When it comes to stone magic, alchemy is still very much alive. For those eager to understand how, why, and which crystals, we’ve outlined the best introductory stones here to help kickstart your journey. Crystals come in thousands of shapes, styles, and colors, but they’re not just pretty decorations—they possess a whole array of healing properties and can be used in your everyday life to bring balance and a sense of well-being.

Some crystals clear chakras, some are for protective measures, some for self-care, some for emotional energy, and some for attracting all that you desire and more. You simply need to choose a crystal that resonates with your own power system. You might wonder how to know which crystal is right for you, but that’s precisely the first lesson in learning to use crystals. It’s all about learning to trust yourself and let your intuition guide you. When we tap into the wellspring of wisdom within, we know our self-care needs and where we’re rising and possibly falling in our health journey. Applying this knowledge into practice and finding crystals that help strengthen our strengths and build resilience in areas where we might be vulnerable is itself a wonderful act of self-care.

You might find that more than one crystal is calling out to you, and that’s perfectly okay. Building a collection of crystals is a delightful endeavor, meaning we can draw on different crystals to meet our emotional needs as few people go through life at a constant pace. Don’t be afraid to experiment with crystals and see which stones resonate with your soul.

Crystals are enticing. They serve as a powerful reminder to us to stand up and make choices to do the inner work. Growing into our best selves is a job that requires awareness and effort. It doesn’t mean we need to immerse ourselves headfirst into healing, but it can mean taking small steps, and crystals can help facilitate that process. They are visual representations of our intentions. They are talismans of care for ourselves and others. They are a wonderful way to stay connected to our soul magic and the vast world beyond in the universe. It’s time to explore the inner and outer cosmos, it’s time to start your own crystal collection.

If you want to learn more about traveling with gemstones.