What are crystals? Crystals are minerals formed underground from three-dimensional repeating patterns of atoms. A crystal's appearance depends upon the natural characteristics of its type and the conditions in which it grows. Some take on strange shapes, some are very small and others grow very large, developing over thousands of years.

Programming and cleansing crystals The repeating chemical structure of crystals is said to invest them with a kind of memory. This means that crystals have the power to hold energies. You may hold a quartz crystal with the intention of filling it with your love. This is what is meant by programming a crystal. You do not need any wires or a special connection with God - all you need is intention and focus. The crystal will remember your love, which will then permeate any environment in which the crystal is placed. Crystals can remember negative as well as positive energies and so will sometimes need to be cleansed. For instance, an amethyst will actually help to cleanse a room of negative energies (eg. anger) but this means that the amethyst, which will retain an element of that negative energy, will itself occasionally require cleansing.There are various ways of cleansing crystals. One of the most common is to submerge them in salt water (sea water is excellent) for a couple of days, then run them under the tap to clean off the salt. Other methods include burying crystals in the garden for a few days, leaving them for a while in a stream (pick a slow-running one, or they may no longer be there when you come back for them!) or leaving them outside overnight in normal water to bask in the moonlight.

What gives individual stones their characteristics? Different stones have different energetic properties. For example, a Tigers Eye can aid those seeking clarity, while Lapis Lazuli is said to expand our awareness and help us attune to our intuition. Rose Quartz is calming and sometimes referred to as the stone of gentle love. Many of the books available contain lists of crystals and what each one means. These meanings are simply interpretations of the energy each crystal carries. Some may consider a crystal with a fresh, lively, citrus feel to it to give zest and promote optimism, and therefore help to reduce depression. With a little practise and intuition, anyone can interpret the immediate characteristics of a stone. For example, red is the colour of action, and red stones can invigorate and enliven in the same way that the blood in your body gives you life. White or clear stones such as quartz may help you to see more clearly. Purple stones may assist in transformation and change. By all means read and digest the definitions in books but realise that it is important to form your own opinions. The shape of a crystal may also affect its qualities. Some people will also consider the number of facets and, using numerology, which attributes meanings to different numbers, obtain further meanings. Below is a list of the most commonly available shapes:

Single terminated wands These have a single point at one end and a rough or rounded edge at the other. They are used widely in healing, cleansing and meditation and as jewellery. Chunks Chunks are crystals without notable facets. They can be good for enriching a rooms atmosphere, for holding during meditation or simply carrying in your pocket. Clusters Clusters consist of a group of small crystals that have naturally grown joined together. Clusters can be excellent for enriching a living environment or workplace. Depending upon their properties they can cleanse, invigorate or calm an atmosphere. Cut crystals Cut crystals are crystals that have been cut and polished into shapes such as pyramids, wands or spheres, which can make them very attractive. If they are well-cut the energy of the stone can be maintained and sometimes amplified. Tumblestones Tumblestones are small stones, rocks or crystals that have been tumbled over each other many times with increasingly finer abrasive until the sides become smooth and shiny. Many people like to carry a crystal tumblestone around in their pocket to keep the energy of the stone with them throughout the day.

How do I choose a crystal? You do not need to know the exact properties of every stone in order to buy one, although this may help. It is more important to be receptive and allow yourself to be drawn to a stone that will have meaning for you. If you are in a shop simply stand in front of a group of crystals, close your eyes and relax, and when you open them choose the one you feel most drawn to. Choosing a crystal from an internet site it is not possible to touch the crystal, so you need to take your intuition one stage further. Browse through the pictures of the various crystals and note which section most appeals to you. Spend some time browsing through that section. You may find yourself excited by the picture of a particular crystal, with a powerful urge to touch and feel it and a sense of frustration that you cannot. If you feel that you very much want that crystal to be a part of your life, it is likely that on some level it has something to offer you. For example, you may feel drawn to a rose quartz crystal because you need something in your life that can help you develop a love of yourself.You may see many beautiful crystals but none that compel you to buy them. As with all purchases relating to spiritual growth intent is crucial, and you may need to acknowledge that the time isn't right. If you buy crystals purely because that is what you set out to do then your crystals may lack meaning, and you are essentially starting a rock collection. There is nothing wrong with collecting rocks, but this site is more concerned with using crystals to assist personal development. If nothing strongly appeals to you, accept that the time is not right and come back on another day when perhaps a crystal will plead with you, like a gorgeous puppy, to take it home with you.In our personal development it is sometimes difficult to know what we need. We may see clearly when helping others with their lives but, as our opinions are coloured by what we think of ourselves, find it very hard to be objective when looking at our own. We may like to think we are loving all the time, but in some situations we may be sarcastic, or we may think we are forgiving, but in reality find it hard to talk to a person who has wronged us. Because of this, our conscious selves are not always best at choosing crystals. You may set out to buy a citrine crystal, having read that it can help dissipate negative energy, but be prepared to have your unconscious lead you to a different crystal. The unconscious or higher self doesn’t get involved with life's day-to-day clutter and thus can get straight down to the business of selecting the most appropriate crystal for you. This is why the best approach to choosing a crystal is to quieten your mind and simply do what feels right.

