5 Best Crystals for Shadow Work

We’re approaching Samhain - the time of year when the veil is the thinnest and when we move into the dark half of the year. This is a time for withdrawing inward.

Fossils can be found in nearly every part of the earth, though for some reason, they’re often overlooked by crystal healers who are perhaps lacking the knowledge of all the fossil stone benefits they're missing out on! Perhaps it’s because they often lack the bright colors and glittering, gemmy appearance of many crystals…or perhaps it’s because many crystal workers are unsure of how to work with them. Whatever the reason, it’s time to change that, because incorporating fossils into your crystal work can be deeply rewarding and fulfilling. Though the types of fossils vary, they do share a set of energetic qualities whether they're plant or animal fossils, no matter the mineral type. Individual fossil types have added properties, but all fossils share the following qualities: Common Healing Properties of Fossils:   Enhances your connection with nature and its flora and fauna Promotes journey work Facilitates access to your past life memories Enhances communication with your guides Promotes energetic protection Connects you to your ancestors (familial, spiritual, land spirits, etc.) Facilitates grounding Connects you with the energy of the Earth element     If you’re interested in developing a relationship with fossils, here are a few of my favorites to explore… Top 5 Fossils for Crystal Healing:   #1 - Ammonite Fossils for Crystal Healing Of all the fossils I’ve worked with, Ammonites may be my favorite. They’re a type of cephalopod and their spiral formation evokes a mystical quality that humans have been attracted to for thousands of years. Ammonite fossils are particularly beautiful, and the best are found in Madagascar, England, and Peru. There are various legends and folklore surrounding Ammonite fossils. For example, in England, people referred to Ammonites as “snake stones.” The story behind this is that St. Hilda of Whitby (614-680) prayed for dangerous snakes to be turned to coiled stones, in order to clear the land for a convent (other versions of the lore say St. Hilda turned the snakes to stone to protect the nuns at Whitby Abbey). People believed these “snake stones” to be holy, or at least lucky, and wore them as charms, often with a snake head carved at the end. One genus of ammonites is still known as Hildoceras in the saint’s honor. Properties of Ammonite Fossils: Promotes acceptance Facilitates spiritual journey work and inner work Enhances your connection with Goddess energy Facilitates past life recall Enhances your present moment awareness Facilitates animal communication Assists with receiving guidance from your ancestors Promotes grounding Enhances your connection to Earth energy and nature Aids in recalling your dreams or uncovering past life memories Assists in developing a regular meditation practice Learn more about Ammonite Fossils here.   #2 - Belemnite Fossils for Crystal Healing Also known as Thunderstones, Belemnite Fossils are records of a type of squid-like Cephalopod that inhabited the earth from the Triassic period until the Cretaceous period. The “cone” is the most common fossilized portion of the creature, and they’re often found in a sort of bullet- or horn-shaped fossil. Properties of Belemnite Fossils: Aids in decision-making Encourages you to take action Promotes mental clarity Assists with enhancing focus Enhances your connection to your inner voice Facilitates the process of receiving intuitive guidance #3 - Echinoid Fossils for Crystal Healing Echinoids are fossilized Sea Urchins that go by many colloquial names depending on their specific shape. According to Kenneth McNamara, some of the names used to describe them include Thunderstones, Shepherd’s Crowns, Sheep’s Hearts, Bishop’s Knees, Fairy Heads, Fairy Loaves, Chedworth Buns, and Snake’s Eggs. My favorite name for them is “Fairy Loaf” because they really do look like tiny little loaves...

