Welcome back to Big Crystal Energy! In this episode, Ashleigh dives into the Sabbat of Litha, also known as the Summer Solstice — the longest day of the year and one of the most powerful turning points on the Wheel of the Year.

Litha is a celebration of peak solar energy, abundance, fire, illumination, love, and transformation. But it is also a threshold. At the exact moment the sun reaches its height, the darker half of the year quietly begins. This episode explores that beautiful paradox: the peak, the pause, and the turning.

Ashleigh shares reflections from her own life as she stands at a personal threshold between her clinical work, motherhood, podcasting, crystal healing, and spiritual expansion. She also reflects on her family’s vow renewal and handfasting ceremony in Iceland, where she experienced the magic of the summer light firsthand.

In this episode, we explore:

• What Litha is and why the Summer Solstice matters
• The Oak King and Holly King mythology
• Why Litha is a veil-thinning moment
• Fairy folklore and Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream
• Fire, bonfires, purification, and transformation
• Love magic beyond romantic love
• Simple ways to celebrate Litha
• How to build a Litha altar
• Crystals for the Summer Solstice
• A five-card “Turning Point” oracle or tarot spread

Crystals for Litha

In this episode, Ashleigh shares five powerful crystals for working with Summer Solstice energy:

Sunstone — confidence, radiance, joy, and inhabiting your full power
Citrine — transformation, abundance, and solar plexus activation
Carnelian — courage, vitality, creativity, and moving through thresholds
Golden Tiger’s Eye — clarity, discernment, and seeing what the light reveals
Pyrite — alchemy, manifestation, willpower, and carrying your gold forward

Litha Ritual Ideas

Try one of these simple Summer Solstice practices:

• Watch the sunrise or sunset
• Write what you are releasing and safely burn it
• Spend intentional time in the sun
• Create a flower crown or gather solar herbs
• Sit with an oak tree
• Leave a small fairy offering at a threshold
• Build a Litha altar with candles, flowers, herbs, and crystals
• Pull cards with the Turning Point Spread

The Turning Point Spread

1. Where am I at full power right now?
2. What is already beginning to turn?
3. What do I release into the fire?
4. What do I carry into the darker half of the year?
5. What wants to be born in the shadow?

Mentioned in this episode:

• Seasons of the Witch: Litha Oracle by Lorriane Anderson and Juliet Diaz, illustrated by Tijana Lukovic

Seasons of the Witch - Litha Oracle: Anderson, Lorriane, Diaz, Juliet, Lukovic, Tijana: 9781922579768: Amazon.com: Books

• Big Crystal Energy Substack

Substack Home - Ashleigh's Substack

• Big Crystal Energy Newsletter
• Crystal Archetype Quiz
• San Francisco Crystal Fair

Crystals, Gems, Minerals, Practitioners and Shows | The Crystal Fair Marketplace

• Iceland vow renewal photographer: Steph — linked below

Crystals, Gems, Minerals, Practitioners and Shows | The Crystal Fair Marketplace

Thank you for listening, and happy Litha. May you honor the longest day, receive the sun’s energy, and move through the turning of the wheel with the biggest crystal energy ever.

Send me any questions or comments you may have and I will answer them on upcoming podcast episodes!! Looking forward to hearing from you!

Please message me with any questions or comments. 
bigcrystalenergypodcast @gmail.com

For thousands of years, Opal was considered the Queen of Gems—more precious than diamonds, sacred across cultures, and associated with vision, hope, transformation, and the divine. So how did it become known as a stone of bad luck?

In this episode of The Crystal Library, Ashleigh explores the fascinating science, mythology, history, and metaphysical properties of Opal. From Aboriginal Dreamtime stories and Greek mythology to Roman legends and Incan traditions, you'll discover why cultures around the world viewed Opal as a visionary stone connected to magic, sovereignty, and the unseen realms.

You'll also learn why Opal is unlike any other crystal in your collection. Unlike most stones, Opal has no crystal lattice structure. Instead, it creates its famous flashes of color through light, water, and microscopic silica spheres—making it a perfect symbol of glamour, perception, and the space between what is seen and unseen.

Ashleigh also explores the surprising history behind Opal's reputation, the unique qualities of different varieties of Opal, and a simple Opal scrying practice you can use to deepen your connection with this remarkable stone.

In this episode:

• The unusual geology that makes Opal unlike any other crystal
• Greek, Roman, Aboriginal, Incan, and Indian myths surrounding Opal
• Why Opal has long been associated with vision, psychic sight, and glamour magic
• The controversy behind Opal's "bad luck" reputation
• Black Opal, Fire Opal, Pink Opal, Ethiopian Opal, Boulder Opal, and more
• Opal as a stone of transformation, emotional healing, and sovereignty
• A guided Opal scrying practice for insight and self-discovery

Whether you're drawn to Opal for its beauty, its folklore, or its mystical reputation, this episode invites you to see the stone—and yourself—in a completely new light.

