How to Use Crystals for Healing, Energy, and Everyday Life

by Vickie Gould

Crystals are tools for energy, healing, and intention, going far beyond their visual appeal. These natural mineral formations have fascinated humans for millennia. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned healer, learning how to cleanse, activate, and connect with your crystals helps you harness their vibration for transformation, protection, and growth.

Crystals work differently for everyone, but the basics are universal: choose the right stone, cleanse it, set your intention, and use it in ways that align with your goals.

Some people carry them for emotional support, others place them in their space for energetic balance, and many incorporate them into healing practices.

Life Changing Energy has helped thousands of healers and curious learners use crystals safely and effectively. Our accredited courses and resources guide you through not only the "how," but the "why" behind each method, ensuring your practice is intentional, ethical, and impactful.

If you want the step-by-step guide, safety tips, and real-world applications for using crystals with confidence, keep reading. We'll cover it all next.

Choosing Your First Crystals

When it comes to choosing your first crystals, there's no rigid formula. Your connection to the stone matters beyond any checklist.

Follow your intuition. Let yourself be drawn to the stone that catches your eye or feels good in your hand.

Many people find that their "gut pick" ends up being exactly what they needed, even if they don't know why at first.

Match your crystal to your current needs. If you're seeking stress relief, Amethyst or Lepidolite might call to you.

For abundance, try Citrine or Pyrite. For love and emotional healing, Rose Quartz is a classic choice. Aligning your stone with a goal can help you feel focused and intentional in your practice.

Learn the general energetic qualities of a stone before purchase. This helps you make informed decisions and opens you to its potential uses.

This doesn't mean memorizing every metaphysical property. Simply get to know its core energy and how it resonates with you.

For beginners, consider starting with a curated crystal set that includes multiple stones for different purposes.

How to Prepare Your Crystals for Use

Before you dive into working with your crystals, prepare them both physically and energetically so they're clear, activated, and ready to align with your intentions.

Cleansing methods

Cleansing methods help clear energy that can linger in a crystal from its journey to you, so start fresh. Popular methods include:

Full moonlight – Leave your crystal under the moon overnight for a gentle, all-purpose cleanse.
Running water – Hold under cool running water if the stone is water-safe (avoid soft or porous minerals).
Smudging – Pass through the smoke of sage, palo santo, or incense to lift stagnant energy.
Burying in earth – Return the crystal to the soil for 24 hours to recharge with grounding energy.
Selenite charging – Place the stone on a selenite slab or in a selenite bowl for a no-water cleanse. You can find quality selenite and other cleansing tools from trusted sources.

When to cleanse

Always cleanse after purchasing or receiving a new crystal, after emotionally heavy events, or on a regular schedule (monthly works well for most stones). If your crystal feels "off" or dull, it's a sign it could use a refresh.

Activating crystals

Activating crystals comes after cleansing to "wake it up" and set its purpose. This can be done by:

Sunlight – A short time in the morning sun works well, but be mindful. Stones like Amethyst can fade with prolonged UV exposure.
Moonlight – Especially potent during a full moon for emotional and intuitive work.
Intention rituals – Hold the stone, take a deep breath, and clearly state what you want it to help you with.

Ways to Use Crystals Daily

Once your crystals are cleansed and activated, bring them into your everyday life. You don't need elaborate rituals. Consistent, mindful contact is what builds your connection and amplifies their effect.

Hold during meditation or yoga – Rest a stone in your palm during seated meditation, or place it on your mat during yoga to anchor your intention. For example, hold Amethyst for calm or Citrine for motivation.
Wear as jewelry for constant contact – Necklaces, bracelets, and rings keep the stone within your aura all day, allowing for steady, subtle influence. This is especially useful for protection or emotional support stones.
Place under pillow for dream work – Stones like Amethyst or Lepidolite can support restful sleep and enhance dream recall. Keep a small piece under your pillow or on your nightstand.
Keep on desk or in workspace for focus – Citrine, Pyrite, or Clear Quartz are popular choices for productivity and mental clarity. Position them where you'll see them often to keep your goals front of mind.
Place on body's energy points during healing sessions – Whether self-healing or working with others, placing crystals on specific chakras can target energy flow. For example, Rose Quartz over the heart or Selenite above the crown.

Quick tip

Even something as simple as holding a stone while focusing on your breath can deepen your connection. The more you interact with your crystal in mindful moments, the more natural your relationship will feel.

Working with Crystals in Specific Practices

Once you're comfortable using crystals in daily life, you can explore intentional practices that amplify their energy and help you focus on specific goals.

For meditation

Hold your chosen crystal in your hands, or place it on the corresponding chakra to deepen your practice. For example, Amethyst on the third eye for intuition or Rose Quartz on the heart for compassion.

