I stumbled upon a website that had some interesting things going on. I've included only a few items that I found with regard to their instruction of how to use crystals, in order to help solve the various situations or shortcomings one may be experiencing within their own lives, or to perhaps help a partner or a friend. The first is a list of questions and answers of things that one could possiblly be feeling or thinking about themselves. Immediately following their question, they have listed the potential crystal solutions to all of them. In the second section, I have included their theory or way of working with crystals. People that work with crystals, have different ways of working with them, therefore, these are only their suggestions or advice.

This website was worthwhile checking out because they also had relationship tests, and other various information and tests you can take in order to see how well you know yourself. If any of you found this informative or helpful, please let me know. Feedback is always appreciated.  *The reference material source and the website is provided at the end.


                                    CRYSTAL SOLUTIONS

o It's hard for me to concentrate.
Sodalite. It helps to clear up both mental and emotional confusion which can prevent concentration.

o I have a hard time making decisions.
Carnelian: It helps us to focus on the present, and our current needs.

o I'd like to be more in touch with angels.
Angelite: This crystal helps us to be in touch with angels and animal guides, as well as assisting in distant communication with other humans.

o I have lots of ideas, but I can't seem to materialize them.
Citrine. It helps you to manifest your ideas so that you can act on them.

Clear Calcite: Sometimes we can't find new answers because we're operating in a framework of old beliefs. Clear calcite helps us to change our perspective.

o I have lots of ideas, but it's difficult for me to express them.
Turquoise: It helps you to clarify ideas and to express them creatively -- and to enroll others in helping to make them come true.

o I have difficulty letting go of old ideas.
Clear quartz: Called the mirror of the soul, it helps us to see who we truly are, free of limiting ideas and beliefs.

o I hate my body. I'm too (fat, skinny, short, tall, etc.).
Smoky quartz: Of all the grounding stones, it establishes the most gentle and loving connection with the body.

o I never have enough money to satisfy my needs.
Citrine: For using one's individual and unique talents to create abundance.
Chrysoprase: Attracts abundance and helps in success with new ventures.

o I resent what some people have done to me, and find it difficult to forgive them.
Sugilite: This stone is especially effective in working on resentment and anger.

o I know that I have a limited view of some areas of my life, but I don't know how to gain a broader perspective.
Hawk's Eye: This stone helps to provide an "aerial" and more objective viewpoint of one's situation.

o I often find that other people's moods are contagious, i.e., if someone is sad I find myself feeling sad, too.
Hematite: In ancient times this stone was used as a mirror because of its reflective qualities. It can help you to deflect, rather than absorb, the moods of others.

o I want to feel more at peace with myself.
Chrysocolla: Its deep blue-green hue soothes and calms the heart. It is also considered to be a stone to program for world peace.

o I feel that I lack imagination.
Aquamarine: A stone which has been related to the sea, helps us to brave the unknown and experience the flow of creativity.

Clear Calcite: Lacking imagination is often the inability to see beyond the (invisible) mental boundaries we've set for ourselves. Clear calcite helps us to expand our vision.

o I'm not in touch with my intuition.
Blue Agate: and Malachite: Both of these stones assist in left/right-brain balance. Thus, those who feel stuck in their logical, rational selves can rebalance so that they may hear their intuitive voices.

o It's hard for me to think logically.
Blue Agate: and Malachite: Helps those who are mostly logical to get in touch with intuition, so mostly intuitive people can use these stones to experience their rational sides. Both stones relate to left/right-brain balance.

o I find myself getting angry when I have to deal with incompetent people.
Rhodonite: Combining pink, the color for love, with black, for grounding, this stone promotes tolerance.

o I feel stressed out a great deal of the time.
Amethyst: This stone is commonly referred to as nature's tranquilizer. It's also beneficial for those who suffer from insomnia or nightmares.

