New Year, Same You: Crystals to Bring Out Your Best Self

As soon as the last Christmas present is opened, it seems like the New Year’s advertisers descend: “Be healthier, be more organized, make more money! New year, new you!”

Well, this year, we’re saying “new year, same you!” Rather than being self-conscious and critical, we want you to look inward and nurture the talents you already have. When you focus on who you are, it is much easier to grow into the person you want to be—without the shame or stress.

We’ve curated a list of crystals that nurture your talents and reveal your best self so that you can make 2023 a truly magical year.

Ametrine

A powerful combination of Amethyst and Citrine, Ametrine expands your consciousness while also giving you the energy and wisdom to become your highest self. Ametrine aligns you with universal energy, making manifestation and spiritual communication much easier. It stresses authenticity and clarity, revealing your life purpose.

Arfvedsonite

Arfvedsonite is a stone of clarity. It shows you what you really want and gives you the skills to express your desires. If something (or someone) is holding you back from being your best self, Arfvedsonite helps you gently release them, along with any self-imposed limitations, fear, or apprehension. When you work with Arfvedsonite, you welcome divine light into your life.

Auralite 23

Auralite 23 is a very high vibration crystal. It draws out your best, most authentic self by encouraging deep introspection and imparting ancient wisdom. Auralite 23 reminds you that you are a miracle of the universe’s creation, inherently worthy of respect, love, and prosperity.

Bumble Bee Jasper

If you are struggling with comparing yourself to friends, colleagues, or even rivals, Bumble Bee Jasper will ease those feelings of envy and anxiety. This crystal encourages you to tap into your creativity and talents to craft your own unique vision of success instead of worrying about others’ opinions.

Chrysoprase

A powerful Heart Chakra stone, Chrysoprase helps you connect with your deepest passions. This crystal will inspire you to pursue your life’s true purpose, drawing out any hidden talents or dormant dreams.

Indigo Gabbro

If you have been running from your authentic self or your deep-seated needs, Indigo Gabbro will empower you to face them. Indigo Gabbro activates your creativity and reveals the skills you have kept hidden. With this crystal, you will feel free to shine as your true self.

Iolite

Iolite is a take-charge crystal. It works with your natural talents to help you achieve your full potential. Iolite stimulates your creativity, promotes healthy relationships, and inspires confidence.

Labradorite

Also known as the “stone of courage,” Labradorite soothes anxiety so that you can claim the life you deserve. It encourages you to think creatively, persevere, and adapt to any situation that you find yourself in—discovering your highest self in the process.

Lepidolite

Lepidolite activates your Heart, Third Eye, and Crown Chakras, allowing you to develop a strong sense of self-awareness. It helps you sort through past pain and cultivate healing and forgiveness. From this perspective, it is easier to align yourself with the universal plan. With Lepidolite, you can work on the things you can control and release the things you can’t.

Libyan Desert Glass

Libyan Desert Glass expands your consciousness. It shines sunny light into your life, helping you discover joy, abundance, and hidden talents you might be overlooking. Libyan Desert Glass amplifies your natural abilities, gently minimizes your weaknesses, and provides metaphysical protection to help you achieve any goal.

Selenite

A stone of purity and divinity, Selenite encourages you to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. It imparts unconditional love, raising your frequency to its highest level. With these powerful vibrations, your innate gifts are enhanced, and you are able to access your most enlightened, compassionate self.

Say no to toxic positivity, hustle culture, and advertisements that prey on your insecurities. Instead, celebrate what makes you special and nurture those qualities in 2023!

Hygge: What Is It, and How Can Crystals Help?

With winter’s short, cold days and long, dark nights, a lot of us are craving a cozy atmosphere. Thankfully, there’s something that can help. In Denmark, a country so close to the North Pole that it only sees 4 hours of sunlight a day in the winter, they have developed a tradition called “hygge” (pronounced HOO-guh) to help them keep warm and happy all year long.

What is Hygge?

