Book Of Spells: For Beginners

Crystals and How To Use Them

Of course nothing is a required tool in your craft except for strong intentions. However tools such as herbs, oils, and crystals can surely boost your spells. Crystals are one of the most effective ways boost your spells and intentions. Crystals can also be used outside of spell work. Keep crystals around your house, wear crystal jewelry, keep some in your pockets even! Each crystal has its vibrations that creat their own metaphysical properties. In this chapter I will list just a few of the most common crystals that are used by practitioners as well as their qualities. An absolutely vital step in using crystals is knowing how to cleanse, charge, and program them. How do so will also be included in this chapter.

1. How To Cleanse Your Crystals
• This is always the first thing you should do when you bring home a new crystal

Cleansing Methods:
(some crystals, such as selenite, are self cleansing)

1. Running water
Water is said to neutralize any negative energy stored inside the stone and return it back to the earth. Although natural running water — like a stream — is best, you can also rinse your stone under a faucet.
Whatever your water source, ensure that your stone is completely submerged. Pat dry when complete.
Approximate duration: 1 minute per stone
Use this for: hard stones, such as quartz
Don't use this for: stones that are brittle or soft, such as selenite, kyanite, and halite

2. Salt water
Salt has been used throughout history to absorb unwanted energy and banish negativity.
If you're near the ocean, consider collecting a bowl of fresh salt water. Otherwise, mix a tablespoon of sea, rock, or table salt into a bowl of water.
Make sure that your stone is completely submerged, and allow it to soak for a few hours to a few days' time. Rinse and pat dry when complete.
Approximate duration: up to 48 hours
Use this for: hard stones, such as quartz and amethyst
Don't use this for: stones that are soft, porous, or contain trace metals, such as malachite, selenite, halite, calcite, lepidolite, and angelite

3. Brown rice
This method can also be used to draw out negativity in a safe and contained setting. It's especially beneficial for protective stones, such as black tourmaline.
To do this, fill a bowl with dry brown rice and bury your stone beneath the grains. Dispose of the rice immediately after the cleansing, as the rice is said to have absorbed the energy you're trying to eradicate.
Approximate duration: 24 hours
Use this for: any stone

4. Incense
Incense come in different forms with a multitude of healing properties. Smudging your stone is said to clear inharmonious vibrations and restore its natural energy.
You'll need:
a firesafe bowl
a lighter or matches
loose or bundled incense (look at the chapter about incense)
If you're unable to smudge outdoors, make sure you're near an open window. This will allow the smoke and negative energy to disperse.
When you're ready, ignite the tip of your incense with the flame. Transfer the incense to your non dominant hand and firmly grasp your stone and move it through the smoke.
Allow the smoke to envelop the stone for about 30 seconds. If it's been a while since your last cleansing — or you feel the stone is holding onto a lot — consider smudging for an additional 30 seconds.
Approximate duration: about 30 to 60 seconds per stone
Use this for: any stone

5.Breath
Breathwork can also be an effective cleansing method.
To get started, hold the stone in your dominant hand. Focus on your intention for a moment and deeply inhale through your nostrils.
Bring the stone closer to your face and exhale short, forceful breaths through the nose and onto the stone to bring the stone to its highest vibration.
Approximate duration: about 30 seconds per stone
Use this for: small stones

6. Visualization
The more in tune you are with your sense of self, the easier it may be to redirect your energy to the stone you want to restore.
Take a few minutes to ground and center your energy, then pick up your stone and visualize your hands filling with white, radiant light.
See this light surround the stone and feel it growing brighter in your hands. Envision the impurities flushing out of the stone, allowing the stone to shine brighter with renewed purpose.
Continue this visualization until you feel a shift in the stone's energy.
Approximate duration: about 1 minute per stone
Use this for: any stone