Beginner’s Guide to Crystals: Part 1 – Getting Started with Crystals
[Updated April 2025]
Welcome to your crystal journey. If you’re curious about how crystals fit into witchcraft, this guide is here to help. You don’t need to know everything all at once. Start with what feels interesting and go from there.
Crystals are more than pretty stones. They’ve been used across cultures for centuries—not because of hype, but because they work as steady companions in ritual, healing, and spiritual practice. Witches have long known how to tap into the energy of the earth, and crystals are part of that practice.
In ancient Egypt, crystals were used for protection and health. The Greeks ground them into powders and wore them into battle. In Christian traditions, crystals were woven into sacred garments and altarpieces. These stones have always been more than decoration. They’re tools—just like your candle, athame, or journal.
Let’s get started with the basics: choosing, using, and caring for your crystals.
How to Choose a Crystal
There are hundreds of crystals out there. Some witches collect them. Others work with just a few. Don’t worry about getting it “right.” You’re not going to ruin anything by picking the “wrong” one.
The best way to choose a crystal is to use your intuition. Here’s how:
Go to a crystal shop or look at photos online.
Notice what catches your attention.
Pick up the crystal or imagine holding it. How do you feel?
You might feel a warm buzz or a calm wave. That’s your signal.
Here are signs you’ve found the right crystal:
You keep looking at the same one.
You don’t want to put it down.
You feel curious or calm when you’re near it.
You’ve dreamed about it or thought about it often.
If you're still unsure, start with a few all-purpose stones:
Clear Quartz – amplifies energy, helps with clarity, and supports any spell.
Amethyst – eases anxiety, supports intuition, and is helpful for dreamwork.
Rose Quartz – promotes love, peace, and emotional healing.
Citrine – brings confidence, joy, and warmth.
Tiger’s Eye – encourages courage, grounding, and protection.
Sodalite – good for mental clarity, speaking your truth, and calming nerves.
Howlite – gentle energy, useful for sleep, relaxation, and emotional balance.
These crystals are easy to find, safe to use, and cover a wide range of magical goals. You don’t need to collect them all. Choose what fits your needs now.
And remember: your relationship with crystals will shift. You might be drawn to a fiery, energetic stone today and want something calm and nurturing next month. That’s normal. Let it change.
Working With Your Crystals
Crystals don’t require fancy rituals or complex setups. You don’t need a long list of rules. What matters is your intention.
Start simple. Carry a crystal in your pocket. Place it on your altar. Tuck it under your pillow. Let it be part of your day, and notice how you feel.
Here are a few beginner-friendly ways to work with crystals:
1. Carry Them
Keep a crystal in your pocket, bra, purse, or even your sock. Set an intention in the morning (like confidence, peace, or clarity), and carry the crystal that matches.
You’ll be surprised how it feels to reach into your pocket and remember your purpose.
2. Create a Crystal Bowl or Dish
Place a few favorite stones in a bowl on your altar, desk, or by your bed. Let the combined energy fill the space.
This is a simple way to set the tone for a room. Rose Quartz, Amethyst, and Citrine make a peaceful trio for any space.
3. Sleep With Them
Tuck a calming crystal under your pillow or on your nightstand. Amethyst, Howlite, and Lepidolite are especially good for sleep and dreams.
If you have vivid dreams or want to try dreamwork, place a crystal near your head and write down anything that stands out in the morning.
4. Meditate With Them
Hold a crystal during meditation or place it over your heart or third eye. Breathe deeply and focus on your intention. Let the energy of the stone guide your awareness.
Crystals won’t make you “see visions,” but they may help you focus, relax, or feel more grounded.
5. Journal Your Experience
Keep a journal or notes on how different crystals affect you. Try one at a time and pay attention to any physical sensations, changes in your mood, or shifts in your thoughts.
You might write down:
Your mood before and after holding a crystal
Any vivid dreams
Changes in energy or focus
Reactions to new crystals
Some crystals can feel intense—especially stones like Moldavite, Carnelian, or Black Obsidian. If you feel off (headaches, tension, irritability), it’s okay to take a break. Try using the crystal for short intervals or swap it out for a gentler stone.
Caring for Crystals
Like any magical tool, your crystals need regular care to stay energetically clear and powerful. They work hard—absorbing, amplifying, and redirecting energy on your behalf—so it’s only fair that we return the favor. Think of it like tending to your altar or sweeping your sacred space: it’s part of the practice.
Crystals can get bogged down with stagnant or negative energy over time, which may make them feel dull or less effective. Regular cleansing and charging keeps their energy vibrant, and helps you build a stronger bond with each stone. Whether you use them in spellwork, wear them as jewelry, or keep them on your altar, a little care goes a long way. Here’s how to give your crystals the attention they deserve.
Cleansing Your Crystals
Crystals absorb energy from you and your space. That means they also pick up stress, negativity, or stagnant vibes. Cleansing your crystals resets their energy and keeps them working well.
Smoke – Use incense, mugwort, rosemary, or sage. Pass your crystals through the smoke with the intention of clearing energy.
Water – Rinse under running water or let sit in a bowl of salt water (only for water-safe crystals like Quartz or Citrine).
Salt or Rice – Bury the crystal in sea salt or brown rice overnight.
Moonlight – Leave your crystals under the moon (especially the full moon) to recharge and cleanse.
Sound – Use a bell, tuning fork, or your voice. Let the sound vibrations do the clearing.
Before using water or salt, always check if your crystal is safe. Some stones, like Selenite or Malachite, can dissolve or be damaged.
You don’t need to cleanse your crystals constantly. Once a month, or when they start feeling “heavy” or dull, is usually enough.
Charging Crystals with Intention:
Once your crystal is cleansed, you can charge it. This just means giving it a job to do.
Charging a crystal is simple. Hold it in your hand. Close your eyes. Think of your intention. Speak it aloud if you want. Feel the energy move from your heart into the crystal.
You can also write your intention down and place the crystal on top of the paper.
Here are a few examples:
“I charge this crystal to protect my home and guard my energy.”
“I charge this crystal to bring peace into my dreams.”
“I charge this crystal to help me speak clearly and honestly.”
Do this whenever you start working with a new crystal or want to focus on a new goal.
You can also charge your crystals by placing them out overnight during the full moon.
Signs Your Crystal Needs a Break
Sometimes a crystal will stop “working” for you. It might feel dull, heavy, or just not right. Trust that feeling.
Some signs a crystal needs rest or clearing:
You feel agitated or low-energy around it
It disappears (yes, this happens more often than you’d think)
You no longer feel drawn to use it
Don’t worry. Crystals don’t hold grudges. Just thank them, cleanse them, and give them a break. You can always come back to them later.
Final Thoughts
Crystals are tools, not miracles. They won’t fix everything, but they can help you focus, feel more connected, and strengthen your magic. Like all witchcraft tools, they respond best when used with intention, respect, and a little curiosity.
You don’t have to know all the names or memorize their metaphysical meanings. What matters most is how they make you feel and how you use them.
Start with one or two. Notice what changes. Keep learning, keep practicing, and trust your own experience.
Want help choosing your first crystals? Check out my guide to beginner-friendly crystals here.
In Part 2, we’ll talk about how to actually use crystals in your daily practice—so you’re not just collecting pretty rocks, but working real magic. Go check it out!
Blog Rewards Program
This beginner-friendly journal walks you through everything you need to know—from choosing and using crystals to cleansing, charging, and tracking your personal experiences. This printable guide will help you start with clarity and confidence. Sign up for the blog rewards program to download it and start working with your crystals in a more intentional, magical way.
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