Modern science has confirmed recently what mankind has known for eons—that crystals are important and unique objects. Their atomic makeup aligns the underlying structure of the crystal in a fashion unique within the infinite varieties of nature. As a result of these structures, crystals are used in many modern devices, such as radios and computers. Quartz crystals are naturally six-sided prisms. Even if you break or fracture a crystal of quartz, a pure crystal will break along the same lines, into similar six-sided prisms aligned in the same way as the parent crystal. Yet the patterns of crystals and crystal formation are not explainable only with science. Science does not tell us why we have been so entranced by them as soon as we discovered them—why they are as beautiful as there are.

Crystals and Energy

Crystals absorb and transmit energy—that is their application in our devices, and so it is within magic as well. Many kinds of crystals exist in nature, from the common quartz crystal to the highly expensive and rare diamond. Contrary to what some beginners believe, an expensive crystal is no better for the purposes of charging and using energy than an inexpensive one. Nor does the size of the crystal necessarily help, beyond a certain point—energies gathered over a certain level are lost. What is more important is the way you cleanse and charge the crystal, as well as your own intuitive sense. Never doubt the influence of destiny as well: if you come across a crystal in your travels even while not looking for one or receive one as a gift, it is something you were meant to have. A crystal like that is more valuable than any you could buy in a store.

Attuning to such a crystal is a simple process that requires no training—simply feel it out and probe it with your mind and heart. Explore it with your hands, paying close attention to the emotions and ambient energy that comes from the crystal. Monitor the emotions you feel. Try repeatedly, on different days, and keep a record of the sensations you feel from the crystal. Once you feel you understand the crystal's inner workings, you are ready to cleanse the crystal of impure energy and charge it yourself for your own use.

Cleansing energy from a Crystal

Cleansing energy from the crystal is a more technical process, but one of the best ways to do this is also the most simple. Exposing the crystal to each of the four elements in turn rids the crystal of the ambient energy it picks up and allows you to charge it with your own pure energy for use in healing. To wash the crystal in air, place the crystal in an open, breezy place, facing the rising sun, and leave it for three days. You can also burn incense next to the crystal to smoke out the impurities that the crystal collects. To cleanse the crystal with water, take it to a clear, unpolluted lake or stream to wash it—or if none are available due to distance, a clay bowl filled with pure water. Face the west while doing so. To cleanse the crystal with fire, face the south and pass the crystal through an open flame or candle. Then leave it out for the noonday sun. To cleanse the crystal with earth, bury the crystal in a cauldron filled with dirt.

Charging a Crystal or a Crystal Ball

Finally, charging the crystal is simple as well. Direct your thoughts and your positive energy to the crystal. Imagine it filled with your healing energy. If it helps you concentrate, invent a chant to focus your positive feelings. Then your crystal will be ready to heal and aid.