Posts tagged crystals
Which Crystal Shape Is Best?
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Once you begin shopping for crystals, the sheer variety of shapes and sizes can be overwhelming! Points, pyramids, spheres, the list goes on.... so which will benefit you the most?

Overall, no matter the shape, the healing properties of crystals remain the same. However, the shape of each crystal can influence your experience with it, so lets dive into some of the varieties you can find!

Tumbled Stones: The perfect place to begin with crystals, tumbled stones are typically less expensive, and easily transportable! When your aim is to work with a crystal everyday, tumbled stones can be a great option, as they can easily be put in your pocket, your bra, your car, in your desk at work, etc! Tumbled stones are also great options for creating crystal grids, when you require multiple stones at once.

Points: Focus and amplify the power of a stone with this intense energetic tool. Points can be a powerful opportunity to manifest your intentions, as the shape helps direct that energy out into the universe. I personally love to use points as a center piece to a crystal grid for maximum potential! You can also use crystal points to direct healing energy towards you or outward by pointing it towards you or away from you.

Double Terminated: Used to encourage the movement of energy, this dual pointed crystal shape is great to clear out blockages within the chakras, and bring about energetic balance within. Double terminated crystals are good tools to balance energies between partners, romantic or otherwise, enhancing empathy and compassion between those involved. If I have enough on hand, I like to use this shape to help cultivate energy flow within a crystal grid.

Spheres: This gentle but strong energetic shape allows energy to emit equally from all sites. The perfect symmetry of a crystal sphere brings relaxing, peaceful, balancing energies to its surrounding environment and you. Try meditating with a sphere in your palms, or one sphere in each hand for a harmonious experience bringing about a deep sense of wholeness.

Pyramids: Revered by many ancient civilizations, this crystal shape beams up a powerful dose of energy up into the universe. Use crystal pyramids to strengthen your intention by writing down what you wish to manifest on a piece of paper, and placing it under the base of the crystal.

Hearts: Surround yourself with love with a heart shape crystal, and attract both love from others and encourage a healthy dose of self-love. Meditate with heart shaped crystal to explore both the energy you put out into the world along with the energy you invite in. This shape is one of my favorites to gift to others, because everyone can always use a little more love in their lives!

Cubes: Associated with the root chakra, cube-shaped crystals reconnect you with the power of Mother Earth. Meditating with a cubic crystal in your palms can be a peaceful and grounding experience. When I find myself with my head in the clouds during my yoga practice, I will create a grounding crystal grid by playing a cubed crystals on each corner of my mat, and have found myself more focused and my roots deepening to the earth below.

Clusters: Naturally occurring, clusters are several crystal points that grow together on a matrix. The convergence of multiple points results in a high vibrating energy, and sends energy out into the environment in all directions.

There are plenty of other crystal shapes out there, and there is no straightforward answer to which is the “best”. I recommend exploring a wide variety, letting your intuition guide you, and see what works best for you.

What is your favorite crystal shape? Have you ever used different crystal shapes for different purposes? I’d love to hear from you!

Crystal Spotlight: Moldavite


Moldavite is out of this world!

Sorry, folks, I figured I would just get the cheesy joke out of the way from the get go! Moldaviteis a form of tektite, meaning it is a natural glass created from a meteor collision, estimated to of occurred between 12-14 million years ago. It can be found in Czech Republic, and is a deep green, wrinkly, rugged, and small in size.

Are you looking for a gentle, mild crystal that will slowly ease you into change? If so, I would suggest looking elsewhere, because Moldavite is not it!

Moldavite carries an intense frequency, and many people experience what is sometimes called a "Moldavite Flush", where they feel an intense shift in energy or heat when they first pick it up. I have personally experienced this when I was first exposed to this incredible stone: A few years ago, my grandmother placed one in my hand, and I experienced a unique energy swell, more of a swirl than I had ever felt in the past. Intrigued but a little unsettled, I was unsure what to do with that experience, so I chalked it up to "I am not ready for Moldavite yet", and waited... And waited... And waited.... Until recently, when I came across that same Moldavite white sorting through my late Grandmother's crystals with family, and intuitively knew now was the time.

Moldavite is known as a immensely powerful stone of transformation, designed for a purpose and will catapult you along your spiritual journey, evolved your personal relationships, elevate your meditation, and stimulate occurrences of coincidence, connectivity, and synchronicity.

