If you grew up in the early 90’s, there’s a solid chance you owned a rose quartz choker (along with a couple mood rings and a floral skater dress). Twenty-something years later, crystals — and that hippy-dippy-sounding concept of crystal healing — are back. Celebs like Adele, Miranda Kerr, and Kylie Jenner have all plugged these ‘power’ rocks, which are believed to help positive, healing energy flow through the body.
Here’s the claim: Crystals have energy properties that can work within our own energy systems. So, if your love life is out of whack, you’re feeling unsettled in a new job, or you can’t shake a bout of stress, crystal fans believe keeping these rocks close instills a sense of balance in the body and mind. (Adele reportedly lost her crystals right before her 2017 Grammys performance this year, and believes it may have triggered all those technical issues, The Sun reports.)
Now for the reality: There’s no scientific evidence that crystals can do anything to heal the brain or the body but here’s the thing — if you believe crystals will make you feel better, that all-powerful placebo effect and the power of suggestion could help you feel just that. However, you should always seek help from a medical professional for physical or mental ailments — because crystals definitely won’t cure you.
So, if you want to rock out with crystals check out these starter tips from Style Rituals by Colleen McCann, a wellness consultant and crystal specialist.
Set Your Intention
Like the beginning of your yoga practice where the instructor requests you place your mind on one thing specific or an intention. Before you even walk into a crystal shop, think about what aspect of your life you’d like help with. A bad breakup? A move across the country? Then trust your intuition as you browse the crystals, noticing which colors and textures you’re attracted to. There should be descriptions next to each crystal in regards to what it’s most useful for, but it’s equally important to recognize which crystals you naturally gravitate toward.
Select Your Stones
If you’re not feeling pulled any which way, pick a stone based on its description. Smokey quartz is for feeling grounded, safe, and secure; rose quartz opens you up for love and romance; citrine is for success and prosperity; amethyst is for soothing the mind and emotions…the list goes on.
Focus on Your Chakras
Another way to use crystals is to line the stones up with the seven chakra points (or energy centers) along the body. For example, while meditating you could place a stone just below your stomach to stimulate the sacral chakra, linked to creativity. Or, if you’re looking for clarity on an issue, you could place one between your eyebrows, as it’s where the anja chakra ) the center of intuition or third eye) is located.
Carry Them Around
Some people find that keeping a crystal in their pocket or bag (or wearing it as a piece of jewelry) is an easy way to score some extra confidence throughout the day. You can also plant crystals around your house (in case you want your apartment to feel more grounded and safe) or next to other sacred objects (like a special ring from your Grandmother) to create a meditative zone at home.
