It’s okay if you don’t feel anything right away Here’s a little story I’d like to tell you. It's about some of the wonderful people that I meet in my travels across the province and the moments when I meet someone who has never, ever had a crystal before. Imagine the scene if you will. It might be mid-day, and the crowds have dispersed a little in my show tent. They are probably all off having coffee somewhere. Someone will walk into my tent. They will look around for a while and then reach out to a tray of crystals. Then hesitate, pull their hand back and then give me a quick look. That look almost looks like they’re about to fail a really big test. It’s like their inner voice is saying, "ARGHHH! What do I do??" Here is the truth I wish someone had told me at the very beginning. There is no test. There is no wrong stone. And you do not need to feel a mysterious pull, a tingle, or a wave of energy the moment your fingers touch a crystal for the first time. Sometimes that happens. And often it does not, and that means nothing about whether you are doing this right. The question underneath the question Sometimes when people ask me how to choose a crystal, often what they are really asking is what happens if I choose wrong? What if I pick the pretty one and it turns out to be the wrong one for me? What if everyone else can feel something and I cannot??? Does that mean I am not intuitive enough for any of this? I want to try to take a bit of that fear off your shoulders. Crystals are not a test of your spiritual ability or your intuitive powers. They are stones formed slowly inside the earth over unimaginable stretches of time, and what you bring to them matters more than what you are supposed to feel the instant you touch one. You are allowed to choose a crystal because you like the colour. You are allowed to choose one because it reminds you of the ocean, or your grandmother's ring, or a place you have never been but want to go. None of those reasons are lesser than an electric jolt of recognition. What we have actually noticed after thirty years People who are unfocused, tend to linger near the grounding stones without knowing that is what they are doing. People who are grieving are often drawn to the pale, soft coloured ones, the deep blacks and the rose quartz, the stones that do not ask anything of you. People who are exhausted reach for citrine and carnelian before they even know those stones are associated with energy and vitality. I have seen this pattern play out again and again, and I no longer think it is a coincidence. I think our hands know things before our minds catch up to them. This does not mean you have to wait for some grand intuitive download. It means you can trust small signals and moments of quick intuition just as much as big dramatic ones. A colour you keep returning to. A shape that feels good in your palm. A stone you keep picking up and setting down and picking up again. That repetition is a signal all on its own. A small ritual for choosing a crystal. Open to absolutely everyone. If you are curious, that's a real piece of blue Calcite that you see in the photo. It's amazing how this gem is naturally blue (no dye!). Begin with three slow breaths. Not a meditation, not a big production. Just three breaths, in and out, standing in front of the stones. This is not for the crystals. It is for you, so that you arrive at the choosing with a clear head instead of a rushed one. Ask yourself one honest question before you touch anything. Don’t look at what looks prettiest stone is, most rare, what your friend suggested or or the largest crystal. Ask yourself, “What do I need right now?” It can be as simple as calm, or comfort, or courage. You do not need the perfect word. Just a feeling you would like a little more of in your life in this moment. Let your eyes move slowly across the stones without picking anything up yet. Notice which ones your gaze returns to more than once. This is not wizard energy field stuff, it is simply attention, and attention is one of the most honest tools we have. Pick up two or three that caught your eye and hold each one for a moment. Notice the temperature, the weight, the texture. Notice if one feels like it wants to stay in your hand a little longer than the others. Choose the one that feels most like an answer to your question, even if you cannot explain why. That is enough. You do not need certainty. You don’t need to remember the 15 books that you looked at before you went to pick up your crystals, or all the information you read about. Forget about what every friend told you, or every crystal that someone said was the perfect one just for you. You only need your willingness to be there in the moment. This little ritual takes less than five minutes, and it works whether you believe crystals hold energy, or whether you simply find comfort in beautiful gemstones. If you still feel nothing Some people go through this whole process and still feel unsure. If that is you, I promise you have not failed. (It's okay, really.) Choose the stone you keep coming back to anyway. Let it sit on your windowsill or your desk for a week. Sometimes the relationship with a crystal builds slowly, the same way trust builds slowly between two people who are just getting to know one another. It may take time for your connection to grow. I hope this little exercise helps you to find the crystal that will benefit you the most in your life and become a lifelong friend. Cheers, Vikki Looking for a place to start? Browse our collection of healing crystals and see which ones catch your eye first. There is no wrong choice, only the one that is yours.

Some days, work can feel overwhelming. Sometimes it isn't the workload that wears us down. It's the constant conversations, interruptions, and the feeling of being pulled in a dozen different directions at once. Many people turn to amethyst during these moments because it is traditionally associated with calm, clarity, and emotional balance. Whether you see crystals as spiritual companions or simply as meaningful reminders to pause and reset, holding a piece of amethyst can become a small ritual that helps you step back, quiet the mental chatter, and reconnect with your own thoughts. Here's an easy ritual you can do almost anywhere. All you need is a piece of amethyst or your favourite amethyst jewelry and a few quiet moments to yourself. A Simple Amethyst Ritual Step 1 Sit comfortably in your chair with both feet resting on the floor. Hold your amethyst in your hand beneath your desk or simply rest it in your lap where it feels comfortable. Step 2 Take a slow, deep breath in through your nose. Exhale gently, making your out-breath just a little longer than your inhale. Repeat this several times, allowing your shoulders to relax and the tension in your body to soften. Step 3 As your breathing settles, imagine a soft violet light surrounding your head and shoulders. Picture it as a gentle cloud, a comforting blanket, or a protective bubble. There is no right or wrong way to imagine it. Simply choose whatever image brings you a sense of calm. Step 4 When you feel ready, quietly repeat these words to yourself as many times as you need: What is not mine, I now release. It leaves my body, bringing peace. Step 5 With each slow breath, imagine the worries, stress, and mental clutter of the day becoming lighter. Picture them drifting away from you until your mind feels quieter and your thoughts become clearer. Step 6 Before opening your eyes, spend a moment noticing the amethyst in your hand. Feel its weight, its smooth surface, or its texture. Let it become a reminder of the calm and clarity you want to carry with you for the rest of your day. Take one final deep breath, open your eyes, and return to your work feeling a little more centred than when you began. I hope this helps bring you some peace in your busy day. Cheers!