Send me any questions or comments you may have and I will answer them on upcoming podcast episodes!! Looking forward to hearing from you!

Please message me with any questions or comments. 
bigcrystalenergypodcast @gmail.com

Welcome back to Big Crystal Energy! This week, we're returning to the foundation of the podcast and exploring one of the most requested topics of all: crystal healing. ✨

Whether you're completely new to crystals, a longtime collector, or simply curious about why people have worked with stones for thousands of years, this episode offers a fresh look at the history, science, and spiritual practice of crystal healing.

Ashleigh explores the ancient roots of crystal healing, the scientific concepts often referenced in crystal work—including coherence, entrainment, piezoelectricity, and frequency—and why crystals continue to fascinate healers, scientists, and spiritual practitioners alike.

Along the way, she shares personal reflections on her own crystal journey, how crystals helped reconnect her with joy and purpose, and why Big Crystal Energy was never really just about the crystals—it was always about the transformation that happens when we align with what lights us up.

In This Episode:

🔮 What crystal healing actually is and where it originated

🔮 The ancient history of crystals in healing traditions around the world

🔮 How crystals are used in modern technology and medicine

🔮 Piezoelectricity, frequency, coherence, and entrainment explained

🔮 Why crystals are considered stable energetic structures

🔮 The role of intention, amplification, and energetic reflection

🔮 Sacred geometry, Platonic solids, and crystal structures

🔮 Why cleansing your crystals matters

🔮 The connection between crystals and the human body

🔮 How to choose a crystal using intuition

🔮 Practical ways to work with crystals every day

🔮 Why crystal healing is ultimately about personal growth and self-discovery

Mentioned in This Episode

•  Labradorite 
•  Malachite 
•  Clear Quartz 
•  Fluorite 
•  Rose Quartz 
•  Carnelian 
•  Citrine 
•  Smoky Quartz 
•  Black Tourmaline 
•  Celestite 
•  Azurite 
•  Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) 
•  Ayurveda 
•  Sacred Geometry 
•  Platonic Solids 
•  Judy Hall's crystal teachings 

Resources

Be sure to check out Ashleigh's previous episode on crystal cleansing and clearing for a deeper dive into how to care for your crystals.

Sources & Further Reading

The research and concepts discussed in this episode were drawn from the following resources:

📚 The Crystal Bible by Judy Hall

📚 Crystal Basics by Nicholas Pearson

📚 Crystalpedia by Athena Perrakis

📚 1001 Crystals by Cassandra Eason

These texts informed many of the historical, scientific, energetic, and metaphysical concepts explored throughout the episode. As always, Ashleigh encourages listeners to explore multiple perspectives, do their own research, and develop a personal relationship with the crystals they choose to work with.

Connect with Big Crystal Energy

📸 Instagram: @bigcrystalenergypodcast

🎥 YouTube: Big Crystal Energy Podcast

⭐ If you enjoy the show, please consider leaving a rating or review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps more crystal lovers and curious seekers discover the podcast!

Send me any questions or comments you may have and I will answer them on upcoming podcast episodes!! Looking forward to hearing from you!

Please message me with any questions or comments. 
bigcrystalenergypodcast @gmail.com

What if the clarity you're seeking isn't something you gain—but something you uncover after everything false falls away?

In this deeply personal episode of The Crystal Library, Ashleigh explores the profound lessons of Azurite, the brilliant blue copper mineral long associated with intuition, psychic vision, and spiritual awakening. But beyond its reputation as a third-eye stone lies a far more challenging invitation: the dismantling of false identities, inherited beliefs, and the need for approval.

Drawing on geology, ancient history, the teachings of Edgar Cayce, and her own journey of publicly claiming the title of witch, Ashleigh examines why Azurite has been revered for thousands of years—and why its true gift may be the courage to become who you already are.

You'll learn:

•  The fascinating geology of Azurite and its transformation into Malachite 
•  How ancient civilizations used Azurite as the sacred blue of the divine 
•  Why Edgar Cayce called it "The Singing Stone" 
•  The connection between people-pleasing and blocked intuition 
•  Practical ways to work with Azurite through meditation, dreamwork, and self-reflection 
•  Why authentic spiritual growth often begins with demolition rather than addition 

The singing stone is still singing. The question is whether you're ready to hear it. 

Sources

• The Crystal Bible by Judy Hall
• Crystal Basics by Nicholas Pearson
• 1001 Crystals by Cassandra Eason
•  Historical research on Azurite, ancient pigments, and mineralogy 
•  Teachings and writings of Edgar Cayce

Send me any questions or comments you may have and I will answer them on upcoming podcast episodes!! Looking forward to hearing from you!

