An Upstate New Yorker's Guide To Crystal Shopping

If you're an Upstate New Yorker like me, you may have had some trouble finding the perfect spot to get your healing crystals. When I lived in the Catskills, I used to drive over an hour to shop for stones, so I understand the struggle - and yes it is real. I hope this guide can help you find the crystal shop of your dreams. 

Photo: The Dreaming Goddess

Tushita Heaven - Saratoga Springs

My favorite!!! I used to love going to this store and would reserve an entire day to browse. The crystals this store has have a unique, beautiful, light energy. I feel as though of all my crystals, the ones from Tushita Heaven have the strongest power. The only trouble I had with this store is the prices were a little high for what I was used to seeing. However, for the quality and the energy - it was well worth the price. From tumbled stones, to palm stones, to collector's pieces - they've got it all. I was also impressed by this store's book and oracle card selection. While you're shopping at Tushita Heaven, be sure to get a reading. They get some of the best psychics and tarot readers. Tushita Heaven is also my favorite place to buy gifts; they carry several home decor items that I have gifted to others that are still absolutely treasured by them. 

Photo From Tushita Heaven

 

The best place to park is in the free parking garage located just around the corner! Tushita Heaven is full of great finds. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled so you don't miss out on anything! My favorite crystal I have brought from this store is a Fenster Quartz that has the perfect enhydro. You can literally see the water droplet move. 

Photo Credit

The Magic Moon - Saratoga Springs

This shop is located at 15 Phila St., Saratoga Springs, New York 12866

Photo from Yelp

While you are shopping in Saratoga Springs, be sure to walk around the corner to visit The Magic Moon. One thing I love about this store is their friendly staff. It is so difficult to walk into a crystal shop and be left alone while you want to browse, as some people want to be the guru and even sometimes a security officer. However, when you have a question, the customer service is impeccable and the ladies here know their stuff!

This used to be a small crowded store, but they have expanded since I last visited. While you're there, check out the dressing room! The artwork on the walls was unforgettable, feminine, and expressive. This store is amazing for purchasing candles, clothes, and of course CRYSTALS! This shop opened in the 1970's, contributing to Saratoga Springs' amazing history. 

They have some beautiful pieces behind the counter, but many items around the store that you are free to touch. Photo from Yelp

This store fills every nook and cranny with their wide variety. They have everything for the hippie, the witch, and the spiritualist. I've bought many crystals, gifts, bumper stickers, candles, and oils from here. They also have some really cute clothes - perfect for festival season! 

Tannãre - Walton

Some of Tammy's beautiful furniture! Photo from Facebook

I am blessed to be friends with the owner of this eclectic boutique, Tammy - a loving goddess who is tough as a nail and still has the biggest heart. Her shop is full of artisan crafts from the gorgeous furniture she upcycles and custom signs she creates, to goods crafted by local artists. There are many talented people in our small county who don't get the recognition they deserve, and Tannãre offers them a chance to display their wonderful items. From everything to unique woodcarvings, to jewelry, to custom cards (I also have a few products in her store!). Tannãre is also a great place to fulfill your natural needs. The owner creates her own line of Full Moon Elixirs: natural goods including body scrubs, laundry detergents, and my favorite - the waxing and waning body whip. 

Tannãre frequently gives back to the community by composing beautiful gift baskets to be auctioned or raffled. She recently has begun offering "Creating Chaos" classes to give the community a chance to express themselves creatively by offering art projects that you can take home (and want to take home - step aside, paint & sip!!!) 

Obviously this store wouldn't be mentioned if it weren't for the crystals she offers! From amazing deals on her Himalayan Salt Lamps, to beautiful tumbled stones, to spells in a jar. She sometimes carries home decor for the bohemian soul; such as beautiful dreamcatchers or tapestries. 

Props to Tannãre for bringing a bit of light into our rural community! This shop is a true hidden gem (no pun intended!) 

Located at 150 Delaware St., Walton, NY 13856.

Shop Tannãre's amazing line of Full Moon Elixir products - sugar scrubs, himalayan salt scrubs, body whip, laundry soap, and so much more! Photo from Facebook.