It is firstly associated with the Heart Chakra, helping us understand our own needs and emotions, while helping us adjust to the ebb and flow of relationships and accepting of change and growth within them. It brings up what one most needs to recognize, honor, integrate or release, potentially something buried down deep or held on to from other lives. Moldavite is also connected to the Third Eye and Crown Chakras, opening you up to divine information from the universe, especially during meditation. Experiment holding Moldavite while meditating, and see what you can learn!

Due to Moldavite's intense vibration, some people experience a lack of grounding or light-headedness, so I recommended gradually acclimating yourself when wearing it, building up how long you have it on over time.

A large percentage of Moldavite out in the world is fake, so steer clear from iffy colors, insanely cheap prices, and large sizes. As tempting as a large piece may seem, remember when something seems good to be true, it usually is! Additionally, I keep a general rule of not buying any Moldavite from online vendors I am not familiar with, and prefer to purchase in person.

Another small note to remember: when cleansing your Moldavite, do not use the salt water technique as it is too abrasive. I personally like to use moonlight and selenite to cleanse and recharge mine.

So I would love to hear, have you had any experiences with Moldavite?

Crystal Spotlight: Crystal Grids

Once you begin learning about crystals, you may find yourself... accumulating. Gemstones in the windows, on table tops, in bowls, in your jewelry box, in your garden... everywhere! So what do you do with your collection?

The answer: crystal grids!

Crystal grids are a powerful tool that allow you to harness the energy of multiple stones and direct it towards a specific intention. By aligning crystals strategically, you can create!

The first step is deciding on what goal or creation you would like to manifest. Do you want to improve your overall health? To bring more prosperity and abundance into your life? To sleep better? To improve self-esteem? To bring about world peace? There are endless possibilities, but whatever you choose, make sure that it possesses a positive intention.

Next, find a place where the grid will be set up. They can go anywhere that feels pertinent, such as a sacred space, an alter, a desk, your garden, or even under your bed! Ensure that the space will be undisturbed so the grid can do its work, and that it is clean both physically and energetically (I like to use a cleansing essential oil spray on the surface and in the air).

Now comes my favorite step: collecting and placing your crystals! (Make sure your crystals have been cleansed recently... learn how here.) With most crystal grids, there is a central crystal, typically larger and occasionally pointed as to direct the energy. The central crystal's properties and purpose are amplified by the other crystals present, and is chosen due to its pertinence to the grid's intention.


After placing the central crystal, place your surrounding crystals that will enhance the intention of the grid. By following a sacred geometry pattern (either printed below or intuitively), symmetrically spread the surrounding crystals around the center crystal. While placing your gemstones, focus on what the grid is intended to achieve, and once all the crystals have been arranged, link the crystals (either with a crystal wand or your finger) to get the energy flowing.


When I first started learning about crystal grids, I found them a little intimating... How do I do it? How many crystals do I need? Where do I put them exactly? Now, I love trying different grids and creating my own! Now, I love to incorporate crystal grids with other elements, such as candles, oracle cards, written intentions, you name it! So if you are just starting out, until you get to the point where you feel you can create grids intuitively, I will share a few grid combinations so you can get creating!

 Crystal grids ideas are coming your way soon, so stay tuned!

Until then, I would love to hear: What grids would you like to see examples of? Do you have any experience with crystal grids?
Crystal Spotlight: My Daily Essentials

One of the questions I am most commonly asked is "What are the main crystals I should have?"

Although there are always some of the more popular stones you can always turn to, such as amethyst, clear quartz, and rose quartz, every person's energy and situation is unique, and that dictates what stones would be most beneficial.

Regardless, I always love to share what crystals I have connected with best and feel the most benefit from wearing everyday.

First off, I have an amethyst bracelet, which is a fantastic crystal to protect, heal, calm, and helps calm and focus a worried mind during meditation.

On my opposite wrist, I have an aventurine bracelet, which helps release anxiety and stress, aids in love relationships, and manifest luck and prosperity.

On my pointer finger, I have a large chrysocolla ring. Chrysocolla benefits all the chakras by providing calming, cleansing, and energizing vibrations. In addition, it increases self confidence, self-awareness, and inner-balance.

Around my neck, I have my labradorite necklace and my rainbow moonstone necklace, both by Joyful Jewelry (

click here to read more about Jenn's beautiful jewelry

). I wear both of these stones together as they encourage a harmonious balance: yin/yang, new moon/full moon, masculine/feminine energy. Both stones are crystals assist in the creation of creative ideas,  aid in transformation, and are useful companions through change as they encourage strength and perseverance. Labradorite is a power stone which helps determine the form of your dreams and goals. Moonstone is a wonderful crystal to assist in meditation, especially when attempting to connect with ones self and ones goddess/emotional side.

