What is Crystal Magic - Witchcraft Basics

Last Updated: November 4, 2022

In the ongoing series on witchcraft basics, we’ll be looking at the earth element which spans many cultures and religions. The most practical and tangible of the four elements, this element is all about stability and grounding.

What better way to support this than by using crystals? In this post, we’ll explore crystal magic and some of the magickal meanings associated with different crystals. Let’s discuss how you can start using crystals in your own practice!

What is a Crystal?

Away from the aesthetically pleasing social media, and the incense-lit metaphysical shops with chakra charts and crystals in the windows, crystals are more magick than you may be aware. Crystals collectively refer to the group of gemstones, minerals and rocks that have a definite internal structure and are ordered in a crystalline way.

Each crystal has its own energy, frequency, colour and vibration. Even if you don’t believe in the magick of crystals, it is difficult to deny that they are beautiful objects with an enigmatic quality. The word ‘crystal’ comes from the Ancient Greek word for ice, ‘krustallos’, as the Ancient Greeks believed that all crystals were pieces of petrified water.

The Science behind Crystals

Our favourite beautiful pieces are made up of different molecules, and the structure of these molecules determines the shape of the crystal. The way in which these molecules are arranged also affects how light is refracted through the crystal, which explains why some crystals shimmer and glisten while others are dull.

When we talk about a crystal’s energy or frequency, we are referring to how quickly the atoms inside the crystal are vibrating. All atoms and molecules vibrate, but some do so at different frequencies.

How do Crystals work?

Quartz crystals in a watch work by vibrating at a very precise frequency. This is how they keep time. When electricity is applied to the crystal, it begins to vibrate. The vibration then causes an electrical current which flows through the circuit and powers the watch. The frequency at which the quartz crystal vibrates depends on its shape, size and the number of impurities in it.

The same psychological science can be applied to how crystals work in magick. Each crystal has its own energy, frequency, colour and vibration. When you work with a crystal, you are tapping into its unique energies and vibrations. The crystal then amplifies your own energy and helps you to manifest your intention. It is said that crystals interact with our own energy field, or aura, to promote balance and harmony. When we are feeling low, a crystal can be used to raise our vibration and help us to feel more positive.

Manmade crystals and lab-grown crystals are also just as useful as naturally occurring, and maybe even less expensive too. This can limit the impact of unethical mining practices that happen around the world to meet demand, such as the mineral harvesting which led to Teddy Ledford’s death. It’s dangerous to prospect for crystals, so if you find yourself on an excursion specifically for crystal hunting – please pay attention to your surroundings, and never put yourself in harm’s way.

Crystals in Magic, Spells and Rituals

Now that we know a little bit about the science behind crystals, let’s explore how we can use them in our own magickal practice!

There are many ways to work with crystals. You can carry them around with you, meditate with them and set protective borders in your homes or sacred spaces with them. People use crystals to enhance the power of spellwork, and for attracting more of the correspondence associated with the magickal intention. For example, if you were looking to attract more love into your life, you might use a rose quartz crystal in your spellwork.

One of the simplest ways to work with crystals is by using them as tools for meditation and visualization. Hold the crystal in your hand, close your eyes and still your mind. Once you are relaxed and your mind is clear, visualize your intention. For example, if you are looking to attract more money into your life, holding pyrite or green aventurine, you might visualize yourself surrounded by a green light (the colour of money). See the light growing and expanding, and feel yourself becoming filled with abundance.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to working with crystals. The key is to find crystals that you are drawn to and to trust your intuition. Experiment with different crystals and see what feels right for you.

Associated Crystal Magic

Types of spellwork where you may find yourself using crystals include;

Spell jars
Bath rituals
House cleansings
Candle magic
Crystal grids
Channeling
Reiki
Wardings and baneful magic

Some people also like to create crystal altars, which are a beautiful way to display the crystals you are currently working with. Whether you believe in the molecular energetic element of crystals, or you think it’s a harmless placebo effect, just know that man with critical thought has been around for about 6000 years.

An emerald may take up to 100,000 years to form – and we have no idea, really, what works and what doesn’t. But we can trust in our power, and our intent, whether to know our magick really works.

Written by Lizzie Burgess

I love curating divination experiences for those invested in spiritual growth with secular honest vibes. I am that witch you come to for these honest, interesting and beneficial divination experiences!