Yuk, what is that gunk! The "before" picture of my sterling silver ring. Over time, all sterling silver will tarnish. It is simply a fact of life. When silver is exposed to sulphur compounds in the air and other elements in its environment, a natural chemical reaction takes place. This creates tarnish, which may appear as yellow, brown, blue, purple, or the familiar black coating that most of us recognize. The good news is that tarnish is completely normal and can usually be removed. While you cannot prevent it entirely, proper storage and regular care can slow the process considerably. A few simple habits will help keep your sterling silver looking bright, beautiful, and ready to wear for many years to come. Cleaning using the Tinfoil Method. Cleans like a champ! Before you begin, it is important to know that this cleaning method is only suitable for plain sterling silver. Do not use it on jewelry containing gemstones, crystals, pearls, or other delicate materials, as they can be damaged by the process. If you are cleaning plain sterling silver, though, this is a safe and surprisingly fun method. It is also a great activity to do with kids on a rainy afternoon. Watching the tarnish disappear almost feels like a magic trick, but it is really just a fascinating little science experiment happening right before your eyes What you need: a tarnished piece of silver a dish large enough to put your items inside of - you want the water to go over the height of your jewelry aluminum foil measuring cup (large glass 4 cup to make things easier) measuring spoon baking soda salt tongs or something to grab your items soft cloth for drying your silver If you are doing this with kids, provide some cloths and aprons for the dripping water mess STEPS: Boil your water. Line the bottom of your container with the shiny side of the tin foil facing up. Once the water has boiled, pour it into your glass 4 cup measuring cup. This ratio changes depending on how much water you need. I normally use 1 to 2 tablespoons for this mixture Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of salt and then stir (it will froth a bit) Add water to the dish Place the silver item into the dish and ensure that it is touching the foil. Wait for a few minutes or longer for really tarnished pieces. Remove and wipe with a soft cloth. Avoid using a rough paper towel as it could scratch the surface. Does this method always work? Often it does. If the tarnish is particularly heavy, you may need to repeat the process a couple of times. It is still one of my favourite ways to clean plain sterling silver because it is quick, inexpensive, and uses common household ingredients instead of specialized silver cleaners. I have used this method many times on my own sterling silver chains, rings, spoons, and other solid silver items with excellent results. Just remember that it is intended for plain sterling silver and should not be used on jewelry containing gemstones, crystals, pearls, or other delicate materials. Cheers!! Vikki #cleaningsterlingsilver #DIYprojects #dirtysilver #silver #silverclean #silvertarnish

I'm a terrible packrat. In fact, if there were awards for the worst way to store sterling silver jewelry, I'd probably be in the running. When I'm not wearing my jewelry, I have a few favourite "storage systems." I hang necklaces on random hooks around the house. I leave rings and bracelets on my desk because, of course, I'll put them away later. Or, perhaps the worst offence of all, I toss everything into my jewelry box. You'd probably gasp if you saw it. It's a glorious jumble of necklaces, rings, earrings, keepsakes, and little treasures I've been collecting since grade school. Untangling a necklace from that collection deserves its own Olympic event. Even though I can be a little unkind with my sterling, this type of metal really does deserve and appreciate a little extra kindness. A few simple storage habits can dramatically slow tarnish, prevent scratches, and save you a lot of polishing time later. Why Does Sterling Silver Tarnish? Sterling silver naturally reacts with sulphur compounds in the air. Over time, that reaction creates tarnish, which can appear yellow, brown, blue, purple, or the familiar black coating many of us recognize. Humidity speeds up the process, as do perfumes, lotions, hairspray, rubber, wool, certain papers, and even some household cleaning products. The good news is that while tarnish is almost impossible to prevent completely, you can slow it down considerably. Store Pieces Separately This is the rule I break most often. When silver jewelry rubs against other jewelry, it can scratch. Storing everything together also exposes more of your collection to the same air and moisture. Keeping each piece in its own small bag or wrapped in a soft cloth helps reduce scratches and slows tarnish. It isn't magic, but after testing this myself over the years, I can honestly say it makes a noticeable difference. Small zip-top bags from craft stores or dollar stores work perfectly for this purpose. Recycle Old Cotton Shirts You know those wonderfully soft cotton T-shirts you can't bear to throw away because they're full of holes? They make excellent jewelry wraps. Cut them into small squares and use them to wrap individual pieces before placing them in storage. Soft cotton cushions your jewelry and helps protect delicate finishes from scratches. Keep Moisture Under Control Those little packets that come in new shoes, handbags, and electronics aren't just packaging; they're silica gel packets designed to absorb moisture. Save them. Place a few inside your jewelry box or wherever you store your silver. Lower humidity means slower tarnish. I keep several packets in the container where I store my sterling silver wire, and they've saved me countless hours of polishing before I start making jewelry. Just remember they're not toys or snacks. Keep them away from children and pets. Choose the Right Storage Box If your jewelry collection has grown over the years, as mine certainly has, you may find a standard jewelry box fills up quickly. Decorative wooden boxes from thrift stores or yard sales can be wonderful alternatives. Just make sure they don't have a strong smell from fresh paint or varnish. Those fumes can linger, and nobody wants jewelry that smells like a hardware store. My Biggest Lesson If there's one thing I've learned, it's that spending thirty seconds putting jewelry away properly saves far more time than spending thirty minutes polishing tarnish later. Do I always follow my own advice? ...I'm getting better. Cheers! Vikki.

