There are a few methods for working with crystals and no doubt alot I'm not familiar with.  The ones I'm going to address are; Attuning with Crystals and Stones, Programming a Crystal, Projecting Energy via a Crystal or Stone, Receiving Energy via a Crystal or Stone. Within these 4 methods/concepts I find a base for anything I could conceivably wish to do or achieve with a crystal.

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.

Many healers I have spoken to refer to the act of getting a complementary vibration passing between patient or healer and crystal as a really advanced technique. Personally I disagree, however the proof is in the pudding they say.

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, 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 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 firstly 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 our host could we ask for?  Beyond that it is also the first step into 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 harmonise when singing so one can find vibration that work together between body and stone.

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

PROGRAMMING OR CHARGING A CRYSTAL OR STONE

This could also be called charging a crystal. I like to think of this as 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, the principle is that of a simple spell but can be taken as far or as big as the practitioner wishes.

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 a bath or watch TV it will continue to do the work you charged it, with an 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 mobilising 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 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 magick battery.

PROJECTING WITH A CRYSTAL OR STONE

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 anyone's 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 stone's 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 you may decide if they wish to send energy from the stone or through the stone. Simply put, you can either send the deep purple of amethyst to a friend/patient or working, or you can use the stone as 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.

RECEIVING ENERGY USING A CRYSTAL

Receiving energy with a crystal is as easy as projecting. Again you need to attune and forge a connection with your stone of choice. Once you can feel the energy flowing between your being and the stone the flow takes on a circular sensation, then all you 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 your being. The reason there must be a circular flow is that you does not want to overload yourself, 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 you practice you can employ this technique to charge a stone with a specific energy or to cleanse or recharge yourself.

These are all basic concepts, with any kind of energy work 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, 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. If you are not familiar with grounding then searching 'grounding energy' on Google will bring up many opinions or feel free to email me and I will happily share what I know.

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.

Learn to shield yourself with energy, once again a Google search will bring up a lot of varied techniques and methods find the one that works for you and practice. If you wish to email me I am always happy to share my experience and personal techniques. 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, research different techniques keep trying new ones and asking questions till it makes sense to you. Enough time patience and practice and I believe anyone can realize their divine right to mobilise their energy and draw from the wealth of light all around us.

This article has been adapted from Penny Sandham's website www.metastones.com.

• Crystal Care - A Beginner's Guide
• Healing with Crystals
• The Crystal Bible - A Definitive Guide To Crystals