Black Tourmaline is excellent for grounding and aligning our energies when they are compromised. In my experience it is the most effective crystal for protection. It protects the energy field from all unwanted influences. Whether you are going into a challenging situation, working daily in stressful conditions, living surrounded by busyness with little contact with nature to help you align, dealing with unpleasant people, exposed to toxic energies from environmental pollutants, black tourmaline can be an excellent ally.

Black Tourmaline can also help to ground your own negative emotions and thoughtforms, so it is ideal to use if you are angry, anxious, or feeling low due to internal criticism. It can also be very helpful following travel, to ground you into the new place you find yourself in.

Wear in jewellery, or carry with you. Have a piece on or by your mobile phone to help protect from harmful radiation.

Because of what it does, Black Tourmaline needs a lot of cleansing, and appreciates a good, long bath.

Garnet is a powerful crystal that increases life force energy. I often read that it is grounding, but to me it has a fluid energy with a lot of movement. It brings energy, positivity, confidence and determination to get things done. If you have been avoiding tackling things that need to be done, or putting up with things you know are not good for you – pick up a Garnet to bring the energy you need - and deal with it.

Garnet is excellent for increasing passion for life, and passion in love. Garnet and Rose Quartz are a great Love mix.

Although it increases energy, you need to be relatively strong to benefit from the energy frequency of Garnet. If your energy is very depleted, it may be overpowering, and you might benefit initially from the gentle nourishment of pink or green crystals, before bringing in the power of red.