Healing with crystals Different crystals have different energies and properties, and between them can affect mental, physical, spiritual and emotional aspects of ourselves. holding the right crystal at the right time can bring about a change in our attitude and well-being. You don't necessarily need to look up the meaning each time you do this. Over time you may acquire a number of crystals - just take hold of the one you feel drawn to.The right crystal can affect the energy of an environment, and the energy it holds can influence you whether you simply hold it in your hand or place it by your bed or on the mantelpiece. Crystal healers use their knowledge of the stones and of the patient in the healing process. There are various methods of healing with crystals, such as placing crystals on and around a person while they are lying down, or using a wand or point to focus love, energy and intent on the other person in a way that relates specifically to their ailment and needs.

Can the wrong crystal do me harm? As with many objects used for divination and healing, a crystal can only do harm in the wrong hands. A crystal healer only uses a crystal as a tool. A great crystal does not make a great crystal healer, just as a great paintbrush does not make a great painter. You do need to take some care if you are looking for a crystal healer. If you cannot get a recommendation from a previous client, speak to the healer before accepting treatment. If you don't feel you would trust them in some everyday matter, neither should you trust them with your well-being. You should try to buy crystals from a reputable supplier and, after receiving them, it is wise to cleanse them (see above) of any negative energy that they may previously have absorbed. Use your intuition and you cannot go far wrong. If one day you feel a crystal no longer belongs in your home, it may be time to give it away. As you change you may find that you want different crystals around you, although many will stay with you happily for a long time. holisticshop.co.uk There are COMPREHENSIVE LISTS detailing what each stone or crystal properties represent on these two sites http://www.shamanscrystal.co.uk/page/healinguse/ https://www.bestcrystals.com/healing-properties Worn on the Body or Close to the Body One way to benefit from the properties of the crystals and stones is to wear them. Often people who have no conscious knowledge of crystal healing will intuitively select crystal jewellery with stones that will have a positive healing effect for them. Choose stones appropriate for the purpose you want but always use your intuition. Crystals worn on or close to the body are often used for healing or protective purposes. these usually do effect the entire body and energy field. The particular location of the stone is also not absolutely critical in most cases. Placing the stone on or near the specific area related to the purpose of treatment is often faster and has a more focused effect, however as in any form of healing, The healing energies will go to where it is intended and to where the healing is needed. You can also direct and focus the energy from the crystal by intention. Sometimes you will feel that a stone needs to be somewhere that has no pocket or practical place to wear jewellery. Little pouches can be pinned inside clothing for fine tuned placement.The length of the chain a pendant is on will help control the strongest effect of the stone. A pendant or necklace resting at the Throat Chakra might have the greatest effect on areas governed by the Throat Chakra (for example: communication and creativity and other Throat Chakra issues) but will still provide energy to the entire aura and physical body. A stone worn lower down and near to or on the heart will again have a greater affect on issues and areas governed by the Heart Chakra, for example: matters of love and compassion. Many people feel that the stones worn on the left side have to do with receiving energies and that stones worn on the right side will primarily influence projective matters and outside issues.

Kept under a Pillow Keeping Crystals under the pillow whilst asleep has many advantages. Certain crystals can help with sleep problems like insomnia. They can ward off nightmares and psychic attacks. Other crystals have properties to aid in dream recall and some can assist in out of body experiences and astral travel.Used in the Bath Crystals can be used in the Bathwater or placed around the edge of the Bath Tub. This method is very effective and enjoyable. Bathing cleanses not just the physical body but also cleanses us on all 4 levels. Bathing can wash away the stresses and strains of the day, any negative emotions we might be holding onto and can refresh us, soothe us, revitalise us and energise us. Placing Crystals in the bath will absorb any negative energy or emotions. In addition the healing energies of the crystal will be directed to where it is intended. Green Aventurine is an effective crystal for use in the bath. Good “all round” crystals like Clear Quartz, Rose Quartz and Amethyst are also great for use at bath times.

In Meditation Practice The energy structure of crystal naturally imparts a stillness and order to the subtle body system, which in turn helps to quieten the mind. Problems are issues that have not yet been resolved by normal thought processes. By altering our way of thinking away from everyday issues a solution can automatically arise. Crystals can be placed in front of you in Meditation Practice of they can be held in the hands.