A Beginners Full Guide Plus Three Intention Practices with Step-by-Step Instructions Your first Snowflake Obsidian Crystal Pendant and learning how to set your intentions. You have your first crystal. It is sitting in your hand, on your desk, or beside your bed. It is beautiful; it feels like something, and you are genuinely glad you chose it, or it chose you, or however that particular transaction between a person and a stone actually works for you. Now you are wondering what to do next. You have heard the phrase set an intention approximately four hundred times since you first started looking into crystals. It sounds meaningful and slightly mysterious, but you are not entirely sure what it actually means in practical terms, how you are supposed to do it, whether there is a right way and a wrong way, or whether you are somehow going to get it wrong before you have even properly begun. You are not going to mess it up. Here is everything you actually need to know about setting an intention with a crystal, in plain language, without any unnecessary ceremony or jargon or the particular kind of earnest wellness speak that makes perfectly accessible practices sound far more complicated and far more exclusive than they actually are. What Does Setting an Intention Actually Mean An intention is simply a clear and honest statement of what you would like your crystal to help you with. That is all it is. It is not a spell, a ritual that requires specific words spoken in a specific order, or something that can only be done under the right phase of the Moon. It does not require a particular spiritual background, years of experience, or any special ability beyond knowing what is currently happening in your own life. What matters is not eloquence, but your clarity. The more honestly you can identify what you need at this time in your life, the easier it becomes to focus your own attention and direct the energy of your crystal toward that purpose. A vague intention such as I want to feel better or I want good things to happen is difficult to engage with because it lacks a clear direction. It is the energetic equivalent of calling a friend and saying, "Help me," without explaining what is wrong. Your friend would gladly help if they could, but first they would need to know what you actually need. A more specific intention creates a clearer focus. I would like support with the anxiety that arrives every Sunday evening when I begin thinking about the week ahead, or I would like help finding the courage to have the conversation I have been avoiding for three weeks, gives both you and your crystal something real to work toward. The point is not magic. It is focus. When your intention is clear, your attention naturally returns to it each time you see or hold your crystal. Over time, that repeated reminder helps reinforce the thoughts, choices, and habits that support the change you are hoping to make. In that sense, intention is less about asking a crystal to transform your life than it is about inviting it to become a constant partner in the process. Does It Actually Work or Am I Just Talking to a Rock? This is the question underneath the question, and it deserves a direct and honest answer. Both things can be true simultaneously. You are, technically speaking, talking to a rock. Crystals are minerals. They do not speak English. They do not have opinions about your situation or a personal investment in the outcome of your intention. And yet setting an intention with a crystal does work. Not because the crystal is listening in the way a person listens, but because the act of stating a clear and specific intention does something real and measurable to the person stating it. It clarifies. Putting what you want into specific words requires a level of honest self-examination that most of us rarely make time for in the ordinary rush of daily life. You cannot set a clear intention without first identifying what you actually want, and that turns out to be a more demanding and more valuable exercise than it sounds. It focuses. Associating a physical object with a specific intention creates a tangible reminder that stays with you throughout the day. Every time you notice your crystal, hold it, or simply catch sight of it, you are reminded of what you are working toward in a way that a passing thought rarely achieves. It commits. Speaking or writing an intention gives it a reality that silent thoughts often lack. There is something about putting words to a goal, giving it a form outside your own mind, that strengthens your commitment to it. For many people who work with crystals, there is also something more. They experience the stone itself as contributing an energetic quality that supports the intention in ways they cannot easily explain but repeatedly observe. Whether you understand that experience as energy, symbolism, psychology, or some combination of all three is ultimately less important than the practice itself. Setting an intention encourages clarity, focus, and commitment. If the crystal also brings something more to the experience, that is something you are free to discover for yourself. How to Set an Intention, The Simple Version A practice you can do easily with no tools. This is the version for when you simply want to do the practice without ceremony or ritual. It's just the essentials, in the most accessible form. What do I need for this practice? Your crystal A clear intention of what you need Time to yourself Additional: If you love to journal your experiences, keep one handy for afterwards. Steps to follow: Pick a moment in your day when you will have the most peace. A few minutes in your day where you can be truly alone. It does not have to be a long time. Five minutes is enough. The quality of your attention matters far more than the amount of time you spend. Hold your crystal in both hands. Feel its weight. Notice its temperature. Take slow breaths and allow the ordinary noises of the day to settle into the background. Take time to ground yourself in the moment so you can truly focus on what you are doing. Then, either aloud or silently, tell your crystal what you would like it to help you with. Use plain, ordinary language. Speak in your own voice rather than trying to sound wiser, more spiritual, or more profound than you actually feel. You might say: I want you to help me feel less anxious when I wake up in the morning. Or: I would like support with feeling more confident at work this week. Or: Please help me stay grounded when my family gets together next weekend. Or simply: I need more calm when the chaos of my children arrive home from school. Please help me find it. There are no perfect words. What matters is that your intention is clear, honest, and genuinely yours. When you have finished, take one more slow breath. Notice the crystal in your hands for a final moment, then carry on with your day. If you practice any forms of gratitude, this is the time to do so. That is all there is to it. You have set an intention with your crystal. How to Set an Intention, The More Ceremonial Version If you enjoy ritual, you may prefer a more deliberate approach to setting an intention with your healing crystal. Just a note on this: this version is not more effective than the simple practice. It is simply slower, more reflective, and more symbolic and a choice for anyone who prefers the choice for a Pagan, witchcraft or Wiccan ritual setup. Some do find that ceremony helps them become fully present. Others find it unnecessary. Neither approach is more correct than the other. Choose the one that feels natural to you. Choose your timing thoughtfully. Many people prefer to set intentions during the new moon because it has long been associated with beginnings, growth, and fresh starts. Or during the Full Moon, when setting intentions for growth, power and inner strength. This is entirely up to you and your own practice. In general, you do not need to wait for a particular phase of the Moon, as this can be a stand-alone ritual. Also, the beginning of a new week, the morning of an important day, a birthday, or any moment when life feels ready for a new chapter can be equally meaningful. It is suggested that you come prepared to set those intentions. They can be in your thoughts or written down in your Grimoire or Book of Shadows. A Simple Ritual for Setting an Intention Step 1: Prepare Your Space Choose a place where you are unlikely to be interrupted. If you have a regular working area, you can use this. If candles, flowers, soft music, or other meaningful objects help you settle into the moment, include them. Their purpose is