A crystal shop in the catskills!? Photo from facebook.

The hidden gem of Delaware County, New York! Photo from facebook.

Crystal Connection - Wurtsboro

"The Church of a Thousand Crystals" 

Photo here. 

This shop has gotten some awesome attention lately from Insider's video that went viral. If you missed it, you can watch it below. If you plan on checking out this shop, be sure to make a day of it because there is just so much to see. I love Crystal Connection for providing knowledge and information to the public. They offer a ton of workshops and classes. Crystal Connection is also more than a store, it a place of healing and self knowledge. While you're here try a reiki session, a reading, or even aura photography to see what your aura looks like. This shop also offers psychic fairs! 

This beautiful shop has amazing prices on crystals and an immense selection. With all the hype of this store, they truly keep their prices affordable for all to enjoy the beauty and energy of the stones. This store is for the spiritual one, the one seeking enlightenment, the one possessing magic. However, if you are just learning stones - this is a great place to start. 

The location of Crystal Connection is 116 Sullivan St, Wurtsboro NY 12790. 

Must....touch....everything! Can you feel the energy from the picture? 

Photo here.

Nutz - Wappingers Falls

 

If you're more of a hippie than a goddess, I say go to Nutz! When I first pulled into the parking lot of this store, I did not believe that crystals were going to be inside! However, they have a huge selection of crystals, singing bowls, smudge sticks, deity figures, and oils - even among all the bongs and pipes (for tobacco, of course). They have a wide selection of incense and candles, tapestries, and everything else you could ever want out of a store. However, if you're like me and you want to touch the crystals before you buy, this may not be the shop for you. Most of their items are locked away. Feeling the energy of the stones is a huge part of the crystal shopping experience, so if you want to tap into that vibe, I would recommend a store that lets you do that instead. 

Photo from yelp. 

Dreaming Goddess - Poughkeepsie

The Dreaming Goddess is a shop like no others. From one twenty-something-year-old-free-spirit-love-and-light-believer-modern-flower-child to the next, this is the shop to go to!!! They have beautiful clothes (the kind we actually WANT to wear), they carry beautiful crystals, and they offer classes - another store that's not afraid to share their knowledge and light. This store combines the sacred culture behind esoteric practices with a modern twist. They tend to our current culture, but do not allow us to forget the beauty in ancient practices.

Give me ALL the Amethyst! Photo here. 

"We’re creating ceremony relevant to our time and to our culture, allowing these auspicious days to have deep meaning in our lives and in our connection to the Earth. "
- The Dreaming Goddess

Photo here. 

Sacred sprays, herbs, roots, resins, candles, oils, tumbled stones, raw crystals, exquisite specimens, jewelry, and pottery are just some of the wonderful products offered by this shop. This shop also recycles your old books! Great way to save the trees and spread the love! Another way this shop gives back is by helping build bridges for their customers and an array of charities. Pay it forward, get karma on your side, help one in need, and donate as you shop. 

A metaphysical boutique! A true beauty of a shop. Photo from yelp. 

Once again, boho babe, you've found the store for you. You've found the place to build connection with yourself, with like-minded souls, with the beauty of the earth, and with spirit. This is not just a crystal shop, this is a boutique for the modern goddess. 

Located 44 Raymond Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603

Don't forget to head around the corner to the sanctuary. Info & photo here. 

Crystal Shops In Upstate New York

Central New York

• Earthbound Metaphysical Shoppe - Syracuse (Onondaga County)
• Mystic Side - Syracuse (Onondaga County)
• Healing Inspirations - Liverpool (Onondaga County)
• Sandalwood Stone - Marietta (Onondaga County)
• Fall Hill Bead and Gem - Little Falls (Herkimer County)
• Herkimer Diamond Mine & Gift Shop - Herkimer (Herkimer County)
• Sticks n Stones - Waterville (Oneida County)
• Multi-faceted Minerals - Ithaca (Tompkins County)
• Two Hawks Gallery - Homer (Cortland County)