My current "daily crystal" essentials have accumulated over time to reflect where I am in my life and what energy I want to draw in. On the days that I require a little extra help, I find combining other crystal energy can be beneficial, usually by placing gemstones in my pockets. (P.S. Ladies: Your bra can actually an awesome place to keep small crystals... I have had friends and clients frequently admit it's their favorite place to keep them because it centralizes the energy right near your heart center... but obviously, to each their own.) However, I'm sure as I change and my energy changes there may be a shift of what crystals I will be drawn towards and wear.

What crystals do you like to keep with you every day?

Hydrate and Heal with Vitajuwel

As I am sure you have figured out by now, it is a safe bet to say that I love the potential of crystal healing. I use crystals for elevating my home, my health, my meditation, even my yoga practice! So when I learned there was a safe way to use crystals to enhance my drinking water, I jumped at the chance!

Enter VitaJuwel, the solution to all my problems. Well, maybe not all my problems since crystals have yet to pay off my bills, but I digress.

Vitajuwel creates beautiful glass vials filled with different crystal elixirs that you can place in your normal drinking water so you can enjoy all of the wonderful crystal energy without having to place gemstones directly in your water. Most recently, they created a water bottle, Via, so that you can take your crystal elixirs on the go! I'm in heaven!

The idea of creating gemstone-charged beverages has been around for centuries, dating back to when the ancient Greeks used amethyst with their wine to keep them from getting too drunk and enhance the flavor. (PS: VitaJuwel makes a wine decanter that is absolutely gorgeous!) Nowadays, we know that it can be harmful to place crystals directly in what we consume due to the potential for toxic substances to be released (copper, lead, etc.). By encasing different blends of gemstones in sealed vials, VitaJuwel lets you enjoy that beneficial energy goodness without the potential toxic nonsense.


VitaJuwel was kind enough to send me a Via to review, and to be honest, I have been addicted to it since it arrived! They sent the Five Elements bottle, which features amethyst, chalcedony, petrified wood, rose quartz, ocean chalcedony.  The description that accompanies it states: Traditional Chinese medicine has developed over 5,000 years and recognizes health as a harmonious balance of five elements: Wood for growth, water for reflection, earth for grounding, metal for strength and fire for passion. Every person is a unique blend of these elements. Following this ancient philosophy, we have included one kind of gem for each element in this blend to reflect each attribute. Get your life in balance. Experience this ancient wisdom. It is extremely beautiful... I've certainly never had a water bottle that looks like a work of art! All you have to do is fill your bottle with regular tap or filtered water, allow the water 7-10 minutes to charge, and it is good to go!

Once the water is charged, I notice a palatable difference from normal tap water... the texture and taste seems smoother and softer. (I even heard that using your VitaJuwel with juice can change the taste so that is not as acidic, and I can't wait to try it!) Sometimes people have trouble understanding the power crystals can have, so I like giving them a comparison taste test so they can taste the evidence for themselves.  I make sure I always have a full bottle of Vitajuwel water ready, and it always gets so many compliments. 

The only downside to this amazing bottle is that it is relatively fragile, so it requires a bit more thought than the typical water bottle you can just throw in your bag. It is a piece of art, so treat it like one! I like to either keep mine at my desk, beside my bed, or set aside for after my yoga/meditation practice, as to limit the risk of breaking it. If I absolutely have to pack it, I put a drink coozie on each end to protect it!
 
Drink coozies on either end before it goes in the purse!

All things considered, however, I would highly recommend purchasing one yourself and for the whole family! (There is a kids Vitajuwel that is adorable and is sure to help your kids drink more water as well! Who needs sugary drinks when you can have beautiful crystal water?)

Many thanks for the folks over at VitaJuwel for sending me a Via to review and enjoy, and keep doing the wonderful work you are doing!

Want your own? Head over to VitaJuwel's website! Or if you are a local Bozemanite, check out the amazing selection of VitaJuwel goodies at the Dari Rasa Trunk Show downtown. 

Do any of you have a VitaJuwel? Do you have any experience with gemstone elixirs?

Crystal Spotlight: Labradorite

Today, I'm shining the crystal spotlight on one of my absolute favorite stones: labradorite! Isn't it ah-mah-zing?! I wear my labradorite Joyful Jewelry pendant all the time (have you checked out her incredible jewelry yet?!), and have a few other beautiful pieces in my home.

Its name comes from Labrador, Canada, where it was first discovered in 1770. However, labradorite can be found in a variety of places all over the world. In Finland, it is referred to as spectrolite, but typically has a larger range of colors than most labradorite.