not to make the ritual more effective, but to create a space where you can give your full attention to the practice. This is the time you would cleanse your space if this is the routine you normally perform. And set up your sacred working space using the tools and items you usually work with. Step 2: Cleanse Your Crystal Cleanse your crystal using whichever method feels appropriate for the stone. As you do, imagine any lingering energy gently dissolving, leaving the crystal clear and ready for a new purpose. If you wish, quietly say: "May this crystal be cleansed and ready for a new beginning." Step 3: Centre Yourself Hold the crystal in both hands and close your eyes. Take several slow, steady breaths, allowing your body to relax. Feel the weight of the crystal resting in your palms. Ground your energy and allow your thoughts to settle until your attention is fully on the present moment. Step 4: Become Acquainted with Your Crystal Before speaking your intention, spend a minute simply getting to know the crystal. Turn it slowly in your hands. Trace its edges with your fingertips. Notice its colours, patterns, inclusions, and tiny imperfections. Rather than rushing ahead, allow yourself a quiet moment to appreciate the crystal simply for what it is. Step 5: Speak Your Intention When the words feel ready, speak your intention slowly and clearly. Keep it simple, honest, and specific. Choose one intention rather than several. If you wish, repeat your intention three times. Speak it first in your mind, then in a whisper, and finally aloud with confidence, allowing the words to settle into both your awareness and your crystal. Step 6: Sit With Your Crystal Remain with your crystal for a longer period of time. Simply breathe, notice how you feel, and allow your intention to settle naturally without analyzing or forcing the experience. If this is a time when you like to write notes in your journal or perform any other parts of your ritual practices, this is where you would do so. Step 7: Close the Ritual Offer words of gratitude. You may wish to thank the crystal, thank yourself for taking this time, thank the Energy you brought into your sacred space, or simply express gratitude for the opportunity to begin something new. When ready, release and open your circle in the method you usually do. Place the crystal somewhere you will see it often, or carry it with you as you go about your day. Each time you notice it, let it remind you of the intention you have chosen. What to Do After You Have Set Your Intention This is the part most beginner guides completely skip, and it is genuinely important. Setting an intention is only the beginning. What you do afterwards is what turns a meaningful moment into an ongoing practice. Keep your crystal close. Carry it in your pocket, wear it as jewellery, keep it on your desk, or place it beside your bed. The important thing is that you encounter it naturally as part of your daily life. The more often you notice your crystal, the more often your attention returns to the intention you have set. Return to it deliberately. Once each day, even if only for a minute, pick up your crystal and reconnect with your intention. You do not need to repeat the entire practice. Simply hold it for a moment, take a slow breath, and remind yourself what you asked for and why. This small daily habit keeps your intention alive instead of allowing it to disappear beneath the ordinary demands of everyday life. Notice without judging. Over the days and weeks that follow, pay attention to anything that feels different. There is no need to analyze every experience or constantly wonder whether the crystal is working. Simply cultivate the habit of noticing. Perhaps a difficult decision feels a little easier than usual. Perhaps you remain calmer during a situation that would once have overwhelmed you. Or, perhaps you find yourself responding differently in a familiar conversation, or approaching a challenge with a little more confidence than before. These changes are often subtle. They rarely announce themselves with dramatic fanfare. They simply become part of the gradual texture of everyday life. If you enjoy journalling, consider writing these moments down. Recording them not only helps you notice patterns over time, but also deepens your awareness of the ways your intention may be unfolding. Be patient. Crystals tend to encourage gradual, consistent change rather than dramatic overnight transformation. An intention you set today is unlikely to change your life by Thursday. More often, it begins a process that only becomes obvious when you look back several weeks or months later and realize how much has shifted. That gradual pace is not a flaw in the practice. It is how meaningful change usually happens. Whether you understand that change as personal growth, energetic work, or a combination of both, lasting transformation is almost always built one small step at a time. What if My Intention Changes? It probably will, and that is completely fine. Life is not static, and neither are the things you need support with. An intention that felt exactly right three weeks ago may no longer fit because your circumstances have changed, because you have made meaningful progress, or simply because your attention is now being called in a different direction. When that happens, there is no need to cling to an intention that has already done its work. Simply cleanse your crystal and set a new one. There is no minimum amount of time an intention must remain in place before you are allowed to change it. There is no limit to the number of times you can dedicate the same crystal to a different purpose. The only recommendation is to cleanse it each time before setting a new intention, allowing each one to begin with a clear energetic foundation. Some people like to work with a single intention for an entire lunar cycle, from one new moon to the next, finding that a month of sustained focus allows the practice to deepen naturally. Others prefer a more flexible approach, changing their intentions whenever life calls for something different. Neither approach is better than the other. Your practice should reflect your life, not someone else's rules. If your intention changes, let it change. Crystals are meant to support your journey as it unfolds, not ask you to remain where you no longer are. A Simple Intention for Your Very First Time If you are completely new to this and would like a simple, sincere intention to begin with, here it is. Hold your crystal in both hands, take three slow breaths, and say: I am open to whatever this crystal has to offer me. I am willing to pay attention to what shifts. I am grateful for this beginning. That is enough. It is honest, open, and free from any sense of performance or pretence. It simply creates a quiet, receptive frame of mind that allows you to begin working with your crystal without worrying about whether you are doing everything perfectly. You do not need special words, special abilities, or years of experience. You only need curiosity, a willingness to pay attention, and an openness to wherever the practice may lead. I hope this helps you on your crystal journey. Cheers Vikki Where would you like to go next? Browse our crystal shop, explore more beginner-friendly guides, or discover the fascinating world of crystals one at a time.

Amethyst healing crystal Amethyst is one of my favourite crystals! I am absolutely in aw of Mother Nature and the amazing colours you can discover in gemstones. Amethyst has some of the most stunning shades of purple. I've been lucky over the year and occasionally stumbled across this glorious gemstone in the wild while rock hunting. It just takes your breath away when you see it twinkling away when you don't expect it at your feet. Amethyst healing crystals in Canada It's a great crystal for helping you to lower your tension and stress when you are feeling overwhelmed. Block that negative energy coming at you and rediscover how to stand on your own two feet with courage. Know you are protected and remember how to breathe through the stress. If you work with Lunar energies, Amethyst can help you as you are focusing on your desires and wishes during manifestation work. This can be when you are working with setting your goals in place during the New Moon cycle or even if you are working through the phases to increase as well as when focusing on letting go of negativity and or bad habits during the waning cycle. Discover your personal piece of Amethyst at Wicked Stones in Canada. Click on the link to learn more about how Amethyst can support you. Cheers everyone!