Hygge doesn’t have a direct English translation, and many Danes would even find it hard to define. It has the same etymology of the English word hug, coming from the Norwegian term hugga, or “to comfort,” with possible roots to an even older Norse word that means “protected from the outside world.”

According to Oxford Languages, hygge is “a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or wellbeing.” For journalist Helen Russell, hygge is “taking pleasure in the presence of gentle, soothing things.” Signe Johansen calls it “healthy hedonism” and Louisa Thomsen Brits sees it more as a type of mindfulness, “a practical way of creating sanctuary in the middle of very real life.”

However you define hygge, you know it when you see it. For example, cuddling up under a hand-crocheted blanket from your grandmother is definitely hyggelig (“hygge-like”). Scarfing down a sandwich at your desk while trying to get some work done? Definitely not!

Hygge can mean different things to different people, but it is typically associated with an indulgent level of comfort, relaxation, and mindfulness. It engages the senses: the warmth of the fire, the smell of a candle, the sound of a snowstorm outside, the soft embrace of a sweater, and the taste of a fresh cinnamon bun can all help you cultivate hygge.

While there is definitely something aesthetic about hygge, it emphasizes substance over style. Sweatpants and sweaters are definitely more hyggelig than uncomfortable but fashionable clothing.

Hygge can be practiced all year long, but winter is without a doubt that most hygge time of the year! It is a season for slowing down, getting comfortable, and appreciating the simple things that make life magical. You can practice hygge by yourself, or you can practice hygge with your loved ones. However, you can only find hygge with people you can be fully authentic around, like your closest friends and family; if you have to worry about how you are being perceived, it’s not hygge.

How to Use Crystals to Create Hygge

Crystals can be incorporated into almost any hygge activity, but here are some of our favorites:

• Charge a hygge drink, like tea, coffee, mulled wine, or warm cider, by placing a crystal next to it while brewing.
• Place a crystal as décor in a hygge space, helping engage your sense of sight while also emanating calming, cozy vibrations throughout the room.
• Add crystals to a hygge bath! If they’re water-safe, you can add them directly to the water, and if they’re not, you can place them on the edge of the tub.
• Candles are very hygge, so try charging your candles with crystals. You can purchase candles that already include crystals, make your own crystal candle with your favorite candle DIY tutorial, or simply place a crystal next to your candle.
• Wear crystal jewelry when you’re feeling hyggelig; just be sure that it’s comfortable!
• Leave a crystal in your kitchen while you’re baking hygge treats like cookies, cakes, bread, or soup!

The Best Hygge Crystals

But which crystals are the best for hygge? The simple answer is any crystal that makes you feel calm and cozy, but here are a few of our favorites:

• Garnet: Garnet is as red as any hyggelig fire, and it encourages you to celebrate your hearth and home. This crystal fills any space with love and warmth.
• Howlite: A stone of wisdom, Howlite encourages you to slow down and look at things from a new perspective. If you are just starting a hygge practice, Howlite will be a great help!
• Jasper: Jasper is the supreme nurturer, and its nurturing frequencies help you tap into the self-care and rejuvenation of hygge. Jasper encourages balance, wholeness, and peace.
• Snowflake Obsidian: Snowflake Obsidian is a gentle, loving crystal that provides the perfect antidote to seasonal sadness. Its white “snowflake” pattern is a literal light in the dark, reminding you to lean into the comfort and reflection that is central to both winter’s seasonal energy and a hygge practice.
• Ruby: Ruby provides protection from the cold while also encouraging you to view your hygge practice from a perspective of prosperity and gratitude. It helps you focus on the things and people that make life beautiful—the very essence of hygge!
• Turquoise: Turquoise leans into the community aspect of hygge. This stone promote wisdom and balance while also encouraging you to reach out to your loved ones.

So this winter, grab a cozy blanket, a warm mug, and your favorite crystal, and enjoy everything the hygge lifestyle has to offer!