Keep your mind gently focused on the crystal's purpose throughout your session.

For manifestation

Write your intention on a piece of paper and place it beneath a crystal that aligns with your goal. For abundance, you might use Citrine; for new beginnings, Green Aventurine.

This physical pairing acts as a reminder and energetic anchor.

For energy clearing

Sweep a crystal point or wand through your aura, visualizing it removing stagnant energy. Alternatively, place Black Tourmaline or Selenite in the corners of a room to keep the space clear and balanced.

For sound healing integration

Many practitioners combine crystals with sound healing techniques like singing bowls or tuning forks to amplify vibrational effects.

Mistakes to Avoid

Even well-meaning crystal lovers can make missteps that limit a stone's effectiveness, or worse, cause damage to the crystal or themselves. Here are a few to watch out for:

Using water on water-sensitive stones

Not all crystals are water-safe. Soft or porous stones like Selenite, Malachite, or Labradorite can dissolve, crack, or lose their polish when exposed to moisture.

Always research before cleansing in water.

Skipping cleansing and activation

Crystals can carry residual energy from handling, travel, or past use. Without clearing and setting your intention, you may not experience their full potential.

Think of it like trying to tune in to a station without adjusting the dial.

Doing energy healing without proper boundaries

If you're working with others, always have clear consent and stay within your scope of practice. Crystal healing is powerful, but it should be ethical, heart-led, and respectful of each person's comfort level.

When A Crystal Breaks: What It Means And What To Do

A broken crystal isn’t always bad news. Some believe it’s taken on energy meant to be released or has completed its work with you. It might also signal a need for you to slow down or reset your own energy.

If the break is clean, you can still use the pieces in grids or place them in different rooms. If it shattered, offer gratitude and consider returning the pieces to the earth, just like we release what no longer serves us.

Why Learn Through Life Changing Energy

Working with crystals is deeply rewarding, but learning from the right source can mean the difference between a confident, ethical practice and a frustrating trial-and-error experience.

Life Changing Energy doesn't simply teach crystal use. We guide you in building a safe, effective, and soul-aligned healing practice.

Ongoing support – Our connection with you doesn't end when the course does. You'll have access to continued guidance so you can grow with confidence.
Bite-sized, accredited courses – We've designed our training so it's easy to follow and apply, even if you're busy. You'll make progress without feeling overwhelmed.
Practical, ethical practices – Learn safe, heart-led methods so you can work responsibly with yourself and others. No guessing, no unsafe shortcuts.
Community connection – You'll join a network of like-minded healers who share experiences, insights, and encouragement. The journey is richer when we walk it together. Connect with certified practitioners worldwide.
Perfect for continuing education – Whether you're adding to existing certifications or exploring crystals for the first time, our programs help you deepen your skills and stay aligned with your growth as a healer.

The downside of DIY:

Trying to figure out crystals on your own can lead to ineffective use, unsafe practices, wasted time chasing misinformation, and a lack of confidence when offering healing to others. With the right guidance, you'll avoid these pitfalls and step into your role as a capable, heart-centered healer.

Next Steps

If you're ready to move beyond the basics and truly master the art of crystal healing, the next step is simple: get the right training and support.

Explore our accredited Crystal Healer Certification – Gain the skills, confidence, and ethical foundation you need to use crystals effectively for yourself and others.
Learn how to integrate crystals into your personal or professional healing work – Whether you're adding them to an existing practice or starting fresh, you'll learn how to do it with safety, intention, and impact. Consider expanding your skills with vocal vibrations to enhance your practice.
Explore our full library of accredited courses – Each course is designed to deepen your intuition, expand your gifts, and help you create a soul-aligned practice that truly reflects who you are as a healer.

Life Changing Energy believes your gifts are meant to be shared. With the right guidance, your crystal practice can touch lives in ways you never imagined. Browse our complete collection to find everything you need for your journey.

FAQ

How do I activate my crystals?

Activation happens through focused intention. After cleansing, hold the crystal, breathe deeply, and clearly state what you'd like it to help with.

How do I know my crystals are working?

You may notice shifts in mood, clarity, or energy, or simply feel aligned with your intentions. Results can be subtle or sudden. Pay attention to small changes over time.

How long does it take to feel results?

It varies. Some people feel an immediate shift; for others, the connection builds over days or weeks of consistent use.

Disclaimer: The practices and information shared in this blog are for educational and entertainment purposes only. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, nor are they a substitute for professional medical advice. Life Changing Energy and its representatives are not licensed medical doctors. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new wellness practice, especially if you are pregnant, have a medical condition, or are currently under medical care.