I want to manifest! How do I use affirmations? Affirmations are phrases, words or statements that connect to your intentions. These phrases help align your energy to the outcome you wish to create in your life. You can choose any intention! It can be abundance, love, wealth, good health, happiness, joy, etc... The sky’s the limit here. When you work with manifesting energy, using these affirmations creates a practice that changes the vibrations you have. What are vibrations? We all have energy vibrations. They are a part of what helps to attract like energy to you. When we are happy, we tend to make others around us happy. Another example is what you might feel like when you are around a grumpy angry person. Often, it makes us feel slightly grumpy or on edge as well. These are energy vibrations. So, when you decide to use this mindset of working with vibrations, you are letting go of your past to create a different reality for yourself. So in more basic terms, you are like an artist who is using their energy like a paintbrush to create something beautiful and fruitful. This is a powerful practice to work with to help you transform your life and become the version of yourself you so desire. What can I do? Visualization is a powerful tool to help you achieve your goals. By doing so, this helps to shift and change those vibrations that help you attract and manifest your dreams. Here’s a quick exercise to help you to visualize what you are trying to manifest. A great suggestion is to practice this daily. If you work with a particular crystal, use it during this meditation to help align the energy to your intentions. You can find manifesting crystals on this section of Wicked Stones. Write down one or two of the affirmations you choose to work with before you begin. Keep it near you if you don’t think you will remember them after the meditation. Find a peaceful location where you can spend time quietly for this practice. There is no set time for this practice. Turn your cell phone to silent and find a comfortable meditation position to sit in. If you are not familiar with positions try this: Find a chair to sit in where your back is straight. Plant both feet on the floor to help align your spine and place your hands softly in your lap. If you have a crystal, you can hold it in your lap or wear it around your neck. Allow yourself to become grounded to the earth. Slowly inhale and hold your breath and release again slowly. This allows your body and mind to relax. Do this for a minute or until you feel tension and stress receding. Follow the rhythm of your breathing. Visualize a golden warm light coming up from the ground. It flows through your body slowly and helps to relax you further. As it reaches your heart area, visualize this bright golden energy bringing with it freshness and positive vibrations that are overflowing with possibilities. Allow the light to carry away your stress and tension as it expands. This is a healthy golden light that renews your energy and cleanses you so you will be ready to accept change. As you breathe in and out, begin to visualize what you desire. What does it look like? Take note of everything you experience and how you feel. See yourself as the change you are seeking. What are you doing in that moment? What do you smell? What can you touch with your thoughts? Really see yourself in that moment. Are there sounds? Do you see people? All of these moments help to shift your vibrations that create that change. Really take the time to dive into everything you can take note of as you are visualizing. Bring that golden light from your heart and allow it to flow around and through the vision with love and positive vibrations. If you are working with an object like a healing crystal, begin to visualize this energy flowing into your gemstone. An alternative method is holding your crystal and blowing gently on it to help your mind connect with the energy flowing towards and inside of it. When you are ready, release the images and begin to bring your awareness to your body and surroundings. Feel your shoulders and neck and gently move them to help bring yourself back slowly. Feel your feet on the ground. Repeat the affirmation you chose before you began 3 times. This helps to further align your energy to your intentions. When you are ready, open your eyes. Repeat this practice daily. And always, feel free to change anything so it suits your needs. Here’s a few prompts for abundance: 1. I am worthy of that which I desire 2. I believe in myself 3. My abundance comes from an infinite source 4. I attract miracles into my life 5. I attract abundance into my life 6. Abundance flows to me with great ease 7. I release resistance to allowing money and wealth into my life 8. I live an abundance life 9. Every day I attract that which I need to me 10. My life is full of abundant opportunities 11. Today I will be prosperous 12. I can manifest that which I desire 13. I am worthy of attracting wealth 14. I believe in myself to create the abundance I seek 15. I am grateful for so many blessings 16. I attract good things into my life 17. I am creating my own destiny FREE DOWNLOADABLE MANIFESTING TEMPLATE Free downloadable manifest Printable at Wicked Stones How to use a Manifestation Printable Template Find your template here. You can use our free downloadable Manifesting Journal Template and print it for your journal. This type of template gives you a starting point to work with as you grow with your manifestation techniques. You can also use this as a guide to creating your own prompts in an existing journal you may use. Our template is completely free to download and use and would work beautifully hand in hand with your crystal healing. It is for personal use only and we welcome you to share it with a link provided to our website. If you are searching for partner healing crystals for Manifestation, please visit Wicked Stones and perhaps you will discover the crystal you have been searching for. You can also directly download your free Manifest Journal Printable using the PDF downloader below:

In today's hectic world, finding ways to nurture positivity and joy can be a real challenge. Adding healing crystals to your daily rituals and routines may help invite those positive vibes back into your life. These stunning stones are believed to possess unique energies that can help enhance those positive emotions you are seeking, boost happiness, and uplift your spirit. In this blog post, we will examine three of the most awesome crystals for promoting positivity and joy: Rose Quartz, Blue Lace Agate, and Aquamarine. You will learn about their benefits, get a few handy tips on how to use them, and suggestions to integrate them into your daily life. Rose Quartz: The Stone of Love and Joy Rose Quartz crystal radiating soft pink vibrations Rose Quartz is often called the “stone of love.” It carries a gentle energy that promotes kindness, compassion, and emotional healing. This crystal is ideal for anyone wanting to nurture self-love and increase joyful feelings. Benefits of Rose Quartz: Encourages self-acceptance and boosts self-worth Fosters compassion and empathy toward others Helps you to learn to love the person you are, right now in this very moment Reduces stress and tension, creating emotional peace How to Use Rose Quartz for Positive Intentions: Meditation: Hold the crystal in your hand during meditation. Visualize a soft, pink light surrounding your heart, filling you with love and joy. Many people find that this practice leads to a deeper sense of peace. Crystal Grids: Create a crystal grid with Rose Quartz at the center. Surround it with