So you have cleansed your crystals and now they are ready to use - now what? Now is the perfect time to program your crystals to ensure you can get the most out of their powers.
Why do we program crystals?
At this stage, your crystals are now a blank page and we can’t really start using unless we fill them with intentions, goals and direction otherwise it is like jumping onto a train with no destination. Programming crystals ensures that your crystals work and makes the most of their healing powers.
How to program your crystals
This process is quite simple, quick and can be done almost anywhere! There are a few different methods, however there is no one that is better than the other - simply choose the process that feels the best for you. Our favourite method is visualisation. Be sure to cleanse your crystal before programming. For tips on how to cleanse your crystal, click here.
Start by holding your crystal cupped in both hands. Clear and calm your mind. Focus on your breathing until you feel a stillness. Now, imagine a pure bright white light surrounding your hands and your crystal.
Now you must set your intention for this crystal. Sometimes it can help to write it down on a piece of paper first, so you can remember how to word it correctly. Setting an intention for the crystal could be anything, such as “I am working with this crystal to achieve a sense of calm and tranquility,” or “ I programme this crystal to guide me through this difficult time at work” or “I am harnessing the energy of this crystal to aid my concentration and focus.” This intention is entirely personal to you and your specific goals. Say these aloud or repeat them in your mind as you imagine the bright white light surrounding you.
Finish by bringing your crystal up to your third eye (the spot on your forehead, just up from between your eyes), thank the universe for this practice and for borrowing its energy and imagine the white light sealing your crystals.
How to use your crystals
While this question is kind of like asking ‘how long is a piece of string?’, there are some great ways that we can incorporate crystals into our everyday life.
It is important to note however, that the crystals are only as powerful and we choose them to be. While crystals all have a bit of magic, it’s important not to follow them blindly. They don't put a magic spell on you. Rather, they enhance the work you're already doing.
Crystals work best when we work with them, by harnessing their power and playing our part in our manifestations. You could be placing your crystals and programming your crystals in ‘the right way’ however. if we are not using our crystals with an open mind and actively working towards our goals, they will merely become beautiful paperweights.
If we start actively working with our crystals, you will find yourself leading more with your intuition and have situations arise that will be in line with your goals and intentions, otherwise known as that little thing called fate! Be open, say yes to opportunities, explore your boundaries and follow your instinct and allow your higher self to guide you.
Right, so your crystal has been cleansed and programmed. Now, how to use it.
Meditation
This is probably one of the more common uses for crystals as they act as a perfect companion to your practice. The best crystals for meditation are Amethyst, Rose Quartz, Selenite, Smoky Quartz and Black Tourmaline however it is always helpful to just choose whichever crystal you feel intuitively drawn to.
To meditate with crystals, place your crystal/s (you can use more than one if you wish) in the palm of your hands or hold them. Do this in a place where you won’t be disturned and switch your phone to flight mode. Start by sitting upright in a comfortable posture and close your eyes, placing the back of your hands on your knees, palms facing up towards the ceiling. Start by taking a few long deep breaths, scanning the body noticing and releasing any tension throughout the body.
Now, with your eyes still closed, cast your gaze up towards your third eye - this is the space in the centre of your forehead, between your eyes. Imagine your crystals filling with pure white light, and are now flowing through your body. Keep taking deep breaths as your body fills with white light. As you breathe out, imagine all of the negative energy leaving your body, and with every breath in, you are taking in light and positivity.
Continue this practice for as long as you feel you need it, and always bring the focus back to the breath when you find your mind wandering. At the conclusion of your practice, bow your head in gratitude and thank the universe for its energy.
Healing
There is so much we could say about crystal healing that it deserves a blog post of its own but we’ll cover some of the basics. The theory behind crystal healing is by utilising the crystal vibrations as a healing process, we are able to harmonise and realign vibrations in our bodies that have become out of sync. Healing crystals are also thought to have a calming and relaxing effect on the body, and when the body is in this state, it is much easier to heal and regenerate effectively.