Cuddle Up With A Good Book: Our Favorite Crystal-Themed Reads

If you’re looking for a truly hygge activity, there’s nothing that beats cuddling up with a good book on a long winter’s night! Grab a blanket and your drink of choice, light a candle, and get to reading!

The Crystal Bible by Judy Hall

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned collector, The Crystal Bible is the number one crystal reference book. It is a beautifully illustrated guide to hundreds of crystals (it currently stretches across three volumes!) with practical, easy-to-understand descriptions for each. The Crystal Bible is perfect for quick identification or a basic rundown of a crystal’s properties.

Crystal Lore, Legends, and Myths: The Fascinating History of the World’s Most Powerful Gems and Stones by Athena Perrakis

If you’ve been enjoying our Crystal Legends and Lore series, then this book is required reading! It was one of our main sources and provides extended exploration into different crystals’ ritual, healing, and mythological purposes all over the world.

Crystal Gridwork: The Power of Crystals and Sacred Geometry to Heal, Protect, and Inspire by Kiera Fogg

While we love a DIY crystal grid, this book is filled with some excellent grid examples for you to experiment with and get inspired by. If you’re new to crystal gridding and want some specific guidance, or if you’re just looking for a starting point to design your own grid, Crystal Gridwork is a great resource.

Crystal Co-Creators by Dorothy Roeder

Do you feel like you have a personal relationship with your crystals? If so, this book is for you! Dorothy Roeder explores crystals from a position of co-creativity; the crux of her book is the belief that your energies work in tandem with your crystal’s unique soul. Roeder shares her personal experiences with over 150 crystals’ unique personalities and how you can form a strong, beneficial partnership with them.

Crystals: The Modern Guide to Crystal Healing by Yulia Van Doren

Although this book has smaller scope than some of the other reference books on this list, it goes really in-depth. Van Doren helps you explore 50 crystals and their related Chakras to improve your overall wellness. She also delves into particularly powerful pairings, intention setting, and crystal care.

The Ultimate Guide to Crystals & Stones: A Practical Path to Personal Power, Self-Development, and Healing by Uma Sibley

As the title implies, this book is focused on the practical side of crystal usage. If you’re already comfortable with the what and why of a crystal, this book answers the all-important question of “how.” Sibley gives insightful suggestions for meditation, wearing, divination, and other important crystal uses.

Crystal Muse: Everyday Rituals to Tune In To the Real You by Heather Askinosie and Timmi Jandro

Keeping with the theme of practicality, this book from the co-founders of Energy Muse is geared toward setting and achieving your goals. Askinosie and Jandro provide accessible rituals tailored to specific spiritual and earthly intentions. Looking to supercharge your self-love or manifest prosperity? This book is the perfect place to start.

Crystal Clear by Jaya Saxena

Saxena’s authentic, raw writing style makes this book a particularly enjoyable and accessible read. Through eleven personal essays, she reflects on her experiences with 11 popular crystals (Rose Quartz, Citrine, Amethyst, Black Tourmaline, Pearl, Pyrite, Carnelian, Opal, Diamond, Obsidian, and Amber) and encourages you to take a fresh perspective on your crystal practice.

Do you have a favorite crystal-themed book? Let us know in the comments, or tag us @mydreamcrystals on Instagram!

A Crystal a Day: Crystals for Every Day of the Week

If an apple a day can keep the doctor away, what can a crystal a day do? Every day of the week has a strong metaphysical meaning that stretches back for centuries, and when we use crystals to work with those daily energies, we are better aligned with the universe—setting us up for successful manifestation, spiritual peace, and radiant joy!

Monday: Moonstone

It may not surprise you that “Monday” was once “Moon Day.” This day of the week is heavily associated with lunar energy, making Moonstone the perfect companion! Moonstone will help you channel the moon’s divine feminine energy. Monday is a great day for tapping into your intuition, engaging your compassion, creating something, or meditating.

Tuesday: Carnelian

Tuesday originates with two ancient war gods: the Norse god, Tyr, and the Roman god, Mars. Tuesday is a day for go-getters, and Carnelian’s fiery energy resonates strongly with its vibrations. Use Carnelian to find the motivation, creativity, passion, and protection your Tuesday needs.