crystals like Amethyst and Clear Quartz to amplify its loving energy. This setup can energize your home, making it a sanctuary filled with positive vibes. Jewelry: Wear Rose Quartz jewelry. Keeping it near you serves as a constant reminder to embrace love and positivity throughout your day. When feeling stressed or worried, use it as a touchstone talisman to block out the negativity. Blue Lace Agate: The Calming Crystal Blue Lace Agate showcases soft blue swirls that promote calmness Blue Lace Agate is known for its serene energy. It encourages clear communication and helps ease feelings of anxiety and negativity. This crystal is particularly beneficial for those looking to express themselves more openly and with confidence. Benefits of Blue Lace Agate: Reduces feelings of stress, promoting a sense of tranquillity Attracts joyful and harmonious energies into your life Release your fears and feel inspired for change How to Use Blue Lace Agate for Happiness: Affirmations: While holding or wearing your crystal, state positive affirmations about joy and happiness. This can set a powerful tone for your day, helping you stay focused on positive outcomes. Chanting or Singing: Engage in activities involving your voice while holding the crystal. This could include chanting or singing, which has been shown to elevate mood and increase feelings of happiness. Aquamarine: The Stone of Courage and Clarity Natural Aquamarine crystal in a soothing sea green hue Aquamarine is one of the most sought-after crystals for promoting courage, clarity, and emotional tranquillity. Its soothing energy is excellent for those looking to overcome fears that hinder their happiness. Benefits of Aquamarine: Encourages emotional healing and cultivates peace and harmony Helps release anger and frustration, paving the way for joy Helps you to learn how to love yourself You can start over and feel joyful, happy energy How to Use Aquamarine for Uplifting Intentions: Breathwork: While practicing deep breathing, hold your Aquamarine crystal and focus on positive, healing energy surrounding you. This can help you to release heavy emotions, replacing them with a sense of joy and lightness. Affirmation Jar: Create an affirmation jar where you write down your intentions and adorn them with Aquamarine crystals. Engaging with this jar regularly reinforces your goals and aspirations. Swimming or Bathing: Given Aquamarine's water association, consider bringing it along during swimming or bathing. Visualize the water washing away negative feelings, leaving you refreshed and joyful. (Note: if you have silver plate or copper metal in your jewelry, make sure you dry the piece after enjoying the water). Embracing Positivity and Joy Using crystals like Rose Quartz, Blue Lace Agate, and Aquamarine can be transformative on your journey toward positivity and joy. By immersing yourself in the unique properties of each stone and incorporating them into your daily routine, you can cultivate a more uplifting emotional state. Explore practices such as meditation, affirmations, or simply having these crystals around you. You will likely find that their presence brings increased happiness and light into your life. Embrace the energy of these healing stones, and watch as they illuminate your path to a more joyful existence. I hope you find wonderful, joyful energy in your day. Cheers!

Journaling is a powerful way to connect with your inner self. It helps you discover who you are, release emotional blocks, and track your personal growth. But let’s be real, sometimes the words just won’t come. That’s where the magical world of healing crystals comes in! With the right crystals and clear intentions, you can spark creativity, dissolve mental blocks, and ignite inspired writing. Here are five crystals that can supercharge your journaling in playful, imaginative ways. Let's get some ideas for using healing crystals for creativity and journaling all fired up! 1. Carnelian – Light that Creative Fire! Boost your creativity with Carnelian healing crystals Carnelian radiates fiery orange energy that boosts motivation and clears creative roadblocks. Feeling stuck staring at a blank page? Place Carnelian next to your journal or pen to ignite inspiration. You can also keep it in your pen holder (or near your writing tools) to “charge” your tools with creative energy. Bonus: Carnelian connects with your intuition and desire to create. Trust yourself as you write! 2. Sodalite – The Writer’s Stone Follow your instincts with sodalite Sodalite helps you express your thoughts clearly and taps into your intuition. It balances the logical and creative mind, which is perfect for brainstorming or journaling deep thoughts. TIP: Try meditating with it near your Third Eye before writing. Have fun: tape a tiny piece of Sodalite to your pen for a crystal-powered creative spark every time you write. 3. Moonstone – The Intuitive Flow Stone Use Moonstone to learn to listen to your inner voice Moonstone is a gentle crystal that supports emotional clarity, inner wisdom, and helps to boost the natural flow of ideas. It’s ideal for dream journaling, intention setting, or connecting with your deeper self. TIP: Keep Moonstone near your writing tools to encourage a calm, reflective space as you are learning to listen to your inner voice for journaling. Working with the energy of the moon: Hold your crystal during a moon-inspired writing ritual or place it on your journal under moonlight to infuse it with fresh inspiration. 4. Clear Quartz – The Amplifier Quartz - boost your energy and re-discover your inner focus and positivity Clear Quartz is the ultimate energy booster. It enhances clarity, focus, and intention, making it ideal for staying in the writing zone. TIP: Place it next to your journal to amplify creative energy. This is an awesome healing crystal to help block that naggy negative energy and swap it for positive vibrations. For a fun twist, build a "Crystal Layout" on your desk—position Clear Quartz at the center with other writing-friendly stones around it to supercharge your session. 5. Amethyst – Unlock the Power of Your Mind! Amethyst to open your mind and thoughts to new ideas and inspiration Amethyst opens the mind to new ideas and calms your inner critic. Its soothing energy is perfect for letting creativity flow without judgment. It is a gentle emotional healer that can give you the courage to let your inner thoughts flow to the page. IDEA: Hold a piece of Amethyst in your hands and focus on releasing your fears. Sometimes fear block us from writing and being creative. Follow your intuition and allow your words to come to you. FUN TIP: Want to loosen up even more? Place your Amethyst on the page, close your eyes, and doodle around it—you might be surprised by what emerges! Make images and write words that come to you. How to Use Crystals in Your Journaling Practice Set the Scene: Place Carnelian and Moonstone near your journal. Light a candle and create a cozy space that invites inspiration. Crystal Meditation: Hold an amethyst or Sodalite while taking deep breaths before writing. Let their energy calm your mind. Crystal Pen Hack: Tape a tiny Clear Quartz or Sodalite to your pen for a playful, energetic boost every time you write. Crystals won’t do the writing for you—but they’re powerful companions in helping you access deeper thoughts, playful ideas, and fresh inspiration. With your intentions set and these magical stones nearby, journaling can become a joyful, creative ritual. Let your words flow—and enjoy the quirky, sparkly magic along the way! Hope these ideas inspire you and get your creative ideas flowing. Cheers!

