Earth's Magick: Crystals That Changed My Life.

As far as I can think back, I see little bits and bobs decorating the shelves of my childhood bedroom... Sometimes these were bottle caps that I liked the design of or other man-made things of bright colors and often glitter.  Mixed amongst my most prized possessions at that age was always a collection of rocks...

Having gone through my parents' home a couple of years ago I came upon one such collection that had somehow made its way into a box.  Inside were a couple pieces of Pyrite, Brecciated Jasper, and Agate... It was as if I had found long lost friends, smiling at the familiar swirls of color within the agates and comfortable feel to the pyrite nuggets shape. 

My maternal grandmother had fostered my love for crystals and stones at a young age and would send me pieces from her vacations every time they ventured from her hometown... Most of the time these were different colored agate slices, which I find some aligned irony in now as a woman that battles anxiety, understanding they are arguably the best crystals for this Virgo Sun to work with. Unfortunately, I never did find those stored away... 

I would go some years without crystals and stones by my side...  Most of my twenties really.  But in my time of need crystals found their way back into my life and were there to lead the way out of darkness. A way to remembering who I used to be. The innocence of a girl, a believer of earthly magick, who would transform with study and skill into a woman confident in the uses of earth's little sacred things, crystalline or mineral in nature. 

It's hard for me to narrow down my favorite crystals. In overall composition, I'm a big fan of clusters.  With that said, those that can be formed into a palm stone are quite comforting to hold. Below you will find a handful of the ones which changed my life in one way or another, alongside their metaphysical properties and glimpses into the ways some have affected me for the better. 

As a life path number 22, it seemed only right to share the same number of crystals:

Apophyllite …  A showy mineral possessing restorative faith which it shares with those who work with it. In helping one remember we are interconnected through universal consciousness and will, it assists us during times of struggle put faith towards the perspective all things occur in design. Wonderful companions during meditation and awakening, its forms are ascension gateways. Key in emotional healing, astral travel, access to the Akashic Records, and to cleansing psychic debris, it's a go to for me when working to purify my aura and sacred spaces. 

Amazonite... Helping you to see both sides of a problem or all the perspectives at hand, it brings a sense of calm to the nervous system... As so it makes a wonderful stone for Virgos to carry or wear on their person along with anyone else going through an overly anxious time... Also known to assist in soothing emotional trauma, amazonite alleviates our mind from focusing on our fears. Those in reality form and those which live in the psyche. I believe its energy to feel most at home between our Throat and Heart Chakras which promotes us to speak from a place of authenticity without trepidation of judgment being levied upon us.

Azurite... The High Priestess of crystals, this amazing Third Eye stone helps us realize self-limiting behaviors as it channels water energy... Azurite promotes true vision beyond the Ego, calling one to sit quietly and observe what is seen and unseen. Working with this beautiful blue-green mineral for extended periods of time brings clarity to all situations, without fail.

Botswana Agate, more specifically, the Apricot variety......Much like all other agates Botswana Agate promotes the idea of self-acceptance and healing through transformation... This stone has a soothing energy that calls you to release repressed emotions and gives a boost to confidence much in the way Carnelian does. Being of a peachy orange color it likewise is a wonderful stone to get in touch with and balance your Sacral Chakra energy. As a form of comfort, it works wonderfully in combating depression while strengthening one's fortitude during hard times… Another go to stone for me, I use it when wanting to ensure I'm out from under any manipulative control, allowing me to see others motives clearly.

Lemurian Blue Calcite, aka Aquatine... Arguably my all-time favorite, Aquatine acts as a filter to the emotions, taking the negative, self-doubt, and stress ridden feelings we all have from time to time and in an action cleansing them... But not just that! It then resends the energy back to you in positive waves, working as a support to our overall auras, not merely a sifter of the bad stuff. This variety of blue calcite is often referred to as a stone of happiness, peace and deep understanding. It's been pivotal in my shadow recognition and working out emotional baggage I have accrued, as well as unlocking past life memories ... If you want to get from your South Node to North, this is your stone!!