Wednesday: Hematite

Wednesday is sacred to one of the most important the Norse gods, Odin, sometimes known as Wodin. Often appearing to humans as a pilgrim or a wandering sage, Odin is associated with wisdom, learning, and travel. Wednesday is therefore a day dedicated to the mind, and Hematite matches this energy perfectly. Hematite is the number one study stone, allowing you to focus and process information. Work with Hematite on Wednesday to engage and expand your mind.

Thursday: Pyrite

Thursday, or Thor’s Day, is tied to both the Norse thunder god, Thor, and the Greco-Roman god, Zeus/Jupiter. It is clearly a day when lightning strikes, often in the form of unexpected opportunities or influxes of cash. Take advantage of Thursday’s thunderous energy with Pyrite, a highly attractive money and career stone.

Friday: Rose Quartz

The Ancient Roman name for Friday was dies Veneris to honor Venus, the love goddess. As Roman and Norse cultures intermingled, Venus was often conflated with the Norse goddess of love and war, Freya. That’s where we get the English word, Friday, and it’s also why many Latin-based languages have a name closer to Venus for this day of the week, like viernes (Spanish) and vendredi (French). Friday is all about love, friendship, and reconciliation, and you can tap into these nurturing energies with the number one love crystal, Rose Quartz.

Saturday: Obsidian

Saturday’s name comes from the Roman god, Saturn, who is better known as the Greek Titan, Cronos—the father of the Olympian gods. Cronos heard a prophecy that one of his children would kill and usurp him, so he ate them; however, Zeus escaped being eaten and defeated Cronos. This violent myth seems far away from our modern associations with Saturday as a day for rest and fun, but it reveals an interesting aspect centered on protection, longevity, endings, and the safety of home. Resting on Saturday is a protective act, and Obsidian’s protective, purifying, and motivating energy gels wonderfully with this idea.

Sunday: Citrine

Like its neighbor, Monday, Sunday is also named for a celestial body: the Sun. This day carries all of the divine masculine energy that the Sun embodies: success, joy, strength, and health. Tap into these abundant frequencies with sunny, yellow Citrine.

Crystals can make every day of the week meaningful and magical. Give it a try!

Angelite: Lifting Your Spirits During the Darkest Days

When the Christmas decorations come down and all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season is replaced with quiet and darkness, it can be easy to feel a little melancholic. We become extra introspective, and we might need some extra love and care. That’s where Angelite comes in.

Angelite’s soft blue hue evokes wintery colors, but this crystal carries a warm, loving vibration underneath its cool, calming blues. Angelite has a strong connection with divine energy, allowing you to access spiritual wisdom and universal love when you need it most. Angelite helps you tap into the best of winter’s energy—rest, introspection, and peace—and gently persevere through the cold.

Angelite resonates strongly with the Throat Chakra. It shows you how to understand your emotions and convey them in a clear, constructive way. It is a true crystal of perception, allowing you access to insightful introspection, interpersonal communication, and divine connection.

If you are struggling with negative emotions like depression, Angelite gently transmutes those feelings into a feeling of wholeness and balance. It provides both physical and etheric protection. Secure in this knowledge, it is easier for you to rise above your earthly limitations. If the winter makes you feel anxious and isolated, Angelite proves a gentle friend, connecting you to your spirit guides, angels, and your loved ones.

When you work with Angelite, your consciousness expands and your vibration raises, allowing you to radiate love and light everywhere you go. By linking your Throat, Third, and Crown Chakras, Angelite activates your upper ethereal body. It reveals your highest self and draws out your psychic talents.

This January, Angelite is the perfect way to nurture your soul and work through any seasonal feelings of depression, anxiety, or isolation. You can incorporate it into your meditation or self-care practices. Try placing an Angelite stone on the edge of your tub during a nice, warm bath to experience its calming effects!