Manifestation Magic
October 14, 2022
Writer: Haley Brettschneider
Editor: Ava Tomlin
Rose quartz. Moldavite. Amethyst. Tiger’s Eye. Selenite stick. I strike a match and hold it to my incense wand, inhaling the fresh smell of palo santo. I wave the incense over each crystal on my nightstand and watch the tendrils of smoke rise to the ceiling. In a notebook, I write today’s affirmations and statements about inner peace, conflict resolution, health, happiness, and self-acceptance. I know I may sound like some shamanic spiritualist, but this ritual is a time to focus on the resolutions I want to come true.
I was never one to “manifest” or buy these crystals that had so-called higher powers. They all just seemed like pretty rocks to me, but when a member of my group therapy program suggested crystal shopping as a stress relieving activity, and a mental health coping mechanism, I decided to try it out.
Entering the store, I was immediately transported to the kind of ancient bookstore with creaking floors and books that smelled so intensely of old wood and vanilla you read about in fairytales. The shelves were lined with crystals, incense, books, and all other necessary items for pursuing spiritual enlightenment. I neared the various shiny crystals labeled “rose quartz”, “clear quartz”, and “amethyst”. The label noted that the pink rose quartz crystal is connected to the heart chakra, meaning it helps the heart heal from pain. I continued walking with the rose quartz in hand and approached a section of books dedicated to describing different rituals associated with crystals. All hinted at the importance of lighting incense in these practices to cleanse your surroundings, I made sure to purchase white sage aroma sticks. In the book section, I decided to buy a purple notebook dedicated to this new chapter of my spiritual journey.
I began my practice on that cold, snowy night. Even just being in the crystal store calmed my anxiety, so I was hopeful in embarking on this exercise. The usual pit in my stomach diminished. I found myself content and at ease. I held the crystals in my hand, lit my incense, and sat in my room watching the smoke rise.
As the snowflakes fell outside and I watched wisps of smoke dissipate into the air, I waited for the “Aha!” moment when everything was going to make sense. When I first glanced at the description of the rose quartz, I felt it could be a solution to all of my struggles. But I soon realized the reality of my practice. The point was not to rid me of all pain– it was to curate a personalized routine, to connect with my inner self, and to think my dreams into reality. I couldn’t rely on anything or anyone to help me through this: my goal was self-acceptance. I placed my crystals on the edge of my notebook and began writing. I scribbled down many things: the thoughts I wanted out of my head, the ones I wanted in my head, and general feelings about my current mental state. The ritual calmed me, and I was astonished when it produced positive results. I know crystals won’t cure my mental health struggles, but dedicating time to focus on the change I want to see in my life is the first step of an ongoing transformation.
After this night in January 2021, I began conducting my spiritual practices every week. Whenever I get overwhelmed, I go back to my purple journal and rose quartz. I take a step back and focus on manifesting positive energy into my life. Change occurs in small steps, with patience, perseverance, visualization, and hope. Manifesting and crystals are valuable additions to my wellness practices and, more importantly, help me to envision a brighter, more yellow future.