Western New York

• Spirit & Crystal Connections - Rochester (Monroe County)
• Archimage - Rochester (Monroe County)
• Malachite & Gems Of Africa - Rochester (Monroe County)
• Mythic Treasures - Rochester (Monroe County)
• Crystal Cove - Lily Dale (Chautauqua County)

Southeast New York

• Moonstone Melody - Florida (Orange County)
• The Pointed Hat - Port Jervis (Orange County)
• Crystal Connection - Wurtsboro (Sullivan County)

Northern New York

• Crystal Caboose - West Chazy (Clinton County)
• Twin Crystal Rock Shop - Saranac Lake (Franklin/Essex County) 

Hudson Valley New York

• Mirabai - Woodstock (Ulster County)
• The Awareness Shop - New Paltz (Ulster County)
• Traders of the Lost Art - Kingston (Ulster County)
• Nutz - Wappingers Falls (Ulster County)
• The Dreaming Goddess - Poughkeepsie (Dutchess County)

Capital Region New York

• Crossroads Gallery - Schenectady (Schenectady County)
• Among Angels - Clifton Park (Saratoga County)
• Hippies, Witches & Gypsies - Troy (Rensselaer County)
• Tushita Heaven - Saratoga Springs (Saratoga County)
• The Magic Moon - Saratoga Springs (Saratoga County)

South Central New York

• Imagicka - Binghamton (Broome County)
• New York Southern Tier Geology Club's Gem Show - Check for dates
• Tannare - Walton (Delaware County)

Thank you for reading! Please keep in touch - let me know how your crystal shopping goes and which of these was your favorite. 

Healing Depression With Crystals: Are Your Imbalanced Chakras Causing Your Depression?

Not everybody's experience with depression is the same. There are seven major chakras in the body, and depression can begin in any of them. Sometimes alternative healing methods seem like a last resort. However, these methods of healing were some of the first to exist. Crystals have lasted through ancient civilizations all the way to today's society for a reason. If it seems like there is no hope, don't give up before trying these amazing crystals!

Depression can be caused by an imbalance in the chakras. Healing Crystals and Stones and a touch of spiritual protection can totally help you heal!

 

Solar Plexus Chakra-Based Depression. Try Citrine. 

Are you ready for a complete Solar Plexus Activation? Try a Citrine. 

For those of you wondering what a solar plexus is, it is the third chakra in your body. It sits right above the navel. This is the center of control and power. Often times depression is caused by an imbalanced solar plexus chakra. Signs of your depression stemming from the chakra include feelings of unworthiness, unhappiness, loneliness, anxiety, panic attacks, feeling a loss of control, feeling unmotivated, the inability to think positive, etc. Citrine is a great crystal for clearing and activating this energy center because of its vibrant yellow hue. This stone promotes feelings of joy and gratitude. One amazing thing about this stone is it holds no negative energy. Citrine can also help you manifest a specific intention and increase abundance! So whenever you are ready to take control of your life, feel empowered, experience happiness, and receive nothing but blessings from the universe - give this stone a shot. Other stones you may want to consider trying for your solar plexus chakra are Amber or Topaz.

Still unsure if Citrine is for you? Signs your solar plexus is blocked include: digestive problems/stomach tension, self-limiting thoughts, high anxiety and feelings of no control. 

Heart Chakra-Based Depression. Try Rose Quartz. 

The heart chakra is also a place where your depression could stem from. If this chakra is the root of your depression, it will show in the form of stress, self-loathing, inability to see one's own beauty or the beauty of others, holding grudges, obvious sadness (fits of crying, anger, etc.), or holding on to childhood wounds. Rose Quartz is an amazing healing stone for helping one overcome emotional wounds, forgiving the past, and receiving love in all forms. This is more complex than it seems: emotional wounds include grief, depression, stress, anxiety, self-loathing or low self-esteem. Forgiving the past can mean things that you have done wrong or things others have done wrong to you. Receiving love means the ability to receive love from others close to you, from strangers, from yourself, from the earth, from Spirit, wherever LOVE is around you - you will acknowledge it and accept it. If you are ready to start loving yourself and others, seeing the beauty in the world, living more compassionately, reducing stress, and taking time for self nourishment, Rose Quartz is totally for you! 

