Crystals .. how to pick?!

Having been asked this quite a bit I thought I would touch on the subject. I see many new witches running to the shops - or eBay and Etsy now! Stocking up their crystal supplies and then asking “now what?”

Pre Covid I would of told you it would be best to pick your crystals by hand and see what you are drawn to. Now however that’s not really an option! What you can keep in mind is - what do I need this for?

Take into account these three things

1. do I need this?

2. is it the right size for what I need?

3. can I afford this?

Yes that’s right .. can you afford it? I’ve seen many witches go into debt for apparent much needed crystals - however witches of years past used to use what they had at hand and I believe allot of new witches can get lost in the consumerism and I myself have been down this rabbit hole if only temporarily. The other draw back many witches find which is a sub category of this (this is the hole I found myself in- in short) is buying something because it looks pretty!

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So you‘ve researched what you need - the size you are looking for and how you are going to use it - great!

However what if you miss being drawn to that certain crystal in the shop you never knew you needed? That one that came in extremely helpful .. now of course you can’t go into the shop and see if anything is calling to you! So how do we go forward?

I would go with the advice of just look! Yep ... just look! Videos on youtube, listings and all the online shops. Start utilising your wish list! Anything that really jumps out to you put into your wish list and then wait. Sleep on it or wait a week and within that week or after a goodnight sleep (you be the judge) if you still really want it - then get it! Keeping in mind if money is a problem for you always to keep in mind a budget as magick is 90% intention!

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This agate pictured above is clearly dyed - it’s one of my own collection - there is nothing wrong with dyed crystals but be sure to know that most ultra bright or neon colours are fake also look out for purple through the whole amethyst cluster not just at the top. There are reasons for this... In example you may be looking for a blue agate and be getting a grey, pink, green, cream who knows agate that’s dyed! Crystals that are also dyed are very easily to fake and so slices of agate that are brightly coloured may not be crystals at all!

If you are going to buy dyed crystals be sure to get them from a reputable source and be aware although they have the same properties and some take on their new colour property you may also not be getting quite what you thought you were.

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As far as when your crystals come in the post or you pick them up curb side make sure there is some imperfections - yes you want them - you see bar going into a metaphysical shop you never quite know what you’re going to get online

Easily faked crystals can be most quartz - especially clear. citrine, amethyst & agate are also easily faked.

Look for bubbles - little bubbles in crystals don’t occur in real crystals, also look for crystals that are perfectly clear - this does not happen in nature and there should be some imperfections even if just a slight crack on one corner inside or a change in colour.

Price is another point to look at - if it’s very, very cheap - there is a good chance it is very, very fake! This doesn’t go for them all and if you can get a chance to hold your crystals you will know with the energy they give off.

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When you get your new crystals it is advisable to welcome them into your home. Some witches even sleep with them near their bedside.

Cleanse and charge them. Be careful how you cleanse them as allot of crystals do not do well in water but smoke is a good alternative that works wonderfully. Then charge either by sun (be careful with citrine & amethyst as they can fade fast in the sun) or moonlight. If you do not have moon light and do not wish to put them in the sun a selenite charging plate works well or sit with the crystal in your hands, then ground yourself into the earth. Picturing roots going deep down and imagine a light surrounding you for protection. Then with the crystal in your hands use visualisation to charge your crystal. You can also do this to cleanse them and set intentions for your new babies!!

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I hope you have enjoyed this and I will go into more depth of crystal uses in future blogs