A mineral is crystalline if the tiny particles of matter, or atoms, that compose it are arranged in an orderly, repeating, three-dimensional array (a geometrically precise pattern of atoms or ions that are held together by shared electrons). This orderly pattern ensures that the energy emitted by a crystal is equally orderly and consistent. A crystal’s vibration and energy pattern are steady, which is one of the reasons that crystals can help stabilize the often erratic energy of humans. We can introduce the vibration of a crystal into our energy fields to alter the way we operate. This is a form of vibrational resonance when one frequency is used to positively affect another frequency or to bring an organism into balance. Crystals have the power to focus and channel energy through our intent and interaction. They also have the capacity to carry the coherence of mind (via their lattice structure/symmetry) and amplify it.

Crystals are the physical embodiments of energy and the different varieties it comes in. When we look at something with our eyes what information (energy) are we picking up on? What else are we experiencing and what does that say about who we are? If we can use physical objects like crystals to read energy, the reverse is equally, if not more important. Before anything becomes material, subtle energy instructs physical matter how to operate. By consciously working with subtle energies we can reshape our physical realities. This is where the visualization and meditation techniques come in. Intention and focus with crystals help to shift your energetic output and the surrounding field. A natural extension of this is to surround yourself with items that help you establish an environment that sustains these vibrations. It is not about being materialistic; it is about being mindful and intentional about the messages and vibrations we reinforce through the possessions we choose and interact with. 

The best way to develop your relationship with crystals is not by reading a book or memorizing a synopsis of their qualities that someone else has concluded. It is first and foremost about establishing a spiritual practice that connects you to divine guidance. There is no right way to use stones but having the right information enables one to experience their full potential. Just like any other tool, it is the person operating it that determines the quality of the end result. The degree of a crystal’s effect is based on your involvement and dedication to your spiritual practice.

A stone’s energy is determined by many different factors, including its chemical composition, crystalline structure and shape, color, and geographic origin. I like to think of stones as friends (even people). Each one has its own personality. Some are more calming, others are more stimulating. Some help with purging, while others help with abundance. Some have more overarching abilities while others are very task specific. Certain stones share a universal consensus of what energy they possess, i.e. rose quartz is a stone known for facilitating self-love.

The framework I have created is designed to help you with the process of selection. You can take control and feel better without waiting for an external circumstance to determine your well-being. 

1 — ASK: what energy do I need at this moment?

Instead of asking “What can this stone do for me?”, it is much more poignant to use this answer as your guide. You are not focusing on the end result, rather you are focusing on the energy you need to embody to get you to that end result. This means you are actively doing something to shift your energy, not expecting a magic quick fix while being idle. Identifying your energetic needs also puts you much more in touch with yourself and the present moment. If you cannot pinpoint it exactly skip to step 2.

2 — Connect to Source and ask to be directed

You can approach this in a way that is most comfortable for you. Express the sentiment: “Lead me to the stones that are in the best interest of my highest good and that possess the energy I need to integrate to be in alignment with my highest self.” What you individually require to address the root cause of your distress is not always the obvious answer, and it is never what our ego is expressing. This is why we want Source to take the lead.

3 — download guidance & honor your intuition

Whether you are trying to find stones via online images or physically interacting with one, be mindful of what you are experiencing. Are you hearing any messages? Are you directly drawn to a stone immediately? Are you having any physical sensations? How are you reacting to the stone? How does it make you feel? Without your ego involved, you are not going to pick a stone based on looks alone so don’t be surprised if you find that you are pulled towards a stone that is not the most traditionally beautiful (although all stones are!).

If you feel stuck or you are having a hard time trusting your intuition, don’t worry. Remember what your answer was for the 1st question. Using the guidelines below and the energetic descriptions I use for each stone, find the stone that resonates with you. Don’t overthink it. When you ask for higher guidance and follow your authentic inclinations, you will find your stone ally.

MANIFEST

Control of the way energy is channeled and directed to shape the ideal physical reality

Colors

Yellow, Gold

Energy

Productive, Motivating, Determined, Willful, Efficient, Uplifting, Sunny, Warm, Abundant

Stones

Citrine, Pyrite, Tiger’s Eye, Stellar Beam and Golden Calcite, Golden Topaz, Amber, Rutilated Quartz

CONNECTION

Spiritual outlook, Unification with Source, Ability to see and feel past physical restrictions, Connection to universal consciousness and love

Colors

White, Clear, Translucent

Energy

Soft, Angelic, Airy, Awakening, Ethereal, Whole, Purifying, Giving, Trusting, Mindful

Stones

Selenite, Scocelite, Apophyllite, Clear Quartz, Clear Calcite, Danburite, Clear Topaz, Petalite

FIG. 13-38

GROUND

FIG. 13 — Josef Albers, “Profundo”, 1965. © The Josef and Anni Albers Foundation / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York

FIG. 14 — Boyd Norton, "Stream bed, Sarpy Basin", 1973. Credit National Archives.

FIG. 15 — Iron Meteorite, "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Minerals and Rocks", 1977.

STIMULATE

FIG. 16 — Josef Albers, "DR-a", 1968. © The Josef and Anni Albers Foundation / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York

FIG. 17 — Charles O'Rear, "Volcanic Mauna Ulu in eruption", 1973. Credit National Archives.

FIG. 18 — Welfunite, "The World's Finest Crystals and Minerals", The Viking Press, 1973.

MANIFEST

FIG. 19 — Josef Albers, "Study for Homage to the Square: Departing in Yellow", 1964. © The Josef and Anni Albers Foundation / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York

FIG. 20 — California poppies, unknown.

FIG. 21 — Rutilated Quartz, "Color Encyclopedia of Gemstones", 1977.

BALANCE

FIG. 22 — Josef Albers, "I-S LXXI a", 1971. © The Josef and Anni Albers Foundation / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York

FIG. 23 — Tropical plants, 1970s.

FIG. 24 — Quartz with tourmaline.

LOVE

FIG. 25 — Josef Albers, "Awakening", 1963. © The Josef and Anni Albers Foundation / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York

FIG. 26 — Bill Reaves, "Flower", 1972. Credit National Archives.

FIG. 27 — Rhodochrosite, "Color Encyclopedia of Gemstones", 1977.

EXPRESS

FIG. 28 — Josef Albers, “H1”. © The Josef and Anni Albers Foundation / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York

FIG. 29 — Nick DeWolf, Oahu, 1973. Courtesy of the Nick DeWolf Foundation.

FIG. 30 — Amazonite, "Natury Library - Rocks and Minerals", 1984.

INTUIT

FIG. 31 — Josef Albers, “WLS XI”, 1966. © The Josef and Anni Albers Foundation / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York

FIG. 32 — Charles O'Rear, "The east ridge of Cherry Canyon is the boundary between the Stanislaus National Forest and Yosemite National Park", 1973. Credit National Archives.

FIG. 33 — Amethyst, “Color Treasury of Crystals”, 1973.

PERCEIVE

FIG. 34 — Josef Albers, "Untitled (White Line Squares) (Six Works)", 1966. © The Josef and Anni Albers Foundation / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York

FIG. 35 — Kyanite, “Color Treasury of Crystals”, 1973.

CONNECT

FIG. 36 — Josef Albers, “Gray Instrumentation IIj”, 1975. © The Josef and Anni Albers Foundation / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York

FIG. 37 — Mary Corse, "Untitled (White Light Series)", 1966. © Mary Corse.

FIG. 38 — Quartz. © Crystal Voyager.