Amber: This stone helps with any kind of emotional turmoil. Chrysoprase: Helps to release emotional tension and stress which has lodged in the physical being. Green Tourmaline: All tourmalines help to balance energy, and green is one of the most soothing.

o Intolerant of others.
Rhodonite: and Rose Quartz: Rhodonite is effective in dealing with intolerance of acquaintances and strangers; while Rose Quartz addresses the intolerance we feel towards those people who mirror what we view as our own faults.

o It's hard for me to let go of anger.
Rhodonite: This stone helps us to be patient and to forgive.

o I have goals, but I find it difficult to get from where I am to where I want to be.
Clear Quartz: A pointed crystal has the most focused energy, and clear quartz is the most powerful crystal to program for goals.

o There seems to be a lot of negativity in my life.
Hematite: and Black Tourmaline: Both help to deflect negativity.

o I'd like to be more prosperous.
Green Tourmaline: For awakening one's creativity for the purpose of creating more abundance.
Citrine: For feeling confident about using those abilities.
Honey Calcite: For manifesting abundance in work-related areas.
Pyrite: For awakening the creativity and discovering new ways of creating abundance.

o I want to understand myself better.
Moss Agate: Helps one to understand the self improves ego and self esteem.

o I wish I had more creative abilities.
Malachite: For its ability to help balance the logical, practical and intuitive, visionary sides of the brain.
Carnelian: For helping creativity to flow.
Aqua Aura: Encourages self-expression in service to others.

o I want to trust my psychic abilities more.
Labradorite/spectrolite: This stone assists us in the wise use of psychic powers; thus, we need not fear using them for the wrong purposes.

o I wish I were more in touch with nature.
Agate: This stone helps us to connect to nature and nature spirits.

o I want to be free of past sorrows.
Aventurine: Sorrow is stored in the heart, and aventurine is an ideal stone for soothing heartache.

o I have a lot of anxiety attacks.
Rhodochrosite: This stone assists in slow, deep breathing, which relaxes the solar plexus and sends needed oxygen to the brain.

o I would like more serenity in my life.
Amethyst: The most recommended stone for stress relief.
Aquamarine: This stone has the calming, soothing energy of the sea.

o I wish good things happened more quickly to me.
Rutilated Quartz: Its high vibrations speed in manifesting what you want.

o I wish I knew what's stopping me from having what I want.
Black Obsidian: This stone helps to bring to the surface the hidden and limiting beliefs which may blocking you.
Clear Calcite: Has the same effect, but in a more gentle way.

o I'd like to be more patient with myself and others.
Rose Quartz: This stone teaches self-love and acceptance; when we feel this way about ourselves it's easier to have patience with others.
Rhodonite: This stone helps with patience.

o I wish I could look at my problems more rationally.
Sodalite: When you feel completely confused this stone can help with mental calmness.

o I'd like to know what's going on inside me.
Obsidian: This stone will tell you' be sure you want to know.

o When I'm sick I get so nervous about it that it's hard for me to get well.
Amethyst: The stone for over stressed nerves.
Rhodochrosite: For relieving anxiety.

o Sometimes I'm not sure what I feel.
Moonstone: This stone helps us to get in touch with our feelings.

o I'm over-sensitive.
Hematite: Being over-sensitive usually means being over-affected by the opinions and/or feelings of others. Hematite helps to shield us from this.

o I feel as if I'm on an emotional roller-coaster.
Moonstone: This stone helps to bring balance to the emotions.

o I need to uncover my deepest fears.
Obsidian: This stone will bring up anything which is hidden, and is best used with any of the quartzes (especially rose quartz and aventurine) to soften its effect.
Charoite: Helps one to deal with both known and unknown fears.

o I'm depressed a lot of the time.
Smoky Quartz: When we're depressed we feel both that we have no solid ground to stand on and that light is absent from our lives. This stone, which is dark and light-filled, can help.
Amber: This helps to draw out depression.

o I find it hard to ask others for help.
Amazonite: and Turquoise: The first stone gives courage of self-expression; the second gives the ability to ask for help.