Crystal healing can be used to treat a range of issues, from migraines, to anxiety and stress, to menstrual pains and blood pressure. When used in meditations, they help open and align our chakras, which can help us feel more balanced and energised.
Crystal healing works in three ways; clearing energy from the body by either removing, filtering or repelling negative energies, energising your aura and stimulating specific electromagnetic fields in your body and finally, by balancing your energies and aura, realigning any energetic disharmony.
Crystal Grids
Crystal grids involve laying out specific crystals and stones in a predetermined pattern or arrangement. These arrangements are designed to receive and transmute energy. This powerful practice is perfect for directing energy towards specific intentions and focusing your attention on goals. Most grids will have some kind of symmetry or you can incorporate sacred geometry, depending on your needs and the crystals you have available.
Create an altar or shrine
An altar or shrine is a merely a dedicated space to place your crystals that becomes a focus point for rituals, mindfulness, manifestation and meditation. This can be a small table or a shelf that you place multiple crystals on. It should be in a peaceful space that you can feel comfortable to set intentions, conduct morning rituals or place crystal grids. You can change the setup of this altar as often or as seldom as you like, it will depend on any intentions that you set for this space.
Carry them in your bag when you are on the go
Imagine, you have a big meeting and you need a bit of backup from the universe. Think about throwing a Citrine tower or a Dragon bloodstone rough in your bag to enhance your confidence. Carrying a crystal with you can aid you throughout the day, because let’s face it, we’re all on the go these days. Make sure you set your intention for your crystal before popping it in your bag. When you need it most, hold your crystal in your right hand, turn it over three times and repeat a positive affirmation that is suited to your intention.
Wearing crystals
An outfit is not complete without a crystal! Not only are they a beautiful accent to any wardrobe, but crystal jewellery is an easy and efficient way to carry your crystals around with you. Whether you are wearing them on your finger, around your neck or on your head in a crown, crystal jewellery can help you feel connected wherever you go and can be perfect for some on-the-go meditation.
Enhance your yoga practice
Crystals and yoga have a natural cosmic connection, as both are known to generate calm, relieve stress and encourage spiritual awakening. Next time you are practicing your sun salutations, consider placing a crystal at the top of, or around your mat to enhance your practice. Amethyst, Clear Quartz, Rose Quartz, Citrine and Moonstone are great yogi companions.
Elixirs
Water and crystals have a powerful connection and can both use each other to enhance the other's properties. An elixir is essentially crystal enhanced water, and can be the quickest and easiest way to absorb a crystals energy. You can make an easy elixir at home by following these steps:
- Select the crystals you wish to use in your elixir. IMPORTANT: make sure these crystals are safe to use and digest (n.b some stones like Galena, Garnet, Lepidolite and Pyrite are not safe to ingest)
- Sterilize the crystal by placing the crystal in a bowl of boiling water. Remove it with a spoon.
- Next cleanse and programme your crystal (see above for programing tips)
- Place the crystal in a jar and fill it with spring water and place it under sun or moonlight. Leave to infuse for 12 hours.
- Remove the crystal and place in a water bottle and consume.
Alternatively, crystal water bottles will be dropping soon at Artemis + Ivy!
Self-care
Next time you run yourself a hot bath, place a few crystals in the tub to supercharge your bathwater. Think of it as an elixir for your whole body. Be sure to check that your crystal is H2O friendly - some crystals such as selenite, pyrite, moonstone, calcite, kyanite and amber cannot get wet as they will be damaged. Rose Quartz is our go to for bath crystals as they help enhance self-love and encourage self- care.
Decor
If nothing else, crystals make a beautiful addition to your home and their vast array of colours, shapes and form, mean they can compliment any colour scheme. They can either be styled as one luxurious accent piece or a collection of small stones or a bit of both. The opportunities are only as endless as your imagination.
Phew!
As you can see, the list of crystal uses is extensive - We personally feel very thankful for these magical gifts from the earth!
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