5 Halloween and Samhain crystals you need to try

It's the time of the year when the veil it at its thinnest: the barrier between this world and the next is more permeable.

It's also the time of year when harvests are winding down; nights are getting colder; and days are getting shorter. We're getting into the season of quiet, rest, and turning inward.

This is a great time of the year for connecting with your ancestors and those who have moved on, as well as connecting to the deeper, moodier aspects of yourself.

These crystals are great for Halloween, Samhain (a celebration of the end of harvest and entrance into the winter season; pronounced "sowin"), and Dia De Los Muertos (which is separate from a Halloween/Samhain celebration, but occurs around the same time - on November 1 and 2).

Obsidian

An excellent stone for shadow work, scrying, and protection, obsidian is my top recommendation for this time of year. Obsidian is not a crystal: instead, it is natural volcanic glass, formed when a lava flow cools rapidly.

Obsidian has long been said to be a protective talisman, known to bring clarity, protection, and balance. It also provides energetic support for grounding and clearing away any psychic or emotional “junk” you’ve been holding on to, including bad habits and negative emotions.

Read more about obsidian

Crystal Skulls

Some people think that crystal skulls are "creepy" and "evil" - but that's FAR from the truth! Crystal skulls are actually carved in a way that resembles the greatest thinking and processing machines on the planet - our own skulls.

They're the perfect shape for the unique processes and electromagnetic activity that drives all we are, think, and do. Crystal skulls, therefore, are believed to store and transmute wisdom and knowledge, “learning” as they connect with their owner(s) and the other crystal skulls they are around. They can also help you to connect with your family members who have passed on, as well as connect you with ancestral wisdom.

Read more about crystal skulls

Petrified Wood

Petrified wood - or fossilized wood - is created when the cells that make up wood are replaced over decades by minerals (typically agate or quartz - which is why it is sometimes called agatized wood).

Petrified wood is said to be a stone that is helpful for grounding and connecting to the Earth. It is also said to be a stone that can help you connect to the past. Petrified wood is also said to enhance one’s connection with nature and increase awareness and understanding of the environment.

Quartz Sphere

Quartz spheres paint a quintessential picture of fortune tellers, psychics, and other mystical mavens peering into them for insight, guidance, and messages.

Primarily, clear quartz is used as an amplifier: it can amplify the properties of other stones, but it amplifies all kinds of energy. Interestingly, this is also one of its uses in everyday life: as a way to move energy from one place to another, such as with electronics. Quartz is also easily programmable: When you set your intentions for the stone, it can help to amplify that energy, whether it be for abundance, love, peace, or connection. If you are wanting to connect with departed loved ones, the deeper magic of this season, or your own inner knowing, try a quartz sphere and see what you discover.

Read more about quartz

Orange Calcite 

Orange calcite is often said to be a stone of happiness and joy - and who can disagree? It's sunny, juicy, fruit-colored hues are the perfect orange; and, when coupled with it's creamy white swirls, looks just like a creamsicle.

Orange calcite made this list because of its symbolic color: it reminds us of the pumpkins we carve into jack-o-lanterns, as well as vibrant marigolds - a flower said to help those who have passed on find their way back to their loved ones, during Dia De Los Muertos. 

Note: Dia De Los Muertos is a Mexican holiday celebrated at the beginning of November, to honor loved ones who have moved on, as well as the beauty of both life and death. It is not the same as/another version of Halloween/Samhain. 

Which will you try? 

This season is an amazing opportunity to work with some of the more "shadowy" (less talked about) aspects of our lives. Obsidian, crystal skulls, petrified wood, quartz spheres, and orange calcite are all great tools to help you do that. Which will you try?