Have you have been lying there for an hour, thinking about everything and nothing all at once? What if the answer was sitting on your nightstand? Sleep troubles affect millions of people worldwide. Whether it’s difficulty falling asleep, restless nights, or waking up feeling unrefreshed, many seek natural ways to improve their sleep quality. One gentle and beautiful tool that has gained attention is Rose Quartz, a crystal known for its calming and healing properties. This blog explores how Rose Quartz can support restful sleep and shares a simple ritual to incorporate its energy into your nightly routine. Using Rose Quartz to help calm busy thoughts before bedtime What Makes Rose Quartz Special? Rose Quartz is a naturally pink crystal often called the "stone of unconditional love." Its gentle energy is believed to promote emotional healing, reduce stress, and encourage feelings of peace and comfort. These qualities make it a popular choice for those seeking to create a calming environment, especially before bedtime. Healing Properties of Rose Quartz Emotional Balance: Rose Quartz is said to soothe emotional wounds and ease anxiety, which can interfere with falling asleep. Heart Chakra Support: It is associated with the heart chakra, helping to open the heart to love and compassion, including self-love. Stress Reduction: The crystal’s calming vibrations may help lower stress energy, promoting relaxation. Promotes Peaceful Sleep: Many crystal lovers keep Rose Quartz nearby, which helps them drift off more easily and experience deeper sleep cycles. Please note that it is not always guaranteed to work. Crystals accompany your intentions for good sleep and are a partner on this journey. How to Use Rose Quartz for Better Sleep Integrating Rose Quartz into your bedtime routine doesn’t require complicated steps. The key is to create a ritual that feels meaningful and calming to you. Here’s a simple ritual that I personally follow, which you can adapt to your preferences. Step 1: Cleanse Your Rose Quartz Before using your crystal, cleanse it to clear any residual energy. It does not need to be done every time you use it, but when you feel the energy might be heavy. You can do this by: Rinsing it under running water for a few minutes. Alternatively, you can also use river or lake water, moon-collected water or any other type of cleansing water you normally work with. Placing it in moonlight overnight, especially during a full moon. Smudging it with sage or other herbal smoke There are a variety of ways. Choose the one that speaks to you the most, and the one you feel comfortable doing. Cleansing helps reset the crystal’s energy, making it ready to support your intentions. Step 2: Set Your Intention Hold the Rose Quartz in your hands and take a few deep breaths. Focus on your intention for sleep and healing. For example, you might say: “I invite calm and restful sleep. I release worries and welcome peace.” Setting an intention helps align your mind and body with the crystal’s energy. Step 3: Place Rose Quartz Near Your Bed Keep the Rose Quartz close to your bed, such as on your nightstand or under your pillow. This proximity allows you to feel its soothing presence as you prepare for sleep. Step 4: Create a Relaxing Environment Combine the crystal with other calming practices like: Dimming the lights Playing soft music or white noise Practicing gentle breathing exercises or meditation These habits enhance the overall effect of your ritual. Step 5: Reflect Before Sleep Spend a few moments reflecting on positive thoughts or gratitude. Holding the Rose Quartz, visualize peaceful energy surrounding you as you drift off. Additional Tips for Using Rose Quartz Wear it as jewelry: A Rose Quartz necklace or bracelet can keep its energy close throughout the day and night. Combine with other crystals: Amethyst and Selenite are also known for their calming properties and can complement Rose Quartz. Final Thoughts on Rose Quartz and Sleep Rose Quartz offers a gentle, natural way to support restful sleep and emotional healing. By creating a simple ritual with this beautiful crystal, you invite calm and loving energy into your nightly routine. Whether you are new to crystals or have used them before, Rose Quartz can be a comforting companion on your journey to better sleep. Cheers and I hope you have an excellent night's sleep!