I love to use powerful crystals to enhance my other spiritual work - it makes SUCH a difference in my ability to feel physically connected to what I'm doing. If you're looking to enhance your divination practice, the following stones are the 10 best Crystals for Tarot & Oracle Card readings. Crystal oracle cards are one of the quickest and easiest ways to tap into your intuition and call forth just the message you need to get you headed in the right direction. Whether you’re having trouble making a decision, need a little clarity about a situation, or want a little support and encouragement from the universe, oracle cards are a great tool to help you create just the mindset shift you need. You can place these crystals in your sacred space or on your altar, keep them near you, hold them for their energy, or even create a grid or circle of stones around you during the reading. Crystals are such a great support to this work and can really enhance the intuitive process.     The 10 best crystals for Tarot & Oracle Card readings: 1. Angelite Angelite has the power to invite your guides and angels in to support you during your reading so that they may provide support, wisdom, or clarity. I also find it to be really soothing, so if I'm feeling a little scattered or anxious, i's a great crystal to have on hand to get you calm and centered before you begin. 2. Amethyst Amethyst, a purple variety of quartz, helps you tap into your intuition and decipher any messages that are coming through during your reading. Have you ever pulled cards for yourself only to feel stumped when it came to actually interpreting them? Try holding an Amethyst crystal while contemplating the meaning of each card, and then of the reading as a whole for more clarity and to see the bigger picture of what this means in your life at this time. 3. Black Tourmaline Black Tourmaline has the ability to keep you safe and protect you from outside energies while you're divining. Because it helps keep you grounded during intense psychic or spiritual work, it makes a great companion stone for any form of divination. 4. Selenite Selenite will ensure that your space is clear and free from stagnant energy or outside energetic clutter, a vital part of any successful reading. When there's too much excess energy, distracted thoughts, etc. focus and interpretation become difficult. But Selenite helps you tune in so that important messages can come through loud and clear. 5. Clear Quartz Clear quartz has the power to amplify your intention of receiving guidance from your cards throughout your reading. I recommend sitting with your stone in your sacred space before beginning your reading, and setting an intention for what you'd most like to receive. Alternatively, you can work with your Clear Quartz stone to help you get more specific about the question you'd like to ask during your reading so that any messages coming through will be focused and on point. 6. Rainbow Fluorite Rainbow fluorite promotes mental clarity so that you can stay focused on what you’re doing and keep your mind from wandering during the reading. It also encourages sharp decision-making, so if you're feeling torn between two different interpretations of a particular card or message, reach for some Rainbow Fluorite to help you feel into which one is most accurate (or if both are needed!). 7. Rose Quartz Gentle but powerful Rose Quartz will remind you to stay heart-centered and compassionate during your reading. Whether you're reading for yourself or for someone else, communicating from a place of compassion is important for seeing the bigger picture and for delivering difficult messages with empathy. 8. Smoky Quartz Smoky quartz will keep you grounded, allowing you to connect to the energy of the earth while you’re tapping into the intuitive realm for your reading. It also has an amazing shielding energy. 9. Labradorite

A Crystal Message about the Healing Properties of Red Jasper: "I am fully in touch with my creative fire, my passion, and my purpose in life."