Carnelian ... A self-empowering stone, Carnelian gives off vibes of strength and courage.  If you are seeking to unlock your creative potential or be encouraged on your path to spiritual growth this is a great advocate in agate form.... It persuades us to stand in confidence when making and sticking to decisions and offers us a warmth sometimes missing in the world around us...

**I have such a love for Carnelian, and I came by it really in happenstance.  Late into my marriage there was a lot of negative energy in my home. I began being called to get all the things I instinctively knew I needed... Sage.  Crystals. Tarot... All of which did not necessarily go over well with my Catholic-raised narcissistic ex... I eventually had to hide my Tarot deck, which is a post in and of itself, but when I went to the Psychic Eye Bookshop and purchased a handful of smoky quartz tumbles, I also picked up Labradorite and Carnelian not even entirely sure why at the time, other than they felt as a couple wanted to come home with me... The thing with my ex was he was wonderfully skilled at researching your interests and then using them against you. Through gaslighting he convinced me that I didn't know what I was doing when it came to what I was 'dabbling in,' and that instead of helping me, the stones I had purchased were actually causing me to be an aggressive person and 'unloving wife/mother.' He must have google lensed them, learning their energy and realizing any stone meant to help one's willpower was not a stone he wanted his unawakened, empathic wife to have at her disposal. So, he took some of my stones, the Carnelian specifically, and hid them from me 'for my own good.' (Hence why I decided to hide my tarot before he got to it too.) ...He would later tell me that it was the orange one which was making me the most aggressive and because I just wanted to smooth things over, I let it die and stopped searching for the ones missing.... If anything, it had already worked its power, awakening in me a backbone to soon stand in confidence and to stop putting up with what I had been for exceedingly long.... I'm constantly reminded of that situation and wear it proudly most days of the week, heavily relying on it when it comes to Sacral Chakra opening/balancing, believing I am a testament to its perspective shifting power... 

Chrysoprase.... A stone well versed to calling in abundance and love, Chrysoprase works primarily with the Heart Chakra. It does so in helping to alleviate anxiety and depressions, as well as emotional trauma... It promotes the ability to see what we already have, and the abundance around us that may not be physical in nature. It's such an appropriate stone for those needing to heal a broken heart, struggling to live in the moment, or wanting to attract a new love their way.

Chrysocolla… A crystal known to calm and purify, it can also amplify the positive nature of each chakra. In doing this it clears the way for better communication with Divine through psychic vision, and its close tie to the Heart Chakra makes it a welcomed companion when seeking to manifest new love and romantic opportunities.

Dumortierite... This Throat Chakra stone calls stability, patience, and open communication into existence within one's life.  Dumortierite allows for increased focus a mental clarity that comes though self-acceptance and discipline.

**My starscape makes it sometimes difficult to thoroughly activate my Throat Chakra. On one hand, I'm a Gemini Moon and Gemini Ascendant, so I love to be expressive and to convey my thoughts to people. However, I also hold a Gemini Chiron, meaning vulnerable expression is a source of tension for me at the same time. A place in my world where I've always felt overlooked, and struggled in truly speaking 'my truth' from time to time...  Because of this Throat Chakra stones will always be heavily mixed into those that I work, however Dumortierite alongside Amazonite are workhorses for me... What I love about Dumortierite is it really does give a sense of patience and wisdom to when you should be utilizing your voice so that it has the most impact for your betterment. 

Flower Agate... This agate promotes motivation to follow one's dreams, and aides in creating an energy field that is accepting of change in one's life... Flower Agate allows us to see in ourselves the Magician architype, that with divine partnership, makes us capable of greatness.  This crystal is another which helps to alleviate fears and anxieties that hold our happiness hostage. My favorite bangle wrap to wear is comprised of this stone with one of complementary color as I've found there to be a powerful combination when you use this agate with its sister agate, Carnelian.

Garnet…A gentle protection stone calling in influences of love, passion, and commitments … Its namesake comes from the Latin word for seed-like, “Garanatus”, in reference to the fact that it appears much like the seeds of a pomegranate, thus giving insight to seed-like changes being made in one's life for your best good.

