You hear about them all the time in the tabloids. The Olsen twins handed black tourmalines and clear quartzes to their 2018 fashion show attendees, and Adele said her 2016 Grammy performance was rocky because she lost her gems a few days before.  Are crystals just a Hollywood fad or is there something to these so-called healing stones? 

Crystal healing is a therapy in which you use natural gemstones to help draw out negative energy. Crystals are wise, natural curiosities that have existed on earth for millions of years. They're believed to work with your energy field to absorb, focus, and direct energies. When used correctly, they are life changers and an essential part of your self-care regimen. Here are four basics for starting a stone collection and maximizing their power.  

1. Let the stone pick you

Sure, you can get crystals on Amazon nowadays, but are they going to work for you? In essence, all crystals are healing stones. But choosing one that will work for you is more an art than a science and you have to connect with your intention and do a bit of research to make the right match. It's always a good idea to read up on types of stones to see which one speaks to you. Some examples include Amethyst, which harbors intuition and spirituality, and Citrine, which is cleansing and stimulating. There are hundreds, so the first thing is to do a bit of research. 

Once you've decided upon a type, head to a crystal shop with your intention in mind and feel them. Some find it helpful to close their eyes when shopping and see if anyone, in particular, feels different. Go with what you're attracted to and trust that whatever you picked is exactly what you need at the moment.

2. Clean and clear your stone

Crystals last forever, but some maintenance is required to keep them active. It's not a huge commitment, just giving them some love and attention is enough. What's important to know is that healing crystals both absorb and give energy, so it's essential to discard any built-up negativity or lifelessness.

Begin right after you buy or receive one. A recharge once a week is always helpful and after each use is a must if you're using stones for healing.  Just know that gemstones are part of nature, so keeping them in a dark drawer makes them dull and disconnected from their natural energies.

You can recharge crystals by:

• Letting them absorb natural light (sun or moon).
• Burying them in the earth for a few hours.
• Adding some incense smoke or even applying direct fire for a few seconds.
• Giving them a quick soak in seawater (if you have access) or just some salted water.

You can also use other stones to clean your stones or, if you have a practice, use meditation and breath. Because all stones are different, they may need different things. Make sure you cleanse your stone based on type and color. For example, you shouldn’t use water softer stones such as malachite or selenite as if washes away their cleansing powers.

3. Set your intention

Thoughts create vibrations, which makes setting intentions a powerful tool. To create a meaningful connection with your stone, you have to give it an intention.

We recommend the following ritual: hold your crystal and clear your mind of any negativity. Choose an intention that is true to your short and long-term goals. It can be something such as practice more self-love or heal a loved one. Quiet your mind for a moment and focus on your crystal and your aim. You may say it aloud or quietly repeat it in your head. You may even feel compelled to write it down. What's important is to concentrate on the connection between your words and your crystal. Go with your heart, like you did when selecting the stone. Continue until you feel that you have infused your stone with your purpose.