Please message me with any questions or comments. 
bigcrystalenergypodcast @gmail.com

What happens when a lifelong crystal lover and tarot reader combines two powerful spiritual systems into one deck?

In this episode of Big Crystal Energy, I sit down with Dina Rosenberg, creator of the Crystal Keys Tarot, to explore the inspiration behind this beautiful and unique deck that pairs every tarot card with a crystal, mineral, shell, or sacred earth ally.

Dina shares her journey from collecting rocks in the woods as a child to becoming co-owner of Amityville Apothecary, a crystal healer, tarot reader, and now published deck creator. We dive deep into how she channeled the crystal correspondences for each card, the four-year creative process behind the deck, and why stones like Moldavite, Chrysocolla, Black Obsidian, and Septarian became key archetypes within the tarot.

We also discuss:

✨ Dina's early connection to tarot through the iconic Vertigo Tarot
 ✨ How crystals helped guide her through a major life transition
 ✨ The surprising story of how illustrator Amalia Drews appeared at exactly the right moment
 ✨ Why Moldavite became The Tower card
 ✨ The deeper meanings behind popular crystals beyond their "surface-level" associations
 ✨ The relationship between crystal energy and tarot archetypes
 ✨ How The Crystal Keys Tarot can help both beginners and experienced readers
 ✨ The powerful symbolism behind Black Obsidian as The Devil card
 ✨ Septarian, dragon eggs, and the rebirth symbolism of Judgment
 ✨ A collective card pull featuring Carnelian and The Chariot

Whether you're a tarot enthusiast, crystal collector, or simply curious about combining intuition with symbolism, this conversation offers a fascinating look at the magic that happens when two spiritual languages come together.

Connect with Dina

•  Creator of The Crystal Keys Tarot
•  Co-owner of Amityville Apothecary 
•  Co-host of Apothecary After Dark
•  Learn more through the Amityville Apothecary community and events

Send me any questions or comments you may have and I will answer them on upcoming podcast episodes!! Looking forward to hearing from you!

Please message me with any questions or comments. 
bigcrystalenergypodcast @gmail.com

Lepidolite is often called the "anxiety stone," but what if that's only part of the story?

In this Crystal Library deep dive, Ashleigh explores the surprising science, history, and metaphysical significance of one of the crystal world's most beloved purple stones. From its lithium-rich composition to its connection with one of the three elements formed in the first moments after the Big Bang, Lepidolite turns out to be far more fascinating than its calming reputation suggests.

Together, we'll explore the geology of Lepidolite, the history of lithium in medicine, the mysterious "missing lithium" problem in modern physics, and why crystal authors consistently describe this stone as one of release, transition, and transformation.

This isn't just an episode about feeling calmer. It's an episode about what you're ready to let go of.

In this episode:
• What Lepidolite is and how it forms
• The surprising connection between Lepidolite and the Big Bang
• The history of lithium in medicine and mental health treatment
• Why Lepidolite became known as a stone for anxiety and transition
• Crown chakra connections and spiritual applications
• Practical ways to work with Lepidolite
• The question this stone invites us to ask: What am I ready to release?

Whether you're new to Lepidolite or have carried it for years, this episode may change the way you see this crystal forever.

Send me any questions or comments you may have and I will answer them on upcoming podcast episodes!! Looking forward to hearing from you!

Please message me with any questions or comments. 
bigcrystalenergypodcast @gmail.com

This week on Big Crystal Energy, I’m joined by author, tarot creator, professional witch, and all-around magical human Jen Sankey to talk about her newest book, Manifesting by the Moon: A Guide to Lunar Magic — which also happens to be our Quarter 2 Big Crystal Energy Book Club Pick. ✨🌙

In this conversation, we dive deep into working with the moon in a grounded, practical, and accessible way — without the overwhelm, perfectionism, or social media “witch aesthetic” pressure. Jen shares how lunar magic can become part of your real everyday life, even if you’re busy, traveling, parenting, exhausted, or just starting your spiritual journey.

We also talk tarot, intuition, shadow work, AI in the spiritual community, moon rituals for beginners, eclipse fear-mongering, manifestation myths, and why “doing the work” matters more than buying expensive tools.

This episode feels like sitting down with a wise witchy friend who reminds you that magic doesn’t have to be elaborate to be meaningful.

