20 essential crystals

 spellcasters tend to focus on a selection of stones that can be used in more than one type of spell. Amethyst, for example, has multiple uses: it helps with many issues such as insomnia, ill health, and nightmares and is also excellent for meditation. You can use it over and over in all kinds of spells; it is just one of a few crystals that many witches find themselves returning to time and again.

Like amethyst, agate, quartz, and a few other semiprecious stones are staples in every crystal witch's toolkit. In the following section, we've listed the twenty most commonly used crystals along with details about them. As you experiment with each of these crystals (and others), you may find it valuable to make notes about which stones can be used for what spells in your personal Book of Shadows. Take account of those that had the best results+

AGATE
This banded, semiprecious gemstone is a form of microcrystalline quartz. It cleanses the aura, especially if a person has suffered emotional trauma. To help settle painful emotions, lie down and place it over your or your client's heart. Agate radiates power and calms tempers.
It is also a powerful healing stone; it can help with stomach and digestive issues and problems with the uterus.
COLOR(S): Common colors include blue, brown, gray, onyx, and pink; rarer varieties include Botswana, condor, crazy lace, fire (see below), iris, moss, and plume. OTHER USES: Improves concentration; helps one to find the truth; promotes self-confidence and acceptance.

FIRE AGATE
This variety of agate is deep, reddish brown in color and brings safety and protection to its owner, giving support during difficult times* It repels negativity, protects from the evil eye or ill-wishers, and acts as a force field, preventing negative thoughts from reaching its owner and instead sending them back to the source. Carry fire agate with you ifyou have an enemy or know that someone is thinking ill of you.
COLOR(S): Reddish brown with accents of orange, red, green, and golds OTHER USES: Provides support in difficult times; eliminates cravings and dispels fear.

AMBER
Amber actually isn't a crystal at all; it is fossilized tree resin that has long been valued for its color and beauty. Amber is used widely for healing and for casting out disease from the body. If worn continuously around the throat or wrist, it can balance the chakras and protect against depression or thoughts of suicide.
If you are feeling deflated or hopeless, wear amber in the form of a necklace, bracelet, or ring.
COLOR: Golden brown to yellow, OTHER USES: Cleanses the environment; brings about stability; enhances wisdom.

AMETHYST
Easily recognizable by its violet hue, this variety of quartz is one of the most potent crystals regularly used by spellcasters. Amethyst combats insomnia and protects against nightmares+ It has a beautiful calming effect and can help with meditation or when one would like to tune into a more spiritual vibration. Fretful babies and children react exceptionally well to this stone if it is placed in their bedroom (high up and out of reach for safety, of course).
COLOR: Purple. OTHER USES: Aids meditation.

ANGELITE
A variety of anhydrite from Peru, this pale blue mineral can assist a witch in powerful healing. As its name suggests, angelite is used primarily for contact and communication with the higher realm. This stone increases telepathic communication, enables astral projection, helps reveal inner truths, and can magickally transform a person's compassion and empathy. Summon an angel every time you cast a spell by placing angelite on your altar.
COLOR(S): Usually blue-flecked with soft white spots, but can alsobe colorless or violet. OTHER USES: Promotes weight control and truth-telling; instills patience and acceptance; stimulates healing of any kind.

 

AQUAMARINE
A powerful force against all things negative, this greenishblue semiprecious crystal is a member ofthe beryl family
(see also opposite page, top)$ It is sometimes carried by sailors as a talisman against drowning. It clears the mind, calms the soul, and is especially good at helping one combat fear. It's also quite effective when entering a nerve-racking situation. Carry aquamarine ifyou plan to travel over water.
COLOR(S): Greenish blue, but the purest translucent varieties can appear sky blue. OTHER USES: Promotes intelligence and clairvoyant abilities; useful in healing sore throats; soothes during meditation

BERYL
Beryl encapsulates a large variety of semiprecious crystals, including aquamarine and emerald. This commanding crystal, no matter the variety, deescalates stressful situations and clears away negative energies. It is also an excellent stone for scrying and is often used to create crystal balls. Hold a beryl stone in your hand while performing divination magick, or fix a small piece into your wand.
VARIETIES: Emerald, heliodor, bixbite, aquamarine, maxixe, morganite, and goshenite, among others. OTHER USES: Enhances marriages; wards off anxiety and relieves stress; promotes bravery.

BLOODSTONE
Also known as heliotrope, this magickal crystal is a variety ofjasper with immense power. Weather witches tend to lean toward using this stone, as it was once believed to control weather. Placing this crystal in a small bowl of water by one's bedside will bring restful sleep and sweet dreams. Bloodstone is also a stone ofcreativity, so it is suitable for any rituals that involve boosting the imagination.
COLOR(S): Dark red, green, or brown, or a combination of the three. OTHER USES: Removing ghosts or spirits; repels danger.
TUE CRYSTAL TOOLKIT 45

 

CARNELIAN
Carnelian is a semiprecious stone belonging to the chalcedony family. It possesses magickal properties that cleanse and restore other crystals. Ifplaced among other crystals or inside a geode, this brownishred stone will permeate powerful energies and rid other crystals of contamination. It also works very well for anyone who has been in an abusive situation, providing them with the inner strength to fight back and follow their correct path.
COLOR(S): Red, orange, or brownish-red OTHER USES: Helps with mental preparation for childbirth', thought to influence wealth and abundance; calms angry emotions; puts a stop to mental lethargy.

CELESTITE
Also called celestine, this mineral derives its name from the Latin caelestis, meaning "celestial" or "heavenly." Naturally, celestite helps its user reach a higher power and connect with the angels and divine guides. Many crystal witches tend to have a piece ofthis gemstone
somewhere nearby when spellcasting.
COLOR(S): Pale blue, pale pink, pale brown, white, yellow, or colorless. OTHER USES: Helps heal unhealthy relationships; enhances scrying abilities; removes anxiety and sharpens the mind.

CITRINE
This cheery, bright yellow variety of quartz carries the power of the sun and removes blocks and obstacles from life. Trying to sell your home? You can bury citrine chips in the garden or elsewhere on the property to help speed up the sale.
COLOR(S): Ranges in color from pale to golden yellow, honey-toned shades, or nearly brown.
OTHER USES: Promotes good fortune and success, healing and chakra balancing, wealth, and prosperity; helps heal warring families; enhances concentration; aids with menstrual problems, constipation, and menopause.

FLUORITE
Fluorite is the original fluorescent mineral; it is the inspiration for the termfluorescence due to its behavior under ultraviolet light. (To see this in action, let your fluorite sit in bright sunshine for a few minutes, then take it into a dark room. It might glow!) It is a useful stone for protection, drawing out any negativity around a person. It also works as a learning aid, so it is excellent to use in spells that boost mental concentration.
COLOR(S): Translucent purple, yellow, brown, green, or blue; some specimens glow blue-violet under a black light. OTHER USES: Helps change behavior; calms emotions; encourages reorganization, happiness, and stability in relationships.