o I have difficulty in asserting myself.
Amazonite: This stone helps us to say what we need to say.

o I have frequent nightmares.
Amethyst: This is the traditional stone for peaceful sleep.

o I feel that I'm too inflexible.
Green Calcite: This stone, formed in water, helps to bring flexibility to our perceptions of ourselves and others.

o No matter how hard I try I can't seem to be objective about my problems.
Clear Calcite: This stone helps us to to draw on our higher or spiritual selves for creative solutions.

o I have trouble meditating.
Kyanite: I have found that this stone helps me to be grounded and calm so that I can meditate.
Hematite: This stone helps to calm and stabilize our energy.

o I would like to develop my intellect.
Fluorite: Known as the genius stone, it can help stimulate intellectual powers.

o I worry too much about other people's opinions of me.
Rose Quartz: When we nurture ourselves with self-love, other peoples' opinions of us will usually mirror our own.

o I feel that I present to the world an image of myself which isn't really me.
Charoite: We often present false images because we're afraid that we won't be accepted for who we are. Charoite helps to dissolve fear.

o I feel disconnected from other people.
Quartz Cluster: Helps us to see the beauty of community and helps with group meditations.

o No matter how hard I try, I can't stick to my diet (or break another addiction).
Amethyst: Many people have successfully used this stone to help in releasing addictions.

o I find it impossible to let go of old relationships.
Onyx: This is the stone for breaking unwanted ties to the past.


***

This is the act of directing or sending energy from or through a stone or crystal. I know that many people who work or spend time around crystals have come to their own methods for doing this. I feel that anyones experience when working with crystals, is sacred and special to the person. I don't claim to have a better way or even a right way. Merely, I can share my way.

Firstly, attune to the crystal you wish to work with as described above. Again, draw the stones vibration into your chest cavity. Wait until you feel you have established a link with the stone, then slowly begin to pour your energy and intent back through the crystal. I prefer to direct my energy from different points depending on my goal. Heart for healing, third eye for manifestation, or solar plexus for projecting personal energy. At this point, one may decide if they wish to send energy from the stone or through the stone, such as sending the deep purple of amethyst to a friend, patient, or co-worker. Or, the stone can be used as a focus point for transferring personal energy. After that, it is very much about visualization and intent. I think the big difference for me in this method, is simply that I have forged an energetic link with the stone, and as such, immersed my body and mind in the working element.

RECEIVING ENERGY USING A CRYSTAL

Receiving energy with a crystal is as easy as projecting. Again, one needs to attune and forge a connection with ones stone of choice. Once you can feel the energy flowing between ones being and the stone, and the flow takes on a circular sensation, then all one needs to do is a pick a third energy or being to bring into the equation. Focus on the energy of your choice and feel the vibrations flowing through the crystal and into ones being. The reason there must be a circular flow, is that one does not want to overload oneself or on rare occasions, the crystal. In this way, the crystal will take on as much energy as it can and so will you.

As one practices, one can employ this technique to charge a stone with a specific energy or to cleanse or recharge oneself.

These are all basic concepts with any kind of energy work, but there are always thousands of variables and it is our experience, perception, and the specific goal and energy. that will dictate an exact method. However, it is my hope that people will enjoy experimenting with these simple techniques, and with luck, find a little something of value.

I feel obliged to share a few rules I have always used when working with energy, and as always, take what you like and leave the rest.

If at any time you feel uncomfortable or out of control, disengage your work, take a few deep breaths, and think about something else for a few moments. Then, ground yourself.

When working with other people and energy, especially, if you are sending or receiving directly, make sure you know and trust the person, at least until you feel very confident and comfortable doing it. Your feelings are always your best guide.  If at anytime something feels strange or incorrect, ask. Anyone working responsibly, will be able to explain to your satisfaction. Then if things still don't feel right, trust yourself, and simply excuse yourself from the exercise, therapy or working practice.

