance (for example, your forehead for mental concerns or your heart for love issues). Many people like to make their stones into a pendant that can be worn as a necklace. Smaller stones can be set in rings. Crystals can be placed in silk pouches and carried in your pocket or put under your pillow at night. Alternately, you can set aside a few minutes each day to sit in quiet contemplation while holding your stone. No matter which method you choose, make sure that you spend a few minutes each day holding your stone and focusing on your attention.

This article is a brief introduction to crystals, their many forms, and their uses. Used consistently, crystals can help bring more positive energy into your life and can help calm your mind and body in times of stress. Take care of your crystal properly, and you will have a powerful source of energy and focus for years to come.