INTRODUCTION

This is a book for lovers of crystals and students of the earth. It will help you take your crystal journey deeper than you ever could have imagined. You will discover how to truly connect with your stones in a personal way for deep healing, and for balancing the inner and outer parts of the self. It will also act as a guide for those of you who wish to use crystals to change the world through healing and service.

When I was a young girl, I had the pleasure of spending many summer days with my grandparents. My grandma helped to instill in me a love of reading and writing while my grandpa nourished my fascination with the natural world—both of these passions have lasted with me to this day. During those special times I spent many hours with my grandpa in his study while he showed me his mineral collection and taught me about stones. I was fascinated by how such intricate beauty could be created by Mother Earth.

The desire to learn more about these earthly curiosities fueled me to pour over pages of rock and gem field guides, computerized encyclopedias, and books at my local library, but I always preferred learning from my grandpa. Although my grandpa approached minerals from a scientific point of view, this early introduction to crystals led to my own fascination and study of the mineral kingdom. I cherish those special days we shared together and am amazed, even now, at what a big impact they had on my life. It is in this adventurous, wide-eyed, crystal-loving spirit of my childhood days that I present you with the guidance in this book.

My own journey with crystals has taken me to places I never thought possible, and has been a truly important and transformational part of my life. Using crystals has helped me to develop my self-confidence, set healthy energetic boundaries with others, and heal past-life karma that was negatively affecting me. Because of these experiences I am now happier and more fulfilled than I was before I made working with crystals a part of my daily routine. I love myself and others more deeply than ever before, and I am grateful for every wonderful bit of this crazy, beautiful thing that is life.

It’s time that I pay it forward and share with you, in the same spirit that my grandpa shared with me, a small glimpse into the world of crystals and their healing energy. It is my sincerest hope that the pages that follow will inspire and delight you, and that they will motivate you to create your own deeply meaningful and spiritually fulfilling relationship with the mineral kingdom. The following pages will show you exactly how to shift your energy and mindset using crystal energy, helping you to transform old habits and patterns, protect your energy body, and balance your emotions. I want to share with you the joy that I feel, and have felt since those summer days with my grandpa, and every time I hold a stone, pick up a rock, or sit quietly with a crystal.

Remember to be joyful in your journey, be playful, and listen to your inner guidance. It’s your time to shine!