If you're not a believer in crystals or amulets, it might seem odd when people wear stones for protection or manifestation.

Here's the thing: it doesn’t matter if the stone means nothing on its own.

When you associate it with something, it becomes meaningful and powerful.

If crystals have their own power, great. If they don’t, we can give them power through meaning and intention.

I have a collection of necklaces with stone pendants. I've learned what some of these stones represent—onyx for protection, agate for openness, carnelian for resilience. I choose which one I wear based on what I want to call in for that day.

I don’t worry about whether these stones have mystical powers. If they do, great—I’ll take the bonus. And if not? No problem. In the worst case, I’ve placebo-affected myself—or, just as good (if not better), I’ve tapped into the power of a tangible reminder.

When I feel the necklace on my chest, it reminds me of what I called in that day. The simple reminder gives me a feeling of reassurance.

In some ways, it’s even more powerful because the meaning comes from us. That we can choose a symbol, assign it a purpose, and carry that with us—it’s a kind of generative spirituality. The fact that we can use a physical object as a symbol to represent our personal or spiritual aims is enough to move us forward.

So don't let any allergies to new age spirituality stop you from partaking of this kind of benefit.

You don't have to be a believer. You just have to give meaning a place to live.