**Anybody who's followed me or for any length of time or knows me personally will attest that the deity whom I choose to work most closely with aside from The Magdalene, is Persephone.  As so garnets are a big part of my spiritual celebrations/rituals. The richness of their color and namesake referencing that which tied her to the underworld and made her a queen.  I'm of the belief that she ate the seeds willingly and is not a captive as many myths and storytellers will have you believe. So, to me the energy of the pomegranate protects her from a life on Olympus that was lacking in passion and respect. Because of this I'm reminded we can rebelliously take hold of the reins to our life, making life-altering decisions in which we don't need approval from others. 

Iolite… Named after the word 'ios’ meaning violet in Greek, it is a stone that was and is loved by many cultures… Among the Norse it is known as ‘The Viking’s Compass’ because of its ability to help those at sea detect the location of the Sun based off reading light reflecting from its surface. In doing so they were able to direct their course correctly, making any changes necessary…. This crystal is useful in helping one live authentically while releasing holds of judgement one may encounter from others which would veer them from their destined paths… Iolite is especially good in neutralizing discord within relationships and facilitating psychic ability through opening one's Third Eye Chakra...

Labradorite...Known as the crystal of transformation, Labradorite is a must have when going through shifts in life. This feldspar lends strength and perseverance to all that work with it and is a great energetic shield, protecting one's aura. Being a Third Eye Chakra stone at its core, it's known in metaphysical circles worldwide as an excellent crystal for strengthening intuition and promoting psychic abilities.

**This was the first crystal I can ever say I held in my hand and felt an energy shift... Having arrived in Ohio months previous I'd ventured over to Kokopelli Gift House in search of a few tumbles and maybe a cluster or two. I was immediately taken with the petite old home, turned metaphysical shop. Going through and filling a little wicker basket, my attention was pulled in the way of a display holding small palm stones... Now I will preface this in saying, I don't know anybody can fall in love with crystals and not go through a stage where they absolutely love the light show which goes on with labradorite, so of course I had to look at all of them! One in particular I still have to this day. When I picked it up there was a heaviness and vibration that I'd never experienced before. I found myself physically uncapable of putting it back...  I had an immediate emotional tie to that stone, and it was as if it was destined to be mine. Nowadays, I feel that shift in a lot of ways. Every single witch bell, ladder, or magickal piece I send out, I first lay hands on infusing positive and protective energy throughout. It's a mixture of that output as well as me physically taking in the power of whichever herbs and stones comprise each of my creations which has proved to me all of earth gifts hold separate frequencies.  But it was indeed a small labradorite palm which was the very first crystal to ever give me that magickal experience. 

Lapis Lazuli ... Known for working with the Third Eye through Solar Plexus this Lazurite, Calcite, and Pyrite mixed stone is especially amazing at opening the Throat Chakra allowing for one's voice to be heard and life's vision to take center stage…Throughout history is has been called 'The Royal Stone,' for its regal coloring and that Lapis was a favorite among early kingdoms due to its ability to give you profound confidence to stand in your truth.  This crystal brings with it wisdom, endurance, and spiritual power.

 Lodolite... (Garden Quartz) The variety of quartz which hosts dream-like inclusions of various minerals also boosts healing properties which aid in the support of one's vitality... This high vibrational crystal helps in detoxifying your environment, inner self, and aura... It also happens to be used quite frequently during astral travel rituals as it facilitates lucid dreaming, and as such, is known to many as simply, 'the dream stone.'

Peach Moonstone... Moonstones are ever popular. The most common are creamy in color and hold a florescence sometimes accompanied by small flecks of black tourmaline. Others are black and grey sheened, even one variety can be found in a mint shade. All of these allow one to stay calm during a Full Moon's chaotic energy and work to heal emotional traumas. Known as the feminine counterpart to Labradorite, it is a wonderful companion of intuitive and sensitive souls, especially after they have experienced some sort of upheaval... I prefer tan moonstones simply due to their earthy vibes. They remind me of sparkling sand so perhaps it's my earth elemental sun or Cancer held First House but I'm keen to the peach.