Confidence seems to be something we all struggle with at one time or another in our lives. Whether it’s a fear of public speaking, body image issues, relationship insecurities, or something else, a little confidence boost can certainly go a long way toward improving our lives. Using healing crystals for self-confidence is a simple but effective way to help you shift your mindset. It can take you from one of worry, fear, or insecurity to pure confidence. A few of my favorite crystals for self-confidence are: Citrine, Golden Tiger’s Eye, Pyrite (also known as Fool’s Gold), and Clear Quartz.  The 4 Best Crystals for Confidence: Citrine is the perfect companion to help you work through fears, hesitations, or blocks that leave you feeling less than confident in life. This stone will help you embrace your strengths in order to create the success you deserve in life. Citrine is an intensely confidence-boosting crystal. These stones are also known for their ability to instill an abundance of confidence. Especially to the area in your life in which you need it most.   To use Citrine for increasing your self-confidence (and ultimately receive more abundance and joy in your life), hold a Citrine crystal point (with the termination facing upward toward the crown of your head) over your solar plexus area for approximately eight to ten minutes. Do this one to three times per day. It’s best if you can perform this exercise while focusing on a specific intention. Try to direct this intention towards self-confidence, inner strength, self-worth, and your ability to receive. You may wish to create a short affirmation statement to repeat while holding the Citrine stone over your midsection. Saying this affirmation aloud during the exercises reinforces the mindset shift you’re trying to manifest. This will ultimately improve your results. Golden Tiger's Eye promotes confidence and inner strength. It also encourages personal will power to help get you through difficult situations. Additionally, Golden Tiger's Eye is known for mental clarity and focus. It can help you identify any potential blocks in your progress so that you’re able to move past them and grow through them with ease.  This enhanced focus also assists you in achieving your goal of becoming more self-confident. It keeps it top of mind and gently encourages you to step outside of your comfort zone and “put yourself out there” more. Pyrite has a strong, almost masculine energy that pairs well with Citrine and Golden Tiger’s Eye.   It instills strength, bravery, and courage in new or unfamiliar situations. It is especially useful when you find yourself in situations where you’re meeting lots of new people.  This crystal helps you embrace new experiences and enjoy them. It also helps you to stay positive and avoiding negative thought patterns (especially those that revolve around worry, anxiety, and fear).  Pyrite helps you dig deep within yourself and find strength and courage, even in the most uncomfortable or challenging of situations. Clear Quartz crystals amplify the energy of your intention as well as amplifying the properties of other crystals. When used with the stones above, results can be achieved much quicker than without the use of the Quartz crystal.   Your ritual is your anchor. When life feels unclear, chaotic, or heavy, a well-crafted ritual can help you return to your center — to the version of yourself that feels grounded, confident, and ready to rise. That’s why I created my Crystal Rituals for Personal Empowerment Course — a beautiful, self-paced journey into intentional, crystal-infused practices that shift energy, strengthen your intuition, and reconnect you with your inner strength. Inside, you’ll learn how to: - Create personalized rituals aligned with your goals - Tap into the energy of your favorite stones for transformation - Cultivate balance, harmony, and clarity in everyday life

The healing properties of Vera Cruz Amethyst are powerful and abundant. This stone will connect you to your higher self, promote spiritual growth, and more!

Dendritic Agate is a beautiful form of Agate that displays inclusions of dark manganese dendrites. Being a lover of both trees and crystals, this is one of the stones I feel most connected with. These dendrites look like little tree roots, giving the Agate its name. These minerals are also known as arborescent. The tree-like crystals featured in the dendritic mineral habit branch in one or more directions from a central point. Keep reading to discover the powerful healing properties of Dendritic Agate! A Crystal Message about the Healing Properties of Dendritic Agate: “I am rooted into the wisdom of my guides."   Common Healing Properties of Dendritic Agate: Stimulates intuitive wisdom Encourages you to connect with nature and nature spirits Facilitates communication with trees or tree spirits Instills a deep survival instinct and helps you act to energetically protect yourself without harming others Aids you in branching out into new pursuits Fosters personal growth and development Promotes grounding and a connection to the earth Encourages a connection with your guides, especially when you're seeking wisdom and guidance Facilitates energy cleansing Enhances your animal communication skills and your ability to understand animal familiars (especially with birds) Encourages the exploration of your family tree and ancestral lineage Increases your ability to understand the interconnectedness of yourself with all beings and the world around you Facilitates manifestation of blessings for the good of your community Assists you when you're creating energetic boundaries for your magical practice Promotes mental clarity and stillness of your mind Encourages self-reflection and deeper understanding of how you can make a positive impact in the world     Colors: Dark, tree-like, branching Manganese dendrites growing through a clear translucent to milky opaque Chalcedony matrix. Zodiac Signs: Capricorn, Virgo, Taurus Companion Stone: Copper Moon Phases: Waxing Gibbous Companion Flowers: Grey-Headed Coneflower Elements: Earth Companion Essential Oil: Cedar Common Origins: China, Brazil, Turkey, South Dakota (USA), Montana (USA) Notes: This stone is also known as Landscape Agate, Scenic Agate, Dendritic Manganese Agate, or as Manganese Oxide-Included Agate. Wanna’ Get Science-y? Click Here to get information about the chemical composition, hardness, streak, etc. of this crystal from one of my favorite sites!   How to Leverage the Healing Properties of Dendritic Agate: If you really want to explore your family history, your ancestors, and your lineage in a deep and meaningful way and get in touch with your roots and where you come from, then there is no better stone than this one. Dendritic Agate encourages you to branch out and explore your family tree or your lineage if you feel called to connect with this part of yourself (it can also help support you as you work on healing ancestral wounds if that feels more appropriate).  Keep this stone on the ground while you're researching your family to stay grounded and rooted in your family's history while you're branching out and exploring your family tree. Place it between or under your feet to keep you connected and centered while journeying into your ancestry.  It will help you stay focused on what is most important for you to discover and reflect upon. Placing a Dendritic Agate close to the windows or doors in your home can help facilitate energetic cleansing to draw unwanted energy out of your space.   Your intuition isn’t just a whisper—it’s your compass. Whether you're choosing crystals, tuning into subtle energy, or making soul-led decisions, your inner wisdom is what guides you toward alignment, confidence, and purpose... That’s why I created the Connecting with Your Inner Wisdom Course—t...

