Crystals for Calm & Clarity

I think we’ve probably all seen it by now, from It Girls to Instagram – crystals are having a moment. While it may seem like a recent trend, there is something beautiful, magical and mysterious that’s drawn humans to rocks and minerals throughout history. It’s no coincidence that the Hope Diamond is one of the most highly visited museum objects in the world.

My own love affair with crystals started when I was about 7 years old. I began a rock collection, taking pride in each new selection I added to my windowsill. Some stones I found in the woods behind my house, some were purchased at rustic gem and mineral shops I came across with my parents. In those stores I would take my time looking over everything, curious about the ones I had never seen before, finally settling on the select few I would take home with me. I loved every one of them.

For a long time I didn’t know what else to do with them, other than admire them from my bed. My grandmother had a few tumbled stones of her own and I would sometimes see her holding them with her eyes closed, gently turning them in her fingers.

It wasn’t until many years later that I met a crystal healer and some deep internal light of recognition was set aflame. It was a moment I had been waiting for my whole life without ever really realizing it. That very special encounter spurred a chain of events that unlocked a deeper understanding – and pride - of who I really am.

I now work in tandem with stones and other methods of energy healing in order to bring a sense of peace and calm to those who come for sessions. Different types of crystals can be used to quiet the mind, clear away unwanted energy, and bring a deep sense of centeredness to the body. I’m consistently amazed by the tangible effects stones have on people, no matter how skeptical they may be.

Below are a few of my favorite crystals – all of which are abundantly available and affordable - to clear away stress and help bring you back to yourself.

Lepidolite

Most people are attracted to lepidolite purely based on its appearance, and it’s easy to see why. It often resembles a pearlescent, lilac-colored mica. Lepidolite is my favorite “quite the mind” stone. When someone is keyed up from stress, or even reeling from an argument with a loved one, holding a piece of lepidolite helps draw that energy down, replacing feelings of agitation with a soothing blanket of tranquility. Naisha Ahsian says in The Book of Stones, “Lepidolite is deeply relaxing and is one of the most powerful stones in for countering stress, worry, fear, grief, and other traumatic emotional frequency.”

Sodalite

My beloved teacher always referred to sodalite as “etheric soap,” and that is a very apt description. When a person feels their mind is “on the hamster wheel” and just won’t stop moving, sodalite is a wonderful remedy. By taking two stones and placing them on either side of the head, behind the temples within the hairline, you can almost see the incessant thoughts start to dissipate. Its gift is in helping one to stay focused on the present moment, without worry of the past or future.

Amazonite

Amazonite is a stone of personal truth, activating and aligning the heart and throat in order to more effectively express one’s inner truth without fear of confrontation or conflict. In this sense it is also helpful for setting personal boundaries. In addition to that, amazonite is helpful even when someone doesn’t know exactly what they want or how they feel about something. It points the way to inner wisdom, even going so far as to illuminate one’s own gifts and talents if they are having trouble unearthing them.

Emerald

Emeralds are part of the beryl family, all of which are deeply relaxing to the physical and emotional bodies. Rough emeralds are easy to find at gem and mineral shows. Though they may not be as bright and shiny as those you may see in a jewelry store, they’re very supportive stones to have in your repertoire. When a person is feeling a general sense of heaviness, emerald gently diffuses that into a feeling of hope, encouragement and abundance. It helps to remove feelings of unworthiness, supporting the heart and helping to attune oneself to the frequency of Divine Love.

A Quick Note on How to Use Crystals

Here’s the short answer: it doesn’t have to be complicated! Holding a stone while you sleep, meditate, or simply close your eyes is an easy way to connect with its energy. If you’re lying down, you may feel moved to place a stone over a certain part of your body, such as your heart, solar plexus, or third eye. You can even place one under your pillow at night, assuming it’s comfortable. The general consensus is that the human energetic field extends about three feet on all sides, so as long as your chosen crystal is within that vicinity, you can be sure it’s having a beneficial effect. The most important aspect in connecting with stones is finding a way that resonates with you personally.

I hope you enjoy your exploration of the many healing qualities crystals have to offer!

~Megan