Placed around the Home or Workplace for Space Clearing and Room Cleansing Crystal are able to alter the energy of a space, enlivening the atmosphere and neutralizing negative energies. Crystals can add harmony to any space. There is no hard and fast rule as to where you should place your crystals. You should use your intuition. Raw Crystals and Crystal Clusters have a better ability over small single crystals to retain their own energy integrity. Because of this they are able to retain more negative energy before they need to be cleansed again. from http://crystalhealingshop.com http://www.healing-crystals-for-you.com/

Crystals For Money, Success & Prosperity Many of us thrive on creating beautiful jewellry, paintings, knitted hats and scarves, etc and great take pride in the workmanship that goes into each and every piece. And many of us also enjoying offering our craft to the world via pop-up shops or perhaps online stores. And if you're like me, get a lot of joy seeing your clients smile after they've purchased something you've created with your hands. With that, comes the sense of accomplishment and wanting permanence in what we do because it's gratifying in so many ways. Having prosperity in any business means 'peace of mind' knowing that you can provide for your family, and I've found the 'energy' to make that happen! Crystals for wealth, prosperity and success can provide an energetic layer of support as you run your business, move upward in your career and evening investing. Each of these crystals for money, prosperity and success work in a unique way to bring you the wealth and abundance you are seeking, and combining them will make them stronger. Each crystal will work in different ways, but they will all have a similar effect of attracting wealth, prosperity and success into your life.

How to Use Crystals for Wealth Ideally, you would pick eight crystals for wealth to use. They can all be the same or they can all be different, but the number eight is the number of prosperity and will amplify that energy. After discovering the money crystals for you intention, you can keep them in a small bag and carry them in your purse or pocket. Money stones are ideal to be kept around you at all times, so find a way that you can comfortably carry them with you, in whatever way works for you. You can also form a grid with these crystals in the southwest quadrant of your home, which is the wealth and abundance sector. Ideally, you would have a large piece of raw pyrite cluster and you would surround the cluster with your eight crystals for wealth. Have each crystal point outwards so that the energy radiates throughout your home. Then use your finger and while touching each stone (from the center pyrite out to another stone, back to the pyrite, out to another stone and onwards) cross back and forth over each stone and mentally creating with each pass a line of white light uniting each stone together, while bonding with your energy at the same time. Circle your hand over all stones uniting the energy again while telling them you'd like 'money, prosperity and success'. You must give them intent and energy for them to work. The more often you do this ritual, the more you'll see them work. When I first started this practice, I didn't feel or see much. Now, I literally feel the energy of the stones 'vibrate' in my hand so strongly. It's honestly really cool! Working together, the stones will invite in the flow of abundance into your life.

Crystals for Money and Wealth Wealth is the state of attaining material prosperity or money. Use these crystals for wealth and money stones to aid in your ability in obtaining wealth. Aventurine Stone This is one of the best money crystals because it is considered to be especially lucky when you are manifesting wealth. It is also the stone of opportunity, opening doors to new ventures. Carry 8 aventurine stones together, because 8 is the number of money. Pyrite Stone This is one of the most popular crystals for money because it is known to remedy financial hardship and attract wealth. It also aids in making financial decisions, bringing wealth in both subtle and larger ways. Green Calcite Stone Wealth crystals sometimes work on luck, but this stone works by dissolving old beliefs or patterns that might be preventing the flow of wealth into your life. Once green calcite encourages us to recognize that situation and expand our minds, it draws money and prosperity to our doorstep. Crystals for Prosperity Prosperity is something we all strive for. It is the success and thriving in all areas in our lives from wealth to wellbeing. Inviting prosperity into our lives requires that we remove any blockages that are preventing us from achieving high states of living in the many aspects of our lives. Using prosperity crystals will help encourage prosperity and abundance across our many goals and intentions. Citrine Stone Citrine is one of the best prosperity crystals because it helps you achieve your intentions faster. It is also referred to as the merchant stone because it helps to bring prosperity to business owners. Green Jade Stone Since ancient times, jade has been one of the most recognized crystals for prosperity, wisdom and harmony. It is considered an extremely lucky stone and can promote the flow of prosperity and abundance into our lives. Combine green jade with other green stones to increase their prosperity energy. Tree Agate Stone This prosperity stone works by clearing energy blockages from your body. Meditating with a tree agate stone in each hand will remove obstacles and thus open your energy field to a life of abundance and prosperity. Crystals for Success Crystals for wealth and success will aid in taking the next steps in your business, career or in your newest endeavors. Crystals for success help you focus, achieve your goals and provide insight about how to do so. Green Jade Crystal This is one of the best crystals for success. Its energy helps you manifest your goals and promotes the flow of abundance into your life. It also attracts new opportunities. Quartz Stone When it comes to business and success, you want to have a clear vision for your goals and how you will be successful. Quartz crystal brings clarity to a situation and also amplifies your intention into the universe. Citrine Crystal Citrine is one of the best prosperity crystals because it helps you achieve your intentions faster. It is also referred to as the merchant stone because it helps to bring prosperity to business owners. Keep a citrine Tiger's Eye Stone This stone for success will give you the willpower and motivation you need in order to take action to achieve success. It will help you remained calm even in hectic situations, aiding in your ability to be a successful leader. Other Crystals for Wealth If you’re overwhelmed by all of the different stones and crystals you can choose from, simply chose from one of our wealth crystal bundles. Wealth Crystals this crystal bundle combines the energy of many of the crystals for wealth, such as citrine, aventurine, green jade and quartz crystal with the powerful symbolism of the Rune of the Riches symbol. You can carry these wealth crystals in your purse or pocket.

further research https://www.energymuse.com/about-gemstones