Since we’ve been in lockdown I have purchased more crystals than I have in my entire life. And I have always loved crystals, so that should give you some idea of the scope of my mania.
As I sit here in my office, I am in danger of being caught in a crystal/Tarot decks/Tarot books avalanche.
I realize that I have been in the process of creating my own crystal Fortress of Solitude.
Superman (1978) ‧
When I look at the range of crystals I have been amassing and working with lately, some interesting patterns emerge. The crystals that I have gathered in fall into three pretty clear categories:
- Protection and grounding
- Intuition and divination helpers
- Soothing the soul in times of anxiety
If you have a crystal collection, step back, have a look at it, and notice what stones you are drawn to at any given time. This will let you know what you need right now, what your soul needs, and what may support you in any work you are doing.
All of those crystal categories that I mentioned above come into play with my Tarot practice as well as my personal life. They are interwoven, of course! Here are some of the crystals that I love to work with, followed by some ideas around how you can incorporate them into your own spiritual practice.
1. All the Moonstones
White, black, green and peach moonstone
I’m a feldspar fan. Moonstone just feels divine to me, in all of its forms. They feel like different forms of the Goddess. White moonstone or green moonstone is the Maiden, with a feeling of freshness and newness, growth and lightheartedness. Peach moonstone is the Mother, soothing and nurturing and in full bloom. Black Moonstone is the Crone, taking us to the depths of mystery, wisdom and new perspectives.
All Moonstone supports and stimulates intuition, psychic gifts and a connection with the magic of the Moon and the Goddess. It is an energy balancer, and helps us to flow with our natural rhythms and cycles. It enhances dream work, prophecy and self-knowledge.
On the Dark or New Moon, I work with Black moonstone. For the Full Moon, white moonstone. For the waxing Moon, green moonstone, for the waning, gray or peach moonstone.
2. Labradorite
Moonstone is my go-to crystal, with labradorite following closely. That amazing and illusive flash, sometimes dark blue, sometimes pink or peach, that miraculous reminder that there is so much beneath the surface in this world, so much we only get glimpses of with our human senses.
Labradorite is a magical stone of diviners, spiritual seekers and healers. It stimulates the Third Eye, and enhances intuition and psychic abilities. Labradorite also calms the mind, and supports the throat chakra, helping you use your voice and speak with confidence.
Larvikite point, arfvedsonite point, larvikite skull, labradorite all-seeing eyes
3. Larvikite
A new discovery for me this year, and I am in love with this member of the Feldspar family. You may see it called “black labradorite” because it has that flash, but it is much more in the realm of silver and steely grey undertones rather than the labradorite blue. The name points to its origins, coming from the Larvik Fjord region in Norway. It is often used to decorate building facades, now that would be stunning.
Larvikite has strength. It is a stone of fortitude, patience and grounding. It will help you get the job done, no matter what that job is. Like labradorite and moonstone, it also stimulates intuition, and then it spurs you on to making decisions that are in alignment with that intuition. It connects you with the deep earth, and inspires creativity and the desire to manifest your goals. I feel that fire in my belly, as well as feeling protected and secure, when I wear this stone.
4. Lepidolite
A long time favorite of mine. Soothing, mood enhancing, and stabilizing. Lepidolite is just what we need right now, it helps us to release worries and anxiety, to have a peaceful sleep, and to find the insights we need in our dreams. In challenging times, lepidolite helps us to relax, and find greater harmony within ourselves.
The range of purple sparkle in this stone varies, as does the depth of colour. It can feel light and inspiring, and deeply restful.
Lepidolite
5. Arfvedsonite
Another new discovery for me, a heavy, dense, deeply grounding and protective stone. It is solid and dark, with subtle flashes of silver, blue, and peach. I feel secure when I hold it, and capable. It supports flashes of insight that lead to concrete manifestations.
6. Ox Eye (Red Tiger’s Eye)
Since we are going into an Ox year in 2021, I thought I better add this crystal to my collection. Ox Eye is a reddish version of Tiger’s Eye. This stone can inspire you with the strength of an ox, with courage and willingness to work hard in service of your dreams. Fires up your self-confidence as well.
Kunzite point and ox eye sphere
7. Kunzite
Such a healing and soothing energy. Kunzite facilitates harmony between the heart and the mind, and opens the heart to give and receive unconditional and abundant love. It eases the weary or broken heart. Divine love in a physical form.
(There are a few more additions to my collection, but you’ll have to check back another day to meet them…)
Now, here are five ways to enhance your Tarot practice with crystals:
1. Clearing your space and your cards.
Clear quartz and selenite are great at keeping energy clear and flowing. Before I read, I meditate, holding a clear quartz crystal in each hand. I keep a big wand of selenite on the table with me when I’m reading the cards, and I often keep a piece of clear quartz in the bag with my cards. You can use them in this passive way, to clear out stale or unwanted energies in the space where you are reading, and you can also place them on top of your cards to clear out any emotional energy that may be lingering from previous readings. I wear a clear quartz bracelet or a chunk of herkimer diamond to keep me sharp and clear when I’m reading.
2. Grounding and centering yourself and your client.
To compliment that clear quartz or selenite, I also wear black tourmaline or keep a chunk of it nearby (I would also recommend larvikite, arfvedsonite or astrophyllite). This helps to keep me grounded, my client grounded, and to deflect any negative energy that may come my way. If a client is nervous or feeling scattered, I invite them to hold the crystal in their hand, to take a few deep breaths, and this really helps to keep them in a place of calm and comfort. Aside from the grounding effect, crystals are particularly good at enhancing intuition and spiritual connection. For this purpose I would again choose clear quartz or Herkimer diamond, labradorite, or moonstone.
3. Energetic healing
If I have a specific kind of healing that I would like to invite in, for myself or my client, I may choose to add a crystal into the mix. If someone has a broken heart, or needs to work on some self love, I may use a rose quartz or or kunzite. If someone wants to attract prosperity and abundance, perhaps citrine, moss agate or pyrite. Laying the crystals out with the cards will bring a focus to the reading, and their energy will facilitate the healing discoveries in the cards.
4. Intention setting with a crystal talisman.
A Tarot reading can help you to get really clear on what you want and how to achieve it. This clarity of intention can be locked into a crystal, that you or your client would then wear or carry. This kind of talisman creation is one of my favorite (and most effective) practices. Read more about this here.
5. Recording the energy of your reading.
Similar to the above point, you can hold a crystal in your hand throughout the reading, while asking it or programming it to record the energy and information gained from a Tarot reading. Then, when you are wearing or carrying that crystal, you are carrying all that you learned, and you can call on that wisdom, inspiration and intention whenever you need it.
Of course, these are just a few ways to work with crystals and Tarot, there are many more. I encourage you to give them a try, see what works best for you, and discover your own personal practice.
Dive into the magical world of crystals, and get ready to keep adding to your collection!
How do you incorporate crystals into your Tarot practice? Which crystals most resonate with you?
PS. I LOVE @dinsmoreoriginals and @truenorthcrystal – they do amazing live crystal sales on Instagram and Facebook.
I love working with crystals and gems of all sorts. I have been looking more into tarot cards and wanting to learn more about them.