More signs this stone is for you: skin conditions/acne, negative self talk, poor hygiene, feelings of jealousy, and feelings of loneliness. 

If Rose Quartz does not seem like it is for you, try Mangano Calcite, or Rhodochrosite.

Third Eye-Based Depression. Try Amethyst. 

Amethyst is connected to the Third Eye Chakra and healing this chakra can help you see things for what they truly are. Sometimes we are exposed to distorted thoughts about ourselves and about the world through the media, childhood, or anywhere. Exposure to this kind of negativity clouds your third eye chakra and makes it hard to see the light that exists in the world. Your depression may also include difficulty sleeping, or the need to sleep all the time, nightmares, nervousness, difficulty making decisions or positive choices, or vigilance. PTSD can be very detrimental to this chakra, leading to serious depression and damage. Restore the energy of this chakra with Amethyst if you are ready to feel awake and have hope again. Amethyst can help you feel connected and in tune with yourself and those around you. This crystal can help you see your power, see your beauty, and recognize your potential. Charoite and Fluorite are also great stones to use for overcoming Third Eye Depression. 

Alternate signs this is the chakra in which your depression stems: You are experiencing insomnia, headaches or migraines, physical pain, you are making poor decisions, addiction, forgetfulness. 

Throat Chakra Based Depression. Try Amazonite.

Sometimes depression can stem from the Throat Chakra. This includes feeling like you are not being heard, not being able to explain yourself, feeling like it would be better to not speak at all, feeling like the people around you are lying to you, feeling like nobody believes you, and more. Sometimes Throat Chakra based depression can involve outbursts of emotions or the inability to express yourself in a positive and productive way. If any of this sounds like something you are experiencing, please remember you are not weird or crazy! Blue Calcite, Turquoise, and Chrysocolla are all great stones to help you gain power in your words and in your circle. These stones can help you feel confident in your words, eloquent, and charismatic. They inspire you to speak up and tell your story no matter what it is. They embody courage, self-esteem, and integrity. These stones can also soothe the emotions, help you process them, help you sort your thoughts; so you can say and feel what needs to be said and felt and still be heard and understood by those around you. When the words flowing out of your mouth sound good and feel good, you feel good on the inside and the positive thoughts begin to flow in. This is very similar to the law of attraction! You can use Blue Kyanite to enhance this aspect. 

Throat Chakra Based depression symptoms can include sore throats, allergies, ringing in ears, feeling like there is something in your throat, and headaches. 

Root Chakra Based Depression. Try Pyrite. 

The Root Chakra is located at the base of your spine. In the Seven Chakra System it is the first chakra. It represents the physical world. If you feel your depression is related to stress, fear, and doubt - chances are this chakra is out of balance. If you are struggling to find peace and feelings of safety at your home, job, family, finances. Often times you may feel intense feelings that your life is chaotic, you may feel like you are just floating away with all the stress. You may feel like you are on autopilot going along with the motions and can't catch a break. This is because you are not grounded. Take some time in nature and wear a Pyrite, Smokey Quartz, or Agate. These crystals can help you become more in tune with your body, take one thing at a time, and feel safe and secure in your physical world. They help you feel more present. 

Signs you need to activate your Root Chakra are if you struggle with addiction, lower back pain, anxiety, career difficulties, feelings of discontent, fatigue, exhaustion. 

Crown Chakra Based Depression. Try Spirit Quartz. 

In some cases, depression can stem from your Crown Chakra. This is very common in HSP's (highly sensitive persons), empaths, psychics, etc who have not yet understood or grasped their gifts. If you feel cut off from the world, people around you, and the universe; if you blame the universe/god/others for your problems; or if you live in a great deal of fear or misunderstanding, or even hopelessness, chances are your crown chakra is blocked. Spirit Quartz, Tibetan Quartz, and Herkimer Diamond are all great stones for attuning your connection to the world, your gifts, and activating your Crown Chakra. Feeling linked with the universe can help restore your sense of faith in the future. You may experience a sense of belonging, togetherness, and love for the world around you and the life you live. 

Other signs your crown chakra is blocked include pain, lack of interested and motivation, feeling "foggy", fatigue, anxiety, judgmental thoughts of others, and clumsiness. 