At first glance, it may seem predominately grey or black with a shimmer of blue or green. When you rotate it slowly, however, it flashes amazing iridescent sparkles of bright blue, gold, red, and orange. Flattering in every light, it is one of my favorite stones for jewelry because it goes with everything and gives you an alluring glow.

Given its transitioning colors, it shouldn't be surprising that it is a wonderful crystal to help you navigate life's changes and transitions! Sometimes called a power stone, labradorite is the perfect stone to help you with the transition towards positive growth and higher consciousness.

Some Inuit tribes believe that labradorite fell from the frozen fire of the northern lights and shines in a magical light that separates our world from unseen dimensions and realms. Labradorite is a powerful assistant in strengthening our intuitive abilities and stimulates spiritual awakening. Strengthening your natural energies from within, it aids in self awareness and helps us keep in touch with our highest self. On a physical level, it aids with eye and brain disorders, can lower blood pressure, boosts metabolism, and aids in digestion. Additonally, women find wearing it beneficial to balance hormones and relieve menstrual symptoms.
 
Here is my Joyful Jewelry necklace up against a beautiful rough piece of labradorite.
Hope you enjoyed learning a little more about labradorite! Now that I have shared one of my favorite crystals, what are your favorites? Do you have a crystal that you would like to learn more about?
Crystal Spotlight: Cleansing & Recharging Under The Full Moon

As we all know, crystals and gemstones can carry fantastic positive energy that can benefit our lives and the world around us. However, crystals absorb a lot of negative gunk over time, so it is beneficial to cleanse and recharge them!

There are multiple ways to cleanse crystals, like letting them bask in the sunshine, tossing them through a candle flame, burying them underground, or washing them in a flowing stream. However, some crystals will fade in sunlight, like amethyst, and others will dissolve in water, like selenite. Therefore, one of my favorite methods is using the full moon! The full moon is known for its power and the wonderful energy it brings, so it makes a great tool to re-energize your crystals.

Firstly, go on a scavenger hunt for all the crystals in your house, including jewelry! This took me quite a while to find all the crystals hiding on random shelves and in drawers, but if a crystal has been sitting around for a while, it especially could use a cleanse!

Once you have everything you want to cleanse, I start off by rinsing my crystals in running water. From there, I place them in a bowl of water and sea salt (I usually put a few spoonfuls into a big bowl and stir until it dissolves). Leave them in the bowl for up to 24 hours. I like to do the cleansing the night before the full moon, so the following evening I pat all of the crystals dry and then put them in a place they will be exposed the most moonlight (like a window or outside).

Remember, if you have selenite or other gemstones that can dissolve in water, skip the water steps and just put them in the moonlight!

By morning, you will wake up to find new life in your crystals! I have noticed a big difference not only in the energy of my cleansed crystals, but in their shine and color as well.

Time to enjoy your newly refreshed crystals!

Do you have a favorite way to cleanse your stones? Have you ever done it before?

PS:

Check for the next full moon here!

Crystal Spotlight: Calcite

At a gem show recently, I found myself drawn to a juicy hunk of green calcite. Unable to resist, I took it home and was inspired to learn more about it!

Calcite is one of the most abundant type of crystals on the planet, and can be found all over the world. In addition to being absolutely beautiful, it possesses amazing beneficial healing properties as well!

All varieties of calcite are extremely helpful in removing negativity, both from the body and the environment the calcite resides in. Plus, depending on the color, calcite can possess a magnitude of additional properties, making it a great crystal to keep around! As you can see from the photo above, there is a large variety of colors you can find calcite in. However, for the sake of not having a 10 page post, we'll just explore a couple today.


Green calcite is a grounding and centering stone. It is known as a stone of manifestation, as it increases all prosperity and success, both in business and your personal life. Mine is currently in my garden, hopefully increasing the number of tomatoes I will get this year!

Blue calcite is a soothing stone that can be wonderful for frayed nerves. It encourages you to get the rest you need and embrace calm. Blue calcite can also be a great learning aid, making it a fantastic stone for students! It would be great to have some in a classroom, for the teacher and student alike!

Orange calcite is a great stone for the mind. It can help relief fear, mental ailments (depression, anxiety, etc.), and phobias. Orange calcite can be particularly helpful in balancing your mental and emotional equilibrium.

What a yummy piece of Root Beer Calcite!
Isn't this piece of root beer calcite magnificent? Other than the green calcite, the photographed crystals were borrowed from my wonderful grandmother, who has a stunning gemstone collection like you wouldn't believe! Many thanks to her for letting us all drool at her incredible crystals!

Do you have any calcite? Which one is your favorite?