“Your visions will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.” ~ C.G. Jung

We are all sensitive creatures—absorbent sponges by nature—because we are not only physical, but also energetic beings.

But some of us are so open to other energies, by blueprint and by the conditioning of our experiences, that we are easily overwhelmed by our bustling world.

In my own experience as an empath, I’ve suffered an increase in discomfort when my personal space is influenced by other human beings, in crowded or noisy situations, or even just around my beloved—as I am so finely tuned to other frequencies.

Now this kind of tuning in is helpful when I’m reading Tarot cards for clients or feeling my way through life in general. But at times it is so overwhelming that I am exhausted from a few hours in town or a few minutes in a store or someone’s home. Even a walk in nature can be dense with signals.

If you are an empath, you know what I’m talking about. We are like lightning rods attracting the vibrational energy of everything that exists on the planet. Sometimes we laugh about it, or take a ribbing for being overly sensitive. However, the symptoms empaths deal with range from slightly aggravating to life threatening, and should not be taken without pause as to their effect.

“You are meant to shine. Be patient, the rest of us are still learning about who you are,” is something I have said when explaining that the world is still learning how empaths function.

Many empaths are creatives, work with nature or animals, are intuitive or psychic, may be labelled ADD/ADHD, are deep thinkers, are comfortable in other realms (astral travel, lucid dreaming), or may be reclusive. Check, check, and check!

It’s not always a comfortable life, but I would not have it any other way; and so say many of my empath connections. Being an empath is a gift on many levels. But we do need to help ourselves manage our day-to-day existence. Empaths can often experience physical manifestations of their sensitivity, and after a while, this can become debilitating. Protection of one’s environment is key.

“Empaths did not come into this world to be victims, we came to be warriors. Be brave. Stay strong. We need all hands on deck.” ~ Anthon St. Marten

Among other allies, I call on the empowering and healing properties of gemstones and crystals. There are a few that are especially helpful.

Gemstones and crystals can be worn as pendants, earrings, or rings, kept in the pocket to touch frequently as needed, kept at the bedside table to clear energy, displayed in a dish in any room where they can be easily connected with, or used in conjunction with healing therapies such as Reiki. However you use them, they are faithful healers.

All of these stones have many properties relating to other applications, but here I am listing specifically how they relate to the needs of an empath. Try one or all of them, as you find necessary.

 

Rose Quartz—Use rose quartz to protect your heart chakra, especially if you have suffered emotional wounding as a child or an adult. It is a grounding stone that can offer stability, and is useful to have when dealing with negative people or toxic situations. It is a giving stone, gentle but powerful.

Amethyst—Amethyst is one of the best protection stones for empaths. Not only does it protect from negative vibes, it will also attract positive ones. This is good because while your spiritual awareness is being increased by this beautiful ally, it is at the same time a storehouse of peace, love and unconditional support.

Black Tourmaline—Another protector that acts as a shield against someone with a strong influence (i.e.: within an empath/narcissist relationship) or electro-magnetic frequency pollution. Empaths absorb EMFs quite readily. My partner wears one as a pendant, or keeps it in his pocket, especially at work, while watching television, or using the computer.

 

Citrine—This can be used for the repair and protection of the aura. Citrine is a stone for the solar plexus, the chakra through which empaths absorb the energy of others. Use it to balance emotions, block energy leaching and support the solar plexus as it relates to physical ailments. The aura is torn through illness and emotional or spiritual strife, and the holes left allow easy penetration by negative frequencies.

 

Hematite—Hematite is the perfect grounding stone, keeping the aura connected with the earth, which is where we absorb healing energy. It helps with focus and feeling centered, strengthening the base chakra. Wear it while walking barefoot on the earth to compound its effects.

I also smudge regularly (sage, cedar, lemongrass), and clear my body and living space with non-toxic incense.

Or, spend some time with your favorite tree and imagine growing your roots deep into the ground while connecting your third eye to the heavens. You will feel your vastness.

If you wish, record your experiences with different stones and crystals, and always, practice gratitude and being present in the moment, no matter what you’re doing. This is the basis of standing in your power—from stillness and grace.

An important practice for empaths is to accept how deeply they feel, and not make excuses for their gift. Too often we are bullied into thinking that there is something wrong with us, that sensitivity is a weakness. Know that you are an important part of the matrix. Empaths carry compassion and insight into the human condition. Self-love is crucial for all sensitives. 

“She had a very inconvenient heart. It always insisted on feeling things ever so deeply.” ~ John Mark Green

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Author: Monika Carless

Images: Author’s Own/Pixaby/Wiki Commons/Flickr

Editor: Nicole Cameron