How To Use Your Crystals

Crystals can complement other therapies and support energetic well-being.
Crystals should not be used as a replacement for medical treatment.
For medical advice, please consult a licensed Doctor or healthcare specialist.

The word crystal has been adopted by crystal healers to cover all stones and metals that have healing properties not just gemstones. Healing is the term used to describe the beneficial effect of crystals and does not necessarily imply that stones will cure a condition.
Like us, crystals carry an energy field known as the aura or chakra, by having crystals in our energy field it is said to help promote physical, emotional and spiritual holistic healing and bringing increased vitality and well being.

Many crystals are fragile or friable. Crystals that are layered or clustered can separate. Crystals such as Selenite are water soluble. Polished surfaces or natural points are easily scratched or damaged. Tumbled stones are more durable. Endless hours turning in fine grit gives them a tough surface. You can keep Tumbled Stones together in a bag but other crystals should be kept apart.
When not in use wrap your crystals in a silk or velvet bag or scarf. This prevents scratching and protects the crystal against absorbing foreign emanations. 

Before using your crystals you should cleanse, charge, dedicate and program your crystal for the specific reason to which you choose to use them for.  

It is always recommended when buying or receiving new  crystals to cleanse them, this removes any unwanted negative energy as crystals absorb these energies. 
Crystals need to be cleansed when you buy them and after wearing or using for healing. Always cleanse your jewellery that comes to you from someone else, as it can hold their negative vibrations and pass them on to you.
A few crystals never need cleansing. Citrine, Kyanite, and Azeztulite are self cleansing. 
Clear Quartz, Amethyst and Carnelian cleanse other crystals, and are especially useful for delicate and friable stones, but may need cleansing themselves afterward.

There are many ways to cleanse your crystals. Crystals that are not friable or jointed can be held under running water or immersed in the sea or in salt water.  As you do so, hold the intention that all negativity will be  washed away and the crystal reenergized.
 Placing the crystal in the light of the sun or the moon for a few hours can also recharge its batteries provided it is not a stone that fades in sunlight and care is taken not to focus the rays where you could start a fire, remember that the light from the sun moves around in an arc as the day progresses.
Friable crystals or clusters can be left in sea or rock salt overnight. Gently brush every speck of salt off afterwards as they could damage the crystal especially in a damp atmosphere.
Certain crystals have the ability to cleanse other crystals, Keep a Carnelian in a bag of Tumbled Stones and you will never have to cleanse them using any other method. A small crystal can be placed on a Clear Quartz, Amethyst or Citrine Cluster and left over night.
You can smudge crystals with incense or the smoke from a smudge stick such as white sage or pass them through the light of a candle. You can also visualize them surrounded by light, which purifies and re energizes them.
 

Crystals need to be dedicated to the purpose for which you use them.  Dedicate a new crystal as soon as you have cleansed it. This focuses the energy. Hold the crystal in your hands, picture light surrounding it. (If you find this difficult, hold your hands in front of a light source.) Say out loud "I dedicate this crystal to the highest good of all. may it be used in light and love."

To program your crystal, hold it. Let yourself be open to higher guidance. Consider the purpose for which you wish to use it. Be specific. If you want to attract love, describe exactly what kind of love you are looking for. If you are seeking healing, Say precisely for which condition and what you want to happen. When you have formulated your program, attune to the crystal. Ensure that is exactly the right crystal for the purpose. when you are totally in tune, say out loud "I program this crystal for [your purpose]." Then put the crystal in a place where you will see it frequently or keep it in you pocket. It can be helpful to hold it two or three times a day or more. you may need to repeat the programming several times. Crystals are highly responsive. Hold them in the palm of your hand for dedication, programming, or to select the right crystal for you.

After prolonged use your crystals energy can be depleted, if you find your crystals are not working the way you choose them to you may need to re-charge them.
You can simply re-charge your crystals by exposing  your crystal to moonlight or sunlight. You can charge crystals by placing them in a spot where they will receive direct sunlight or moonlight. The light will penetrate your crystal and fill it with positive energy. Allow your crystal to be exposed to light for about 24 hours. You may need to leave your crystal in place for a couple of days or nights to make sure that it receives adequate light.  Please note some crystals like amethyst and citrine may fade when placed in direct sunlight over a period of time.. You can also charge a crystal using other crystals. To do this, you will need to create a circle using several crystals and place the crystal that you want to be charged in the center of the circle. Leave the crystal in the center of the circle for about 24 hours. Another alternative is to surround your crystal with plants or bury it in the soil. If you want your crystal to be charged with the energy of the earth, then you may want to place your crystal in your garden or even bury it in the soil. Surrounding your crystal with plants and dirt can help to charge your crystal with earth energy.