2. Crystals

Hippies love crystals. There are several reasons for this. For starters, they look cool. In a drug-induced haze, a hippie can be entertained for hours on end by the refracting light beams bouncing through the sides of a particularly multi-faceted gemstone. Some hippies have even taken to wearing wire-wrapped crystal pendants on necklaces or hatpins. This is the pinnacle of high fashion in certain hippie circles. A few hippies are actually fascinated with the geological processes by which crystals are formed. These earth science geek hippies are few and far in between. Far more common is the conventional New Age hippie that sincerely believes these rocks have powers. A substantial amount of literature is dedicated to the helpful properties of specific inanimate rocks. For instance, tourmaline purportedly attracts inspiration, diminishes fears by bringing understanding and encourages self-confidence. Crystals can even be used as currency in bartering for goods and services at various hippie gatherings. If a hippie takes a shine to you, he or she may give you a crystal as a token of friendship and acceptance. This crystal may have previously been bestowed upon that hippie in a similar fashion. The passing on of such trinkets is known as a "kickdown."