The elements represent the four creative energies of the universe and each has a set of archetypal energies associated with it. Getting familiar with these can help you better understand their energetic influence on you. Each element is also associated with certain healing stones based on their respective properties and energies. Let's dive into water element crystals, and discover how you can incorporate the power of water into your crystal practice... Water is a powerful ally, a companion, and a wise teacher. Water has had such a profound impact on my life... From summer walks around the pond near my grandparents' house during my childhood, to hiking the marshes near my home searching for skunk cabbages in college, to my deeply profound pilgrimage to Avalon where I connected with the Red & White Springs (which had a huge impact on my spiritual practice), water has been ever present in my life...even here in the Midwestern US! Water has held me during times of joy and deep grief, in moments of embodied presence and mystical experience.    The Water element connects you with emotions, intuition, cleansing, and love.      Keywords: Fluidity, Adaptation, Emotions, Intuition, Love, Memory, Wisdom, Reflection, Healing, Release Color & Symbol: Blue Crescent Moon or Blue Inverse Triangle Season & Direction: Autumn, West   Parts of the Body: Belly, Adrenals, Intestines Zodiac Signs: Cancer, Scorpio, & Pisces Tarot Suit: Cups / Chalices (representing the emotions, intuition, love, and a mirror of your heart) Planets: Moon, Venus   Crystals for the Water Element:        Blue Lace Agate – a cooling, water element stone Botswana Agate – reminds you to go with the flow Lake Superior Agate – connects you with the energy of the water element (the life-giving source); aids you in healing the Earth’s bodies of water River Agate – helps you tap into your inner power - like a river carving through rock Amazonite – lets compassion flow like water from your heart Amethyst – connects you with the intuitive aspects of the water element Vera Cruz Amethyst – reminds you of the life-giving energy of water Aquamarine – a stone of the sea and its creatures     Brown Aragonite – helps to release the fear of water Azurite – promotes mental clarity during intuitive work Aqua Calcite – facilitates a calm mind, like a pool of still water Red Coral Calcite – connects you with the energy of the water element White Calcite – offers you space for reflection Cavansite – connects you with the energy of the sea Blue Chalcedony – reminds you to shift and change according to your present circumstances (like water filling different shaped containers) Charoite – enhances water healing practices (including H.A.D.O.)     Chrysocolla – instills respect for the Earth’s bodies of water White Coral – encourages communal tending of waterways and water sources Creedite – connects you to the energy of the water element to wash away feelings and thoughts that need to be released Dumortierite – connects you to the energy of the water element so that you are better able to “go with the flow” Blue Fluorite – connects you to the energy of the water element for cleansing, emotional healing, etc. Fossilized Echinoid (Sea Urchin) – enhances your connection to the water element Iolite – used to navigate the sea, this stone helps you find direction when you feel swept away by the current of life Gary Green Jasper (Petrified Bog Wood) – it took ages for this stone to form so it encapsulates the idea that good things take time and reminds you that you must have patience     Blue Kyanite – a powerful energetic cleanser Lapis Lazuli – helps you recognize the powerful microcosm-macrocosm relationship of the water within your body and your cells in relation to all the water here on earth

