Crystals and Gemstones and Spheres - Oh My!
Part Two:  Choosing Crystals
By Kelly Mahoney

In my experience and based on my knowledge, there are basically two ways of choosing crystals; through intellectual process or by using your intuition.   Neither is more correct than the other, and quite frankly I don’t believe there could be a wrong way to choose.  Ultimately, you’ll use both depending on your intention.  Let's look at both; we'll start with the intuitive selection.

Selecting Crystals Intuitively
Let’s first imagine that you are out shopping and find yourself in front of a display of crystals.  You may or may not have intended to purchase a crystal, but you are drawn to the display none the less.  Crystals will actually choose to be with you, you just have to learn to recognise the signals.  Whether you actively focus on your inner voice or just go with your impulse, you will end up with a crystal that is right for you at that moment.

The Intellectual Selection
So it’s a new day and you’ve decided to focus your energy towards a particular purpose.  You do your research to discover the crystal that has the correct magickal correspondence for your intention, and you go buy it.  Intellect tends to be pretty straightforward right?  Oh but wait just a moment – there is more than one choice of crystal that is suited to your purpose.  You’ll either continue your research to narrow down your choice or you’ll let your intuition kick in.  Once again, you’ll take home the right one.

Please remember: it may take a little time to find the right crystal, so don’t be tempted to make a substitution or rush your purchase.  The crystal that is right for you will always “feel” good in your hand and you won’t have a question as to whether you should buy it. 

Crystal Suppliers
Thanks to the New Age movement and the Internet there are hundreds of crystal suppliers out there.  I personally prefer to purchase crystals in person.  If you should choose to purchase via the internet or through the mail, do your research!  A reputable supplier will have positive feedback or references, be willing and able to answer any questions you may have, and have a fair return policy.

Does Size Matter?
In this case – no, not really.  Regardless of their size, crystals of the same quality have identical energy levels.  The only reason size should be a factor in your purchase is in regard to the purpose for which you are buying it.  Think of it this way: if you would like a stone to help you do your best at a job interview, a little tumble-stone in your pocket would be perfect.  On the other hand, if you are looking for a crystal to help imbue your living space with harmony and healing energy, then a larger cluster would be more appropriate.

Cleansing your Crystals
It is vital to regularly cleanse your crystals.  As a general rule, it is best to cleanse crystals as soon as you purchase them and thereafter as required.  You will eventually get to know your own crystals and be able to “just know” when cleansing is required.  In the beginning, you can either use a schedule such as annually, quarterly or monthly or you can rely on your intuition. 
There are a number of methods for cleansing crystals, as well as any other magickal tool you may be using.  I personally use them all depending on any number of factors.  In my Book of Shadows I have them listed according to the elements; earth, air, fire, water and spirit.  Here are some of my favorite cleansing means:

Earth
Burying your crystal in Sea Salt is very popular and effective.  Place crystal in a tub of sea salt and lightly cover it.  Generally overnight is sufficient, but depending on the state of the crystal, you might want to leave it a little longer.  You may also bury it in soil.  If you prefer that the crystal not come in direct contact with the salt or soil, you can place it in a small glass jar and bury the jar.

Air
Pass your crystal back and forth through the smoke of sage or cleansing incense.

Fire
Pass the crystal through the flame of a candle.  Please be careful not to burn yourself!

Water
Soak crystals in a mild sea salt and water solution.  You must exercise caution with this method, as some crystals such as selenite will dissolve in water.  Another water option is to hold your crystal in a natural clean water source such as the ocean or a spring. 

Spirit
One of my favorite methods of cleansing is to use the Goddess energies of the Moon.  I place my crystals either on a tray covered with black fabric or on a nice flat rock if available, and leave them where they can bask in the light of the full moon for one to seven nights.  The Sun can be utilized in the same way for the energy of the God. 

Whatever method you use, you should begin the cleansing by stating your intentions.  In cleansing, the goal is for negative energies to be removed and transmuted into positive and healing energies.  You are purging any energies that are not conducive to the highest functioning of the crystal, and releasing them for the higher good of all, leaving your crystal with its own pure energy.  It is my custom to always express my gratitude once I have completed the cleansing process.

Using Crystals
You’ve chosen, purchased and cleansed your crystals.  Now what do you actually do with them?  This is the fun part!  Let’s keep in mind that there are hundreds of books written on the specific uses of our crystal friends.  Let me give you some ideas.

Adornment
Face it, crystals look good!  They are colourful, sparkly, shiny and just plain pretty.  You can wear them yourself or decorate your world with them.   Your home, office, car, garden, pets – pretty much anything can be enhanced with crystals. The coolest thing is that all of their different energies are always working for you, even if you only chose them for their looks!  We’ve all seen jewelry, candle holders, carved crystal statuary and crystal prisms.  Crystals can also be incorporated into furniture and clothing.  Stones can be ground up and mixed in with paint or simply displayed in one of its many natural forms.

Healing And Directing Energies
All crystals have the ability to affect the physical, emotional and spiritual planes.  The various energies of crystals can be dispersed in a number of different ways.  Crystal wands and eggs aid in massage.  Tumble-stones can be added to your bath water, a simmer pot, or used to make an elixir that can be misted or taken internally (if the stone is not toxic – please research the specific stone to be safe!)  Stones can be worn and laid on or around the body, or used in a healing grid.
 
Divination
Crystal balls and highly polished slabs of crystal are excellent for scrying.  Pendulums made with crystal are particularly effective.  As we’ve already learned, crystals have traditional meanings associated with them. You can get the answers you seek by using stones much the same way you use runes. Place one each of a variety of crystals into a pouch, choose one and let the corresponding meaning be your guide.

Meditation, Spells And Ritual Work
Crystal pyramids and clusters make excellent focal points to meditate with. All of the above methods of using crystals can be incorporated into your spell and ritual work!

Currency
I have found that when it comes to "paying" my six year old son, crystals are a most powerful and effective currency.  This use for crystals cannot be just my own idea; surely there are others who have discovered that kids love to be "paid" in crystals!  Although, perhaps "bribery" is a better term.   Either way, both my son and I are happy with the arrangement, and his crystal collection continues to grow! 

Storing Crystals
When you aren’t using your crystals, you should take care to store them safely.  Wrapping black silk or velvet around stones prevents scratching.  Divided boxes serve the same purpose and make cataloguing and displaying a snap. Tumble-stones have a strong exterior and may be kept together in a pouch.  For large or very delicate specimens, a synthetic moulded lining can be most helpful. 

Cleaning Crystals
Cleaning crystals is different from cleansing them.  Cleaning refers to only the exterior of a stone.  Stones that are not water soluble may be washed in a mild soapy solution.  I’m a bit compulsive, so I also use a soft buffing chamois to remove any visible fingerprints from my stones after using them.
 
The more you use your crystals, the more ways you will find to use them and the more you will want to use them. With proper use and care, your stones will provide you with exactly what you seek from them.  Blessed Be.

Kelly Mahoney is a solitary eclectic witch, whose main focus is passing on Wiccan traditions and teaching our next generation of little witches.  She is certified in Crystal Healing, and is an ordained Priestess with the Church of Spiritual Humanism.  A member of the Celtic Reiki Federation and the International Reiki Federation, Kelly is a Celtic Reiki Master and teacher.  She lives in Rochester with her two children, their canine guardian and the newest addition to their family; two mischievous black kittens.