It is important to cleanse any newly received crystals, crystals you already have that you haven’t used for a long time and also crystals that you have a new or different intention for.
Newly received crystals have come into contact with energies before yours. Other people have been around them and touched them. As crystals can absorb energy, they may already be storing negative energy. It is therefore important to cleanse your crystal to release any existing negative energy and so that your crystal can focus on your energy alone. In addition, if you have already cleansed and programmed a crystal but friends, family or children have been picking it up or touching it lots, then again, cleansing the crystal and reprogramming it is recommended.
If you haven’t used a crystal in a while it could have stagnant energy and therefore not be working at its finest. Cleansing crystals regularly to ensure a good flow of energy is recommended. In terms of how often you should cleanse your crystals, this will depend on how often you use them and what they are used for. If for example, you are using crystals to heal others, then cleansing them between each client is beneficial. You don’t want the latest client’s energy being affected by the energy of the previous client. If however, your crystals are display pieces in a cabinet then you could cleanse them monthly or with whatever frequency feels right for you.
If you have a new purpose for your crystal it is recommended to cleanse the crystal prior to programming it with your new desire. This will release the previous programme you set for it and have it ready to be focused and aligned to your new intentions.
There are several different cleansing methods. Below are some of the popular cleansing methods.
- Water
Using natural water such as rain water, stream water or sea water is beneficial but tap water can also be used. You can hold and submerge your crystal in a stream or hold it under a running tap for up to five minutes. The water is believed to be purifying and neutralising which can help to restore the crystal to its natural state.
Water is not a suitable method for all crystals. Some crystals can dissolve or rust if submerged in water. It is recommended to avoid using water on crystals ending with ‘ite’, such as, Hematite, Calcite, Selenite etc.
Another way of checking which crystals are safe in water is to refer to Mohs hardness scale. Based on Mohs hardness scale, crystals with a score of 5 and below should avoid water.
There are exceptions to both rules so if you are unsure, ask for advice.
- Earth
You can bury your crystals in earth. It is recommended to bury them in mother earth rather than in a plant pot of soil. Mother earth can absorb and transform energy. It might be useful to leave a marker so that you can identify where you buried the crystal to ensure you can retrieve it.
- Sunlight
Sunlight is a powerful light and as such it can cleanse and charge your crystals. You can place your crystals outside or on your windowsill.
Sunlight is not a suitable method for all crystals. Some crystal colours can fade such as Amethyst. Other crystals can shatter and explode due to the chemical contents. In worse cases, some crystals can cause fires if left in sunlight for too long. 30 minutes is more than enough to cleanse and charge sun worthy crystals.
- Moonlight
You can let your crystals bask in the light of the moon. You can place your crystals outside or on your windowsill. Just remember if they are not sun worthy crystals to remove them by the morning. Moonlight is a delicate method and is simple and less risky method.
- Brown rice
You can fill a bowl with dry brown rice and bury your crystal beneath the grains. Ensure the crystal is fully submerged. You can leave the crystal in the bowl overnight. Dispose of the rice immediately after the cleansing, as the rice is said to have absorbed the energy you’re trying to eliminate.
- Sound
You can use a gong, chime or singing bowl to produce cleansing sound vibrations into your crystal.
The gentle vibration created by a tuning fork or a singing bowl can help clear negative energy by penetrating the structure of the crystal, dismantling the negative energy and in turn restoring its natural harmony.
- Crystal cluster
Some crystals have purifying properties and can therefore be used to cleanse other crystals. Crystal cluster formations have the ability to absorb the energies contained within other crystals, purify, and then release good energy back into them. A Clear Quartz Geode, bed or cluster can be used to cleanse other crystals. Place the crystal you wish to cleanse within the Geode or on top of the bed or cluster.
- Selenite
Selenite has self-cleansing properties which can also cleanse and charge other crystals. Selenite has a rejuvenating power which can purify, magnify and restore the energy of other crystals helping them to return to their natural state.
How to actually clean your crystals:
Like most items, crystals can become covered in dust over time. To clean crystals from physical debris you can run them under a tap if they are water worthy crystals. If the crystals are not water worthy you can gently use a cloth to remove the dust but ensure you do not use any chemical products.