A Crystal Message about the healing properties of Orange Calcite: "I embrace my motivation to walk my path and fulfil my soul purpose."

Join Adam Barralet, Kyle Perez  and Nicholas Pearson in Episode #32 of the Crystal Confab Podcast as they do a deep dive into Emerald meaning, including: Manifesting abundance with Emerald Emerald as a travel companion Using Emerald for radical self-love Tune in now for a deeper look at Emerald meaning!   Podcast Episode Transcript: Crystal Confab Podcast Introduction: Are you just starting with crystals? Or maybe you have a whole collection but aren't sure how to use them? Join four crystal nerds, healers, workers, and lovers for crystal confab, a casual chat about all things crystals.   Adam Barralet: Welcome to this week's episode of crystal confab. We are so excited to be talking about this crystal today, and I think Nicholas is extremely excited. We've talked about stones of nobility in the last few weeks. We've talked about sapphires. We've talked about ruby.   And so, of course, we must, otherwise, Nicholas would probably threaten to leave the show, talk about emerald. And that's exactly what we're talking about today. Joining me are Kyle and Nicholas, and we are talking about one of the things I really love about Emerald is that it's part of a family called the Beryl family. And I just think of a bunch of old women sitting around knitting called the Beryl's and that type of thing. But people may not realize that some of our other much loved crystals such as acmarin, heliodor, and morganite, they're all part of the beryl file family.   Aren't they, Kyle?   Kyle Perez: Absolutely. The beryl family is all beryllium silicates, and they are beautiful in their perfect formation. They are all hexagonal, and your pure colorless beryl is called goshenite, originally found in Goshen, The United States. I don't know exactly where it is. I've forgotten.   Nicholas should be able to let me not know. I know it was named after where it was found. This is an etched Brazilian piece, really interesting, and totally colorless. You'd think it was quartz. Then you have Heliodor, yellow, named for the sun god.   I love Heliodor and aquamarine because they're both colored by iron, and it is one ion of iron difference that changes the color from blue to yellow, which is really cool. And I can actually show you in this aquamarine that goes into heliodor from Namibia. I love to call it aquadore. You can call it whatever you want. Then we have red beryl.   Red Beryl comes from the Wawa Mountains, which I just love to say, which is too much fun. Definitely the rarest and most expensive of your Beryls. It will cost you several tens of thousand dollars a carat cut. And then a really rare interesting one, black Beryl. Weird, included, kind of interesting.   There is also a Maxixe beryl, which is a really dark, dark blue beryl that you find in Brazil that actually changes color when it comes out of the Earth. And then there's even orange Beryl and green Beryl that you find out there as well, and it's just an amazing family. And they're strong gems. Remember, Beryls are eight on the hardness, so they're good sturdy gems that actually last well in jewelry. So look for all of the colors of the rainbow, please.   Adam: And do you find, Kyle, the, the Beryls are good as a family for something in particular?   Kyle: I literally have all of my Beryls in one grid together. They all live together in one grid, and they all access all of the elements, and they connect to fae, and they connect to light and joy and all of this really uplifted energy. I actually have a crystal skull carved, two in morganite, three in emerald, two in aquamarine, and two in heliodor as well. I have a full collection of skulls carved in this energy, and I really love that element where you get water, you get fire, you get earth, you get air, you get it all coming in together, and it really is empowering. And I think it's a great follow on from, you know,