How to Choose Spell Correspondences: A Wiccan Guide to Stones and Crystals
For as long as humans have walked the earth, precious stones and glittering crystals have captured their imagination entranced by their beauty. Stones and crystals are highly valued and have long been used as symbols of power. Today, semi-precious stones and crystals fuel modern technology, but for more than 6,000 years, their power has been used to fuel magick!
Of course, it’s no surprise that Wiccans and Witches, too, use the power of stones and crystals in their magickal workings. We use them to enhance our psychic abilities and connect with the divine. We charm them to attract good luck, prosperity, and love. We ground and powder them into healing potions, and we enchant them to ward off evil and provide protection. Stones and crystals are also used in divination and scrying.
The use of stones and crystals to enhance spellcraft is known as sympathetic magick- the belief that “like” attracts “like.” All ingredients and tools that Wiccans (and Witches) use in spellcraft are based on this principle. Each and every stone has its own unique energy signature. So when we decide to include them in our magick, we must choose carefully as the stones and crystals will be more effective if they energetically correspond to the outcome we are trying to achieve.
There are multiple ways in which we can decipher the energetic correspondences of stones and crystals. Colors have their own energy signature, so we may decide to use a stone based on its color. For example, pyrite, also known as Fool’s Gold, looks exactly like gold and can be used in spells to attract money. Green stones represent growth, and green aventurine is the crystal that corresponds to growing, or increasing, money. Red stones and crystals, like carnelian and garnet, are used in spells for strength and vitality. Blue is the color associated with the third eye, so stones and crystals like lapis lazuli and blue selenite are used to enhance psychic abilities. Yellow crystals, like sunstone and citrine, are associated with happiness and success. Pink crystals, like rose quartz, are associated with love and romance. Orange stones are associated with creativity and self-expression. Purple and violet are colors associated with spirituality. Black stones are used for grounding and protection. White is the color of innocence and purity, but white crystals can be used for any purpose.
The shape of a crystal affects the energy pattern being emitted, so the shape can be used to determine a crystal’s magickal correspondence. For example, a crystal wand is a long slender crystal that terminates at a single point and focuses energy like a laser-beam. The wand is used extensively for healing and manifestation spells. Pyramids amplify and tightly focus energy through its apex, making the shape ideal for removing blockages, negative energies and entities. Crystal balls emit energy in all directions equally and are useful in rituals of divination and scrying. Geodes hold and amplify energy, releasing the energy slowly into the environment. Geodes are excellent crystals for spells of protection or spiritual growth. Crystals in a cluster formation radiate energy into the environment and are used for cleansing and manifestation spells.
Stones can be uniquely formed as well, so a stone’s shape can be used to determine its magical correspondence. Stones that resemble the female form, or circular with a hole through the center, correspond with the Goddess and the feminine elemental energies of Water and Earth. Formations with a phallic appearance correspond with the God and the masculine elemental energies of Air and Fire.
All stones and crystals radiate an aura, and the aura is also used to determine the magickal correspondence of rocks and crystals. An aura is an electromagnetic emanation of energy that surrounds all people, places, and objects This electromagnetic field is composed of thermal energy, infrared energy, electrostatic, electrical ions, and low-frequency radiation. And although invisible to most people, auras do radiate colors. The more advanced spiritual practitioner, like an experienced Wiccan or Witch, can see and feel the aura emitted from stones and crystals, and even communicate with the spirit within! Through this psychic sight and communication, the magickal correspondence of stones and crystals is understood.
While the ability to psychically connect with a magical correspondence is the best way to determine which stone or crystal to use, not all Wiccans or Witches have yet developed this ability. And sometimes, the color and shape of a crystal may not necessarily fit as the right correspondence for a specific spell. In these cases, the best way to decipher a stone or crystal’s magickal correspondence is to base it on the elemental correspondence. The elemental correspondences are based on how the stone or crystal was created.