Rhyolite, aka Rainforest Jasper... A spiritual teaching stone often used during earth healing rituals, it can strengthen the physical body and calm overactive emotions... One of rhyolite's best qualities is the ability to restore faith and vision to those that have been troubled by life as it promotes vibes of love and peace. Rainforest Jasper is a favorite among shamans, and it was a companion stone for me during the beginning of my tarot study.

Rhodochrosite… Our soul's best friend. This loving crystal lifts up our self-worth through compassionate energy...  Rhodochrosite can assist with memory recall, positive insight, and is found to be helpful in maintaining healthy relationships. First it teaches us what love is, through compassion for the self, and then we find ourselves able to mirror that respect towards others.  This stone will connect a higher perspective to a lower vibe every time in an action defusing bouts of depression.

Scolecite… One of the highest vibrational stones I regularly work with, it's no surprise it is strongly tied to the Third Eye Chakra. Scolecite allows for clearer and easier flow of our intuitive self and works to bridge the gap between us and our spiritual teams: angels, ancestors, spirits, and guides.

Topaz ... Because many believe Topaz to align you with your higher self, it is used widely during meditation. It is a crystal known to bring a calm awareness that, 'all will be well in time,' so those that have anxious personalities benefit greatly from this crystal. As does anyone needing a boost in motivation with its property of making it easier to believe in one's abilities. Seen as a good luck stone in many cultures, it ultimately promotes being honest with oneself and champions forgiveness. 

**The women in my family have always been big on jewelry, primarily bracelets and rings.... While my grandmother was not out of the broom closet looking back, I realize that she was very much a kindred spirit to me. She had one ring in particular that I just absolutely adored. I find myself believing it was enchanted because I've never been able to forget it.  A smoky chocolate in color and beautifully cut long emerald, out of all of the jewelry I will one day inherit that's the one piece I'll cherish the most! 

Turquoise… Arguably the most sacred of stones, turquoise is believed to be a banisher of negative energy, protecting the souls of those that carry or wear it.  There is an unmatched tranquility that accompanies this stone which makes it easily understandable for it to be a master healer. Turquoise promotes health and longevity through wisdom and connectedness with Divinity & Mother Earth. 

** I've always been a fan of the coloring that turquoise presents... Often in that robin egg blue or greenish teal palette, it has always given off a very soothing energy to me... At this point in my life, I wear turquoise not only for sacred protection but because it reminds me of my home-away-from-current home.  Found in a handful of spots around the world, one of which is most notably the American southwest... Snapple Cap Fact: While Nevada is known as 'The Silver State' it is the sole producer of White Buffalo Turquoise, only found in one mine in the north of the territory.  

Unakite.... Motto being, "What comes together belongs together." Unakite is key to two chakras: The Third Eye for vision/intuition and the Heart for its wonderful ability to balance one's emotions.  Mistakenly called a jasper often, this composite of granite made from quartz, feldspar, and epidote is a great stone for self-care and creating a calm inward out.

**Coincidentally, this stone one day made me realize how tapped into my intuition I can be.  Whenever clients order from me, I like to include something fun they're not expecting. Whether it be a crystal tumble, a set of prayer beads, a sachet of incense, or whatever else seems appropriate for the size order I make sure an extra is awaiting their opening. On this particular order it was the first time I had worked with this client, so I didn't know her very well at this point. I chose to send her a small unakite tumble and about a day after it had been dropped off at the post, I got a message from her asking if I had access to any. If so, could I throw one in her box? Referencing the notes I left myself inside her order I confirmed I'd already sent one along.  This such happening being one of the many synchronicities which have reminded me to always listen to that little voice who tells me things. The messages might seem inconsequential at the time but will make sense sooner or later.

Not that this need be a shopping list for you, although it could serve as a nice one. Think of this post as a love letter to Gaia, spelling out in all the ways she holds beauty. And should it inspire you to start or add to your crystal collection what more of a lovely energy can I have asked to put out into the world. Happy collecting!

Blessings unto thee, and so it is.

Tiffany