Sacral Chakra Based Depression. Try Carnelian.

Your Sacral Chakra is the second chakra, located below the belly button. It is the center of where you harness your passion. When depression stems from your Sacral Chakra, you may experience a loss of interest or detachment, difficulty enjoying your life, difficulty embracing who you are, a loss of motivation, or loss of desire. Loss of desire can mean sexually, creatively, work-related, etc. Sacral Chakra stones are great to use to combat this kind of depression so you can regain your passion for living and live life to the fullest. You can regain your energetic levels and clear this chakra with Carnelian, Fluorite, Fire Agate. Carnelian is a great stone for activating the Sacral Chakra with its fiery orange color. It embodies the sexual, creative, and energetic God/Goddess inside all of us. Bring that part of you back to life by wearing or sleeping with this stone. 

Other signs your Sacral Chakra is blocked: feeling unworthy, abnormal menstruation/reproductive issues, urinary issues, fear, feeling stuck or lost, inability to focus.

Healing Chakras Can Bring You Back to Harmony and Happiness.

I hope this information has been helpful. Please remember I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments. Love & Light and good luck using these tools to assist your emotional wellbeing. 

Crystals Every Home Needs

I love dreaming about my future! One of the things I think about all the time is what my future home is going to look like. I see myself with this gorgeous and colorful, yet ambient and feng shui cozy home. This might sound a little crazy, but I have everything planned out down to what crystals I'm going to use around my house. These crystals are ones that I think are the "basics" that every good home should have. 

For Tidiness, Amazonite

Amazonite is by far one of my favorite crystals. One of the things I love about it is its ability to encourage tidiness! Wow, wouldn't that be nice around the house. You could secretly encourage everyone in your house to keep clean - small children, roommates, your significant other, etc. In my future home I would have a dish full of amazonite in each room. The teal color of Amazonite would be enough to brighten any room as well.

Visit GypsyGemsHawaii on etsy! 

For Bringing the Family Together, Unakite

We all know how important a strong family bond is. Part of nourishing a family bond is the unification, or coming together, of all roles. The pink in Unakite heals emotional wounds and the green is Epidote, which stems from the Greek word "epidosis" meaning "growing together." This stone encourages harmonious and strong relationships. This is key in a household. This stone also manifests unification on a physical plane - think: family dinners, game nights, everyone getting along and spending quality time together. 

Visit PriyaInspirations on Etsy!

Financial Stability, Citrine

Citrine is the stone of prosperity, wealth, abundance, fortune, and business. Basically - if it involves your wallet or bank account, Citrine can help. It is important to keep a steady income flowing into a home in order to maintain a good household. Having citrine in a home will ward off any financial issues and bring in abundance and prosperity.

Will these be powerful enough? 

For Protection, Selenite

Selenite is probably every expert's recommendation for what crystal to put in a home. They say if you place Selenite in the main corners of your home, you will attract love, positive energy, and protection. This is called "gridding a house". When gridding a house, it is important to bless each crystal with your intention. Selenite wards off any negative energy, so say something like, "This home is abundant with love and light. This home and the ones who live here are safe and protected." 

The shape of the Selenite is not important! But these gorgeous Selenite Towers from ShopMysticWillows on etsy would look so beautiful.

Peace & Balance, Tourmaline 

Whether you live with a mix of adults and children, males and females, pessimists and optimists, it is important to find the yin/yang balance. Tourmaline is a great crystal to have in the home for dispelling negative energy that is already inside. Pink Tourmaline is a good crystal for maintaining peace, especially emotionally and between masculine/feminine energies. Green Tourmaline brings compassion and harmony. Black Tourmaline is another highly protective stone (that can also be used with Selenite for gridding the home!) 

By the Bedside, Howlite 

Last but not least, I would put a cloudy white Howlite right by the bed to prevent insomnia. Howlite is calming to an overactive mind. This allows one to drift to sleep peacefully. It will also reduce any form of tension in the house or in the mind.... A crystal of complete relaxation. 

MoonriseCrystal on Etsy has such gorgeous pieces of Howlite!