Crystals can be formed through one of five ways. They can be formed by hot gasses or air, penetrating through existing rock. As the gas cools, minerals within the gas solidify and bind together to form crystals. This process is called deposition or desublimation. Crystals that correspond to the element of Air include: beryl, topaz, and tourmaline.
Crystals and stones can be formed when hot magma spews to the earth’s surface from a volcano or fissure. As the magma cools, the minerals within the magma bind together forming crystals and stones. These are the crystals associated with the element of Fire and include: andesite, bloodstone, fire agate, fire opal, hematite, kimberlite, obsidian, rhyolite, sodalite, and turquoise.
Crystals and stones are also formed when the minerals in water solidify and bind together. These are the crystals and stones associated with the Water element. They include: aquamarine, calcite, fluorite, halite, opal, pearl, selenite, and salt.
A forth manner in which crystals and stones may form is from cooling magma deep within the earth’s crust. These crystals and stones are naturally associated with the Earth element. Crystals that correspond to the element of Earth can include: diorite, granite, olivine, peridot, and quartz. There are other crystals associated with the Earth element that are not actually rock or stone, but have been formed through fossilization. These include: amber and jet.
Lastly, crystals and stones can be formed through the process of metamorphosis. Metamorphic rock begins as one type of mineral compound that transforms into another through heat (fire element), pressure (earth element), water (water element), oxidation (air element), or a combination of any of these four processes. These crystals are associated with the element of Spirit, as well as the element of the crystal or stone’s original form. Crystals that correspond to the element of Spirit include: agate, amethyst, ametrine, citrine, diamond, emerald, garnet, lapis lazuli, marble, malachite, moonstone, quartzite, ruby, sapphire, and unakite.
Generally, it is also acceptable to use synthetic stones in magick as they do contain the same atoms and minerals found in natural stones. However, as they were “rapidly” created in a lab, they may not emit the same intense energy frequencies as naturally occurring stones and crystals. The internet is obviously an excellent tool to utilize for determining the magickal correspondences of stones and crystals. When in doubt, simply look it up. Read up on how the crystal was formed and what minerals and elements it is composed of to make certain is a good match for your spell.
There are also lots of places on the internet where one can source quality stones and raw gems. Local shops, however, provide a great advantage when choosing your crystals. Each individual stone has its own qualities or personality, and you may find that one resonates deeply with you. The stone that resonates with you may feel warmer, it may feel cooler, or it may cause your hands to tingle. These are signs that particular stone is meant for you!
Another excellent way to source stones is obviously the great outdoors. While on nature hikes, you may be inexplicably drawn to a rock or stone. It could be because the stone has an unusual shape, or color, or maybe even a natural occurring image or face. It could also simply be because of the location itself. Either way, these found stones are gifts from the Goddess and will hold incredible power meant only for you!
One important tip to follow before using any stone or crystal in a magickal spell, is the rock or crystal must first be cleansed, charged, and programmed. A stone or crystal may be cleansed in a number of ways. It can be smudged with smoke using sage, or can be placed in salt. It can be cleansed through the visualization of pure white light, or it can be cleansed with water (preferably moon water). Placing the stone or crystal directly under the influence of a full moon is an excellent method of accomplishing two steps in one: cleansing and charging the stone or crystal. All stones and crystals can be charged under the power of a full moon. Lastly, to program the stone or crystal simply hold it in your dominant hand and ask the stone or crystal to help you with whatever magic spell you intend to work!
There are numerous ways to incorporate crystals into spellcraft, the most common being talismans and amulets. Stones and crystals can be placed on the altar for extra power, or simply left in a room to affect the vibration of the space. They can also be incorporated into magical oils and teas. However, one must use extra caution when doing this as some crystals, like malachite, are toxic in their raw, unpolished form and can dissolve in the oil or water turning it into a poison!
There is far more value to crystals than just their enchanting beauty. All are sacred to the Goddess as all are a part of Her physical form. Every stone and crystal is a special gift granting us the power to heal- the power to transform our lives and the lives of others- and the power to work invincible sorcery and absolute magick.
– The Goddess Kingdom© 2023
