Crystals are minerals, and, as such, are mined from the ground. Many of these mines have very poor working conditions and a significant environmental impact. For this reason, I always recommend that you source your crystals ethically. There are two ways you can do this: either look for crystal shops who know where their crystals have come from or obtain them second hand. There are even international Facebook groups for this latter purpose! If you do decide to buy, or are gifted, pre-loved crystals, it is important that you cleanse them.
Going into a crystal shop can invoke the same feelings of awe and wonder as a traditional sweetshop did when you were a child – so much to choose from, and endless possibilities. However, this can also feel quite overwhelming.
Allow yourself to just go to the crystals you’re drawn to. With one in your hand, as yourself whether it feels like you don’t want to put it down. Does it feel good in your hand? Perhaps you can even feel a light buzzing in your palm! This is the crystal for you.
Don’t be concerned if you have a tingling in your head or elsewhere in your body when moving around a crystal shop; all the energy of the crystals in one place can affect a sensitive person. It will stop when you leave the shop! Having said that, if you hold a crystal that gives you a headache (usually across the front of the head), its energy isn’t right for you at this time. You’ll know instinctively if a crystal doesn’t feel right.
Many people have a variety of pocket-sized crystals and choose their crystals for the day. There is no right or wrong here – it’s a personal thing. It can be interesting to look up the crystal’s attributes and meaning; the correlation between your needs at the time and the crystal you’ve chosen is no coincidence! However, these attributes are not the ‘be all and end all’. You’re drawn to the ‘energy’ you need, be it physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual.
If choosing a crystal for somebody else, always have them clearly in your mind, with an intention to choose what is right for them in that moment. You’ll be amazed at the results!