It's always a sad time when our pets are not feeling well or are down in the dumps. Sometimes they are ill, and other times they are dealing with their own type of emotional stress. Maybe it's loneliness or sadness with their humans being away. Or they are dealing with a stressful situation and reacting to it. There are so many things that can be going on. I know all about this as I currently have 3 cats and a dog and there are days that life is chaotic! It may surprise you, but you can also give healing crystals to your pet to help them as well as yourself. In the same way that they work to help your emotions and healing, they can also partner with proper veterinary care and emotional support care. Each type of crystal has its own healing abilities to work with. How to choose a healing crystal for your pet It can be difficult when trying to choose the proper healing crystal for your cat or dog. Especially since you can't just ask them what the problem is and then immediately locate the correct crystal to help them. So you have to somewhat follow your instincts when it comes to crystal healing. Life changes can be very difficult. If you suspect your cat or dog is lonely or sad because of something that has gone on in their lives, you could choose a crystal for emotional support and stability. If you sense they are sad or blue due to being recently separated from family members or have just joined your household? Then you could choose a crystal to help with emotional support as they transition in their lives. Sodalite can be a wonderful gemstone to give to your pet when they are dealing with this type of situation. You can find some on this page of my website by clicking here. If you are unsure about what type of healing crystal to choose, consider using a Quartz Crystal. These types of crystals help with an "overall" good energy to help change negative vibes to positive vibes. You can use polished or natural stones when it comes to pet healing. Just remember to choose the correct size so that if you are looking for a small dog, you don't end up buying a stone that would be too heavy for them to wear. HELPFUL HINT: Take the time to ask questions about whomever you are purchasing your healing stones from. If you have worries and just need a little help, it never hurts to ask. If you have questions about my healing crystals, you can send me a note here. As you are looking for your stone, follow your instincts. It's super important though that you never replace proper veterinary health care when using crystals for pet healing. This type of healing goes hand in hand with the care that your pet's doctor provides and should be considered as companion crystals. STEPS ON HOW TO USE THE CRYSTAL FOR YOUR PET HEALING If you have previously worked with healing stones for yourself, you probably have a protocol that you follow when working with the stones. You should be able to adapt that to your cat or dog in some way. Here are a few steps you could follow: 1. Cleanse the crystal. This helps to remove any residual energies that it may have picked up on the way to you and your pet. Cleansing can be as simple as running under water and visualizing anything negative washing away to as complicated as working with candles, incense and other supplies you might use for cleansing. It's a very personal choice on how you do this. 2. Once the crystal is cleansed, take the time to get to know it a little bit. Hold it between your hands and hold a picture in your mind about how you would like it to help your pet. If it's a general healing, perhaps think of a colour in your mind that represents "healing" and then visualize that colour going into the crystal. You are programming the crystal or asking/telling it what to do for your pet. Make sure you tell the stone (even if it sounds silly to you) that the stone is a gift for your (name your pet) and you wish it to do (this/this/this). This act helps to give the crystal a task. 3. When you feel the crystal is ready, attach it to your pet's collar. Spend time petting your pet and visualizing the healing colour from the crystal surrounding and healing your cat or dog. It's very important that you fully understand when using this type of healing, that these crystals are companions on your pet's journey through life. They never ever replace proper veterinary care. If you ever feel that the crystal has become hazardous, broken or could hurt them, remove it immediately. It has done what it was programmed to do to the extent that it was able to. They are not a cure, they are a friend to help. If the stone falls off, there are various philosophies on that. Some people believe that when a stone leaves you, it's done its job and is ready to move on. Others believe that it's become heavy with negative energy and needs to be cleansed. Or it could simply a case of "Well, I didn't attach that well enough!" When this happens, you must decide what the right course of action is for your pet's healing crystal. Always remember, the universe has plans for our four-legged friends and they are sometimes only meant to be with us and share our lives for a short period of time. A crystal perhaps can help elevate stress and negative emotional impacts on their lives so you should always consider them to be your gifts to them as they are in your arms. May your pet’s life be long and healthy! If you'd like to see what pet healing crystals I have in stock? Click here. #pethealing #howtochoosecrystals

I am so stressed! How do I use healing crystals to help? I am stressed! How do I use crystals to help me feel better? If you are here reading this, it's possible you are trying to lower your stresses, worries and anxiety or you are hoping to find something to give to someone in your life. Healing crystals can be an integral part of your self-healing journey as they give you a focal point to focus your intentions upon. Healing wounded and frazzled emotions takes time and you can work with the gentle healing energies of gemstones and crystals to work towards your goal. So how on earth do I do that??? First, you need to find your crystal. Daunting idea right? There are so many out there, so it can be very challenging to find just the right one. Have a peek in our soothing energy crystal section and see if there's something that calls to you there. Often you may be drawn to a particular crystal type or colour, that's a clue that it might be just the right stone for you. Don't worry if it takes time to find just the right one. Once you have your crystal, it’s time to work with it. I’m jumping ahead a few steps here as there are going to be more posts on how to cleanse your gemstones in our blog in the future. An effective way of dealing with stressful situations, moods and situations, is to use breathing techniques for calmness while having your crystal with you. You may be wearing it around your neck or holding it in the palm of your hands. It depends on your unique crystal. Find a quiet place where you can sit and spend time alone without being disturbed for a period of time. Tip #1 - Find a peaceful place HOW LONG IS THIS GOING TO TAKE!! AUGH I AM STRESSED!! If your kids are screaming, the dogs are barking and there is an endless loop of noise? Try putting on headphones for a few short minutes to find a quiet place to focus and concentrate. You'll probably need 5 to 10 minutes on your first few tries to work with the energy of the crystal you have. Tip #2 - Breathing and Visualizing the Healing Energy Take a few moments to bring about a state of relaxation by taking a deep breath through your nose while expanding your lungs and diaphragm. Hold your breath for a few seconds but be comfortable in how long you hold it. Slowly exhale through your mouth. Do this several times until you feel relaxed. Do not go too quickly as you don't want to hyperventilate. As you are slowly breathing, allow the energy from the crystal to align with you and give you a touch point to focus on. Feel the stone’s calm soothing energy. Allow it to align with your intentions to find peace and calm as you breathe in and out. For worry, anxiety and stress, allow the crystal’s calming vibrations to flow through you and release the negative energy. Continue to breathe and visualize this calm energy flowing through you. TIP: If you can't feel or see the healing energy: Try visualizing the energy as a colour. Often this helps to really see the flow of the healing energy instead of trying to figure out what "energy" is supposed to look like. When you feel that you are done, take a minute after opening your eyes to relax. Thank the crystal in any way you feel works for you for allowing it to work with your intentions for healing. It may sound odd, but this can deepen your connection to your crystal for future work. I do this too! If you ever wonder when looking at my website or blog, if I’m a real person behind the screen and dealing with the same types of issues as you do? I really am. I have life stresses, family stresses, work things to juggle, pets to care for, bills etc etc etc. And sometimes I find them REALLY overwhelming. My personal go-to crystal is a piece of Black Tourmaline. I carry it with me EVERYWHERE I go and I use it a lot. It’s a touch stone for me when I’m feeling like I can’t deal with the turmoil happening in my life. I will reach into my purse, grab it in the palm of my hand and focus my thoughts for a few moments. I allow myself to breathe through the tension and release the tightness in my jaw and remember how to find a peaceful bit of flow in my thoughts. Using my Tourmaline allows me to visualize the negative energy coming at me to be blocked *BEFORE* it reaches me. Tourmaline helps me to find my center and grounding when everything is going bonkers around me. Find your Crystal Companion for Healing You got this! You can find your calm and peaceful moments! You can let go of stress and re-discover peace and serenity. Discover your healing crystal from our gallery of gemstones and jewelry. Feel free to leave a comment about what crystal YOU love to work with the most. Cheers everyone and have an awesome day! Vikki