In this episode we discuss:

•  Jen’s journey into tarot and witchcraft 
•  Growing up discovering tarot decks at Spencer’s 
•  Why books and trusted sources matter more than ever 
•  AI-generated spiritual content and counterfeit tarot decks 
•  The truth about manifestation and taking action 
•  How to begin working with moon phases 
•  Practical moon magic for busy people and parents 
•  Travel altars, moon water, and simple lunar rituals 
•  Shadow work and paying attention to your body’s signals 
•  Eclipse energy, fear-mongering, and spiritual gatekeeping 
•  Why rest and the dark moon are just as important as action 
•  Jen’s upcoming tarot decks, events, and projects 

You can find Jen online at:
Instagram: @stardustwanderertarot
Website: Stardust Wanderer Tarot

If you’ve been wanting to deepen your relationship with lunar cycles in a way that feels intuitive, grounded, and sustainable, this episode is for you. 🌙✨

Send me any questions or comments you may have and I will answer them on upcoming podcast episodes!! Looking forward to hearing from you!

Please message me with any questions or comments. 
bigcrystalenergypodcast @gmail.com

In this final installment of May’s “travel as a liminal space” series, Ashleigh dives into the haunting and surprisingly profound world of Iolite — the legendary Viking navigation stone said to help sailors locate the hidden sun through cloud-covered skies.

But beneath the familiar “Viking compass” story lies something far stranger: Iolite was sacred to Rán, the Norse goddess of drowning and the keeper of the deep. Why would a stone of navigation belong to the very force sailors feared most?

In this episode, Ashleigh explores the geology, mythology, and metaphysical symbolism of Iolite — a crystal born from ancient seafloor sediment and transformed under immense pressure into a stone of vision, orientation, and radical honesty. Together, we unpack what it really means to navigate uncertainty, survive liminal spaces, and find hidden light when the sky gives you nothing to work with.

This episode also explores:

•  The Viking use of Iolite as a navigation tool 
•  The mythology of Rán and her hall of the drowned 
•  Iolite’s trichroic optical properties and symbolic meaning 
•  Why this stone is associated with the third eye and inner vision 
•  Connections between Iolite, addiction, codependency, and reclaiming your internal compass 
•  A closing ritual for navigating personal thresholds and major life transitions 

Not knowing which way is east is not the same thing as being lost.

Send me any questions or comments you may have and I will answer them on upcoming podcast episodes!! Looking forward to hearing from you!

Please message me with any questions or comments. 
bigcrystalenergypodcast @gmail.com

In this cozy and deeply personal solo episode of Big Crystal Energy, Ashleigh shares the spiritual practices she brings with her while traveling and why travel itself feels like one of the most powerful liminal spaces we can experience. Between preparing for a magical date night seeing Florence and The Machine and reflecting on years of family travel, Ashleigh opens up about how she stays spiritually grounded while constantly moving through airports, hotels, unfamiliar landscapes, and transitional spaces.

This episode explores the concept of the travel altar — a small portable spiritual setup designed to bring comfort, protection, grounding, and ritual into the chaos of travel. Ashleigh walks listeners through the exact items she carries in her own travel altar, including candles, Florida Water, protective talismans, perfume for glamour magic, tarot decks, crystals, and meaningful objects collected from her journeys around the world.

She also shares stories from recent travels through the Philippines and beyond, including ethical ways to collect natural objects while traveling, communicating with the spirit of the land, and how travel can deepen intuition and spiritual connection.

Whether you’re planning a summer vacation, an international adventure, or simply looking for ways to stay connected to your spiritual practice outside the home, this episode offers simple, approachable ideas for creating your own magical rituals on the road.

Send me any questions or comments you may have and I will answer them on upcoming podcast episodes!! Looking forward to hearing from you!

Please message me with any questions or comments. 
bigcrystalenergypodcast @gmail.com

In this deeply layered Crystal Library episode, Ashleigh explores the real story of jade — far beyond the “luck” and prosperity symbolism most people associate with the stone. From ancient China to the Māori, Maya, and even Imperial Russia, jade has long been trusted as a sacred threshold stone connected to death, transformation, ancestry, wisdom, and rebirth.

Ashleigh dives into the surprising geology of jadeite and nephrite, the colonial origins of the word “jade,” and why so many ancient civilizations independently placed jade with their dead. This episode explores jade not as a simple abundance crystal, but as a stone that asks a far more difficult question: what version of yourself is ready to be released?

Also included:

•  The difference between jadeite and nephrite 
•  Jade in Chinese, Māori, and Maya traditions 
•  Why jade is associated with courage and truth 
•  Dreamwork and spiritual practices for working with jade 
•  A guided ritual for releasing false identities and limiting beliefs 

This is an episode about transformation, honesty, and the sacred process of becoming who you truly are.

Send me any questions or comments you may have and I will answer them on upcoming podcast episodes!! Looking forward to hearing from you!

Please message me with any questions or comments. 
bigcrystalenergypodcast @gmail.com