Learn to shield yourself with energy.  A Google search will bring up a lot of varied techniques and methods, find the one that works for you, and practice. We lock our houses when we leave them, so why would we wish to leave our auras open to every energy we encounter.

Lastly, energy takes practice and patience.  Some people experience nearly immediate results, but for most of us, it takes months to learn to proficiently move energy and a lifetime to get better at it. Take your time, work at your own speed, and research different techniques, but keep trying new ones and asking questions until it makes sense to you. Enough time, patience, and practice, and I believe anyone can realize their divine right to mobilize their energy and draw from the wealth of light all around us.

PROGRAMMING OR CHARGING A CRYSTAL OR STONE

This could also be called charging a crystal. I like to think of this creating an ever-burning beacon of ones intent. As I often state energy is magnetic, so even the smallest charge will attract like energies. When I am at a state of union between my energies and those of the stone in question, I am able to charge the stone with my intent.

A basic example would be passing my intent to send healing to a friend through the stone. The vibration will change slowly in your palm; you will feel your desire to bring healing, resonating from the crystal and the energy flowing from the crystal to your target. The simple beauty of this method, is even when you have put the stone down and gone to take do something else, it will continue to do the work that you charged it to do. Ever growing amount of energy being drawn to it and sent from it .

I have purposefully kept this aspect of working with a crystal vague, as I don’t believe there is one better or worse way to do it. I think we all have our own way of mobilizing our intent and sending out our will. This is much like a candle ritual or a basic healing. The sky is the limit though. I have left charged stones around in a protective formation in times of need in order to ward of negative energies. I have used charged stones to help maintain my sacred/meditation space. It is as simple as powering up a magic battery.

ATTUNING

Tuning into a crystal. This, I always liken to tuning into a radio broadcast. The crystal is vibrating at a certain level. My intent, or indeed my body, is vibrating at a different level. The idea is to get my being and the crystal vibrating at the same frequency, alternatively, to get the crystal and my being vibrating at complementary frequencies.

HOW TO ATTUNE TO A CRYSTAL OR STONE

The only thing I can share is my own methodology. Taking the crystal in ones left hand and grasp it tightly. If you allow your mind to become quiet and expectation to fade, you will become aware of a tiny pulse or vibration in your palm. Wait till you are sure its not your heart beat " I say that as it’s a common excuse sceptics give me - I find it quaint :-).

You will soon become aware of the particular vibration of the crystal you are holding. Draw this vibration into your chest cavity or heart chakra, then wait until you feel your left arm tingling with that vibration. Then slowly begin pushing that vibration through your body and outwards. Allow it to flow freely, and soon you will become aware that it's coming out of you and not from the stone. In this manner, you have mimicked the exact vibration of the crystal you are holding. With luck, people are saying okay so that was easy, why are we doing this again?

Attuning to a crystal or stone, is one of the most potent forms of cleansing and grounding of which I am aware. At this moment, you are vibrating at the same frequency as a sacred piece of earth. What more beautiful union with host could we ask for? Beyond that, it is also the first step in partnership with a crystal. When we make a new acquaintance, we customarily shake hands as a sign of good will and friendship, a very basic energy exchange. This is a handshake between you and your new energetic partner.

Now, to find that elusive complementary vibration I was speaking of earlier, simply pass energy back through your left arm to the palm the crystal resides in. If you are more comfortable projecting through your right hand, then take the crystal in both hands. Again, tune into the crystal’s energy, then slowly raise your energy, or lower it. Feel, and patiently wait for the crystal to follow you. As when people harmonize when singing, so one can find vibration that work together between body and stone.

It is when the 2 vibrations are working in harmony, that I can really begin to work with the crystal. Quartz has a memory like an elephant. Once I have attuned to a crystal, it seems to remember and I’m left with a "tool" and a friend I can rely on.

**Reference Material provided from http://www.peacefulmind.com