Crystals for Beginners

Regular readers might notice this post is a little different to my usual historical insights and family adventures. Nevertheless, I thought it a post worth sharing! I’ve recently begun to learn all about crystals and their properties. I had no idea these stones could be so powerful! I’ve put together a quick guide for beginners to specific crystals by way of an introduction to their powers.

Amethyst

Amethyst comes from the Greek word amethystos which means ‘not drunken’. The Romans and Greeks believed the stone prevented intoxication and over-indulgence and so would make drinking goblets from the crystal.

When worn on the body, especially close to the navel, amethyst was said to ward against over-zealous passion. With the development of Christianity, the stone thus became a favourite of the clergy to repel any lustful thoughts. Throughout the medieval period, the stone was believed to ward off witchcraft. The Native Americans wore Amethyst to protect them from lightning.

This beautiful stone is a great all-round crystal. Purple in colour, Amethyst has a number of healing properties. It is believed to help those who suffer from headaches. As well as people who have trouble sleeping. In fact, Amethyst can help you to experience intuitive dreams.

Amethyst is a stone of peace. It is a cleansing and protective crystal. It will create a protective barrier of light to repel negative energies and cleanse your aura.

Use Amethyst to enhance your meditation. This stone will enhance your spiritual wisdom. Amethyst is used to unlock the third eye and to connect with the spiritual plain.

If you are a beginner to crystals, this is a must-have stone.

Moonstone

Moonstone was used extensively in Roman jewellery during antiquity. It is a traditional wedding gift in India given its strong association with lovers.

Moonstone is associated with femininity – it is a stone said to aid ‘women’s problems’, such as pregnancy, childbirth as well as periods and period pains. Its properties can balance hormones and give confidence to new mothers. The stone can also assist men to get in touch with their feminine side. This crystal is said to enhance fertility.

Yet this wonderful stone has other uses – it is the stone of travellers (especially those who travel at night). But it is also used for those who travel in a spiritual sense. Moonstone can assist those looking inwards, for those looking for something that is missing from the soul. The crystal assists those on the path to wisdom.

Moonstone is a perfect crystal to work with if you are coming to terms with psychic abilities. It encourages inner strength and growth. It is also associated with new beginnings.

Moonstone comes in different colours and each has further specific properties. – grey, white, black and rainbow to name but a few.

Clear Quartz

The word ‘Quartz’ comes from the old Saxon word quertz meaning cross vein ore. But the history of this crystal goes back much further in time. The Ancient Greeks were fascinated with the stone referring to it as crystalos or permanent ice.

The Ancient Egyptians used clear quartz to make everyday items, including cups and bowls but also in spiritual ceremonies. Indeed skulls were made from clear quartz as a medium through which a priest would contact with the spiritual world.

Clear Quartz is truly a master crystal. It is known as an energiser crystal – energising as well as cleansing your other crystals.

Clear Quartz is the ideal crystal to use during meditation – it amplifies your intentions and opens up the channels of communication and healing. Use in meditation to motivate and overcome personal barriers. This crystal is perfect for beginners – it opens the mind and heart to higher guidance, increases clarity and filters out distractions. Clear Quartz is also used for its truth revealing properties.

Black Tourmaline

Black Tourmaline is a perfect crystal for empaths. This stone offers protection and deflects negative energies. Tourmaline is the perfect protection against emotional vampires (especially important if you’re an empath).

This stone has immense grounding powers. It encourages self-confidence and a sense of power. It can soothe panic attacks and assist in the healing of mental disorders. Tourmaline can be used by dyslexics to stimulate the brain and help hand-eye coordination.

Use Black tourmaline during meditation as protection from negative forces.

Rose Quartz

Known as the ‘love stone’ rose quartz is a stone of the heart. This is the crystal symbolic of unconditional love. Rose Quartz has been offered as a token of love for thousands of years. It emits calm and soothing energy and promotes self-love.

Rose Quartz also encourages the love of others, e.g. family members or friends. The stone assists in building individual, trusting relationships with other people as well as developing a closer loving bond with nature. The crystal aids in the forgiveness of oneself and of others.

The calming, soothing effect emitted from this crystal makes is an ideal choice for those struggling with grief.

Rose Quartz is believed by some to be an anti-ageing stone. Some people have claimed it softens the complexion and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Citrine

One of only two crystals that don’t require cleaning or cleansing, citrine is a wonderful stone to work with. It turns negative characteristics, such as fear and doubts into positive ones – hope, optimism and clarity. This stone encourages self-esteem and self-confidence. It cleanses and regenerates.

Cirtine protects the aura and opens the doors to inner thought during meditation.

This crystal aids concentration and is favoured by those with digestive problems. It is also said to balance the thyroid.

Tiger’s Eye

Tiger’s Eye was used by the Ancient Egyptians as eyes for their religious statues. The stone was associated with divine vision and the ability to see what is behind closed doors.

Tiger’s Eye is a grounding stone which makes it a great aid during times of stress, such as exams or important meetings. This stone promotes self-confidence and willpower. It eliminates anxiety and self-doubt and is the perfect crystal to use when you require motivation. Tiger’s Eye also offers clarity and the ability to bring incoherent information together and make sense of it.

The stone can enable the ability to remember dreams and make sense of them. It is also perfect for those wanting to develop psychic abilities and open up their Third Eye. It is said to stimulate kundalini energy.

Aqua Aura

Aqua Aura is a great stone to work with to heal your aura. This crystal removes blockages and stimulates the Third Eye thereby encouraging spiritual growth. Aqua Aura assists in the process of tuning into your inner wisdom.

This crystal is great for beginners as it assists in self-realisation. It is also useful in channelling spiritual communication.

Not only does this incredible stone offer the above assistance, but it is also a balancing stone. It emits soothing, calming energy. Also, it releases negative energies and relieves stress.

Importantly for those with empathic abilities, aqua aura offer protection against emotional vampires

This list of crystals is by no means exhaustive. There are many different crystals you may choose to work with. Each one offers something different to you on your own spiritual journey.