Do crystals have magical powers?

Are crystals magic?

We’ve all seen people talk about the metaphysical and healing properties of crystals – but is it real? Do crystals really have mysterious, healing properties that can help us to balance our system and promote wellness (as part of a larger health plan)? Or are they just a bunch of “woo-woo”?

Here are 5 ways you can use crystals in your life - no woo-woo required!

Do Crystals Work? 

Are crystals magic? Do they have healing powers? Can they act as a complementary approach to holistic health?

We’ve all seen people talk about the metaphysical and healing properties of crystals – but is it real? Do crystals really have mysterious, healing properties that can help us to balance our system and promote wellness (as part of a larger health plan)? Or are they just a bunch of “woo-woo”?

The short answer is: that's a post for another day. For this post, I want to take any “woo” out of the conversation and talk about the practical magic of crystals. Why? So that it doesn’t matter what research has or hasn’t been done; who says (or doesn’t say) what; and what studies do or don’t show. Instead, I want to focus on how you can use crystals, right now, in your day-to-day life, with minimal “woo.”

The Practical Magic of Crystals 

What is practical magic? Google Dictionary defines magic, partially, as (noun) “a quality that makes something seem removed from everyday life, especially in a way that gives delight.” It also provides a similar meaning, as being (adjective) “very effective in producing results, especially desired ones.” So, when we talk about the practical magic of crystals, we are describing them as objects that provide enjoyment and bring about some kind of “desired result” or outcome.

So what are some specific practical magic applications of crystals? I have five for you – but I’d love to know if you have others!

They are Beautiful 

Crystals can be used in home décor and home furnishing. I have seen crystals used to create lamps, candle holders, counter tops, end tables, coffee tables, door knobs, sinks, and more. You can find crystal-patterned wall paper, crystal paintings and portraits, and crystal-inspired accents, including throw pillows.

One of the most popular uses of crystals in the mainstream is, of course, jewelry. Rings, necklaces, earrings, cufflinks, barrettes, pins, and more have been made into beautiful adornments for centuries. With prices that range from very affordable to luxury purchases, there is a wide range of options – and stones – for you to choose from. And don’t forget: When you like what you are wearing, you feel good. When you feel good, you look good. And when you look good and feel good, you are more confident, more outgoing, and more open to all of the amazingness of life. So, in that way, crystal jewelry can absolutely have a positive effect on your life.

Finally, crystals can be used on their own, to accent your home, office, or space. Try adding a large geode to your bathroom counter, for some added sparkle. Or, try an amethyst cathedral to complement your purple-hued walls. Medium-sized crystals can make great accents on a bookshelf or side table. And smaller crystals can even be used in a planter, to add an earthy accent.

They are Inspiring - and a bit Profound

Crystals come from inside the Earth and are formed over eons, in a variety of ways. They often need to be dug up; come covered in mud; and sometimes need to be polished to really show off their display of colors (like with opals and fire agate). This takes not only time, but hard work and, in the case of polished stones, craftsmanship and care.

The sheer variety of crystals – in addition to the variety of forms of each crystal, such as quartz which can occur in a range of colors, clarity, and shapes – is truly staggering. Thinking about the amazing display of crystalline brilliance below the Earth’s surface and completely nature-made, it’s easy to see why crystals are pretty incredible.

They are Functional

Crystals have lots of real-world functions – that you may or may not be aware of! In fact, many of the things that you use in your daily life start out as crystals. This includes quartz, which is used in all sorts of electronics, including watches, cell phones, and television receivers; copper that conducts electricity through wires; and the use of mica in both electrical applications and as a pigment.

Other types of crystals are commonly accepted as having health benefits, including salt (sea salt, Himalayan salt). Salt is commonly found in scrubs, bath soaks, lamps, candle holders, and much more – and is said to be helpful for a number of ailments, as well as general wellness.

Finally, crystals are sometimes carved or shaped into healing and holistic tools, including massage wands and face rollers - and massage has been found to have some pretty impressive health benefits. Regardless of the properties of the stone, these can be helpful in relaxation, easing tight muscles, and generally creating a positive massage experience.

They are Calming

Woo woo aside, just look at a crystal. Think about how it formed. If it has transparent crystals, look into them: are they watery? “Crystal” clear? Do they have inclusions? Is it flashy? Are there rainbows inside? It’s enough to take you away from whatever you’re dealing with – even for a few moments – and get lost in their uniqueness.

Paying attention to the colors, clarity, shape, and structure of crystals can be very relaxing. It can also be enjoyable to collect crystals – especially if you have the opportunity to attend a crystal show (or have a trusted online seller, whose site you can browse). Just like some people find shopping for clothes or shoes an enjoyable and relaxing pastime or hobby, collecting crystals (or just browsing them) can be calming.

They can Help You Focus 

There has been a large amount of attention (no pun intended!) on mindfulness and meditation lately – and crystals can play a role here, as well. Sit quietly with a crystal for a few moments. Breathe. Close your eyes and focus on it – how it feels in your hands, its weight, maybe its shape. You could even gaze at it, if you find that closing your eyes is too distracting. Meditation and mindfulness have been shown to have a host of benefits for your physical body, as well as your mental and emotional health.

There is also the common saying that where attention goes, energy flows. When we’re facing things that are challenging or unexpected in life, it can be easy to focus on them – but when you start to focus on challenges and negativity, you start seeing them over and over again. To get out of that rut, you need to focus on something positive – and this is, again, where crystals can help! Instead of thinking about the boss that you’re just not getting along with, try thinking about crystals and how amazing the Earth really is. Instead of focusing on the that cluttered corner in your spare bedroom, try focusing on how sparkly and clear a quartz cluster is: how it reflects light, creates rainbows, and makes shapes. Once you shift your perspective a bit, you may find yourself more open to seeing the good in the situation…or feeling like you can deal with it (clear out that cluttered corner! It’ll feel so good when you’re done ;) ).

Another way to do use crystals to focus and relax is right before bed, as you are drifting off to sleep. If it’s often (or even occasionally) difficult to shut your mind off and step away from all of the late-night thoughts (lists for tomorrow, things you didn’t get done today, re-playing conversation or interactions in your mind), grab a crystal (a tumbled stone works well, so there aren’t any sharp edges) and focus on it. If it’s a tumbled stone or a palm stone, you can rub it and feel how smooth it is, which may feel calming. But either way, shifting your mind to focus on the good stuff – as opposed to the bad – may make your evening routine a bit more manageable. 

Make Your Life Even More Magic with Crystals 

In this article, we’ve talked about several practical ways to incorporate crystals into your daily life – regardless of where you stand on the energetic and metaphysical properties they are said to have. Crystals are beautiful, inspiring, functional, calming, and can help you focus. They make fabulous home décor (on their own, or turned into a lamp or counter top), gorgeous jewelry, and can remind us of the magic and beauty of Mama Earth.

So, there you go – easy, practical ways to use crystals in your daily life, with no woo-woo needed. What you do you think? Have you tried any of these suggestions? What other practical ways do you incorporate crystal “magic” into your life?

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