I still remember (and have) all of the crystals that I first started working with! The first stones I ever used for healing were Yellow Jasper, Rose Quartz, and Smokey Quartz. Once I started collecting, I looked to the crystal lovers in my circle to see where my collection should start. Your collection should contain: at least one crystal for each of the seven chakras, stones of lower frequency or gentle crystals, and maybe a piece of jewelry or two! These are the crystals I came up with to help you get started on your rock-loving, spiritually-growing journey. Namaste <3

Amethyst

If you have already begun collecting, you might already have an amethyst crystal. This is one of the most common crystals of the Quartz family. Its energies raise your intuition; balance the mind, body, spirit triad; and relieve any kind of stress, migraine, or trouble sleeping. This crystal is a powerful activator for the third eye that you can use all throughout your crystal healing journey. Be careful putting amethyst in the sunlight, as its purple color will fade. However, you can put an amethyst crystal in plants to help them grow, in water to make yourself a lovely elixir, and in the bathtub to help relieve stress.

Rose Quartz

Rose Quartz is the other crystal that is essential to start with. Several of my crystal collecting friends and I used rose quartz as our first crystal. Its gentle pink flows into the heart center and can wash away any emotional wounds. It will help remind you to take time for self nourishment, set your intentions to generous and loving, and allow you to give your love without fear. For anyone who struggles with low-self worth, this crystal will remind you of your beauty and your light within. As another member of the quartz family, be careful putting this crystal in the sunlight. A great place to keep rose quartz is in the pillowcase or by your bedside, as it will get rid of nightmares. Rose Quartz is also a wonderful crystal to wear around your neck, so its energies are close to your heart.

Carnelian

Carnelian is a wonderful crystal to activate the sacral chakra. It is a great stone to work with to open forms of creative and passionate expression. This stone will help you recognize the power of manifestation, and how taking action toward your goals can help make dreams come to fruition. To embody the wonderful, powerful, sexual, MAGNIFICENT person you are - I highly recommend this stone. Carnelian is a great crystal to hold while you meditate or create.

Citrine

Citrine is another great starter crystal. What makes this stone so excellent is that it holds no negative energy, and acts as a shield against negativity. This stone is amazing for healing internal negative thoughts - such as sadness, loneliness, unworthiness, poor self esteem, anger, and anxiety. For crystal beginners, this stone is essential because of its ability to boost happiness and joy all around. When your solar plexus chakra is out of balance, you may notice issues with the digestive system or stomach; you may notice a tremendous amount of self doubt, fear, and worry. Citrine will balance your center of control so those feelings go away. Citrine is a wonderful stone to sleep with so you wake up feeling rejuvenated and motivated for the day. Citrine should also be worn so that you and those around you are exposed to your inner light as it radiates through you. As a member of the Quartz family, it should not be put in the sunlight or it's beautiful sunny color will fade.

TIP: Citrine is an awesome stone for Leo's to carry - see What Crystals You Should Carry Based on your Zodiac Sign

Aventurine

Aventurine is another wonderful crystal for healing the heart chakra. This stone focuses more on health and wealth as opposed to love and happiness. This stone will help you recognize the abundance already in your life, but it will help you gain abundance in the areas in which it may be missing. It is the best tool for overall health as it boosts the function of the immune system and other systems in the body. This stone makes a great elixir when you are feeling ill and is a wonderful stone to put near your wallet.

Jasper

One of my favorite stones! Click the photo to view this item on my etsy shop.

The photo above shows a yellow jasper, this first stone I ever wore as jewelry! (Still wear it!!) There are many different forms of Jasper that each carry different properties - however if it is a Jasper they will all heal similarly. For example, Yellow Jasper makes a great tool for the solar plexus chakra; whereas Red Jasper is a wonderful root chakra stone. Overall, Jaspers are wonderful grounding stones. When you feel fatigued, out of place, overwhelmed by life around you, disconnected, or on "autopilot", turn to a Jasper to regain control over your body, mind, and spirit. These stones will help remind you of your own power and help restore balance. Meditate with these crystals, and set them around your house and workplace for best benefit.

Sodalite

Click photo above to view these stones on my etsy shop

Sodalite should absolutely be one of the first crystals in your collection. It is a great awakener of the throat chakra and can also stimulate the third eye. Sodalite can boost endurance for athletes and creators. It is excellent for healing writers block and the ability to speak in front of crowds. It helps you find the words you are looking for, express your personal truth, and let the thoughts flow out of you effortlessly. Sodalite is best to keep in your pocket or worn for good results. It is a great headache healer so when you feel your head hurting, simply place this stone on the area where the pain exists.

Black Tourmaline

Click photo above to view this item on my etsy shop.

Every crystal collector needs at least one for protection. Black tourmaline will bring you protection against alternate realms that may be bringing harm, difficult people, and EMF's. It is a great idea to wear a black tourmaline when going somewhere in which negativity may occur in order to protect yourself. It is also a good idea to place these by your computer, router, or phone as it will help protect you from the harmful waves. You can also grid your house for protection with black tourmaline by placing one in each of the four main corners.