Crystals/Stones

You can buy a book on the magickal uses of crystals and stones, or you can go to a rock/gem/mineral store and find out for
yourself. Personally, I've never been one for memorizing long lists of correspondences. I do keep a reference book or two
around, but I don't need one to tell me that Rose Quartz will help heal a broken heart, or bring out loving feelings in
myself when I'm feeling grumpy. I knew this the first time I picked up a Rose Quartz crystal. I also know that Amethyst
awakens psychic centers, and brings on vivid dreams that are often prophetic in nature.

I also know that I don't respond to all crystals, gems, and stones. Or maybe they don't respond to me. And, I know that I
react negatively to some crystals and the feeling is mutual.

Working with crystals and stones, like many things Pagan, is an intuitive art that can best be learned through experience.
A crystal or stone isn't going to work for you just because a book says it will. If you don't bond with that stone, it will not
help you reach your magickal goals.

If you begin collecting crystals and stones, and then work with them during rituals, magick, divination or meditation, you
will find yourself choosing certain crystals more often. Some of your collection may become purely decorative because
you simply did not connect with them. This is not only all right, it is as it should be. Crystals and stones are living things,
and crystals in particular resonate with certain energies. Those energies may not be compatible with yours. If that is the
case, then learn to simply admire its beauty and don't try to force it to do something it can't.

On a practical level, you need to clean and charge your working crystals as often as necessary. About once a month is a
good rule of thumb, but you will need to decide how often is necessary. Has there been a lot of negative energy around
your crystals lately? Then, at the very least, it needs to be cleaned. The same is true if you've been using a particular
crystal a lot in rituals and magick.

To clean you crystals: The most widely accepted method is to soak the crystal in spring water and sea salt. Try not to use
tap water if you can avoid it. Use bottled spring water (not mineral water), or distilled water. Sea salt is best and can be
found in a variety of stores these days. Failing that, Kosher salt will work, as will table salt.

Let the crystal sit in this salt water bath over night, or all day if you plan to charge the crystal that night. In the morning,
take it out, dry it off and put it away.

To charge your crystal: The best method for this is to leave the crystal in the light of the full moon. If the night is cloudy or
foggy enough that no light gets through, that's okay. The moon's energy will stil charge the crystal. I put mine out after the
moon rises, and I try to bring it inside before dawn. The Sun's light is too strong for crystals and prolonged exposure to the
Sun's rays will overcharge it. That doesn't mean you can't wear your amethyst necklace outside during the day. Ordinary
exposure from being worn on your body will not harm it. Although, you might find its energy is especially strong, even
hyperactive afterwards.

You don't have to charge your crystal every time you clean it. But, you always have to clean your crystal before you charge
it.