Many people around the world use crystals to heal and soothe the blockages and imbalances in their minds, bodies and souls. Many believe crystals actually act on a different energetic dimension, sending the most beautiful vibrations out into the world and into the universe.
Some actually feel this energy.
To get the most benefits from your beloved crystals it’s important to cleanse and charge them regularly. The purpose of cleansing is to purify and honour the stone, recognising the vast journey it has undergone to get to you now.
Knowing how to take care of crystals while in your possession will be paramount to how well they can benefit you. We’ve gone into detail to show you the best ways to cleanse and charge your crystals to ensure your financial and spiritual investment are most worthwhile.
Before you start the purification process, be sure to clear your mind. Say a mantra or clear the room with sage or palo santo and be ready to let the purest light move from you. The cleansing is a ritual after all, and such endeavours require mindful peace.
Each of us has our own method which we believe most empowers the crystal. Try them all, recognising each gem has their own preference as well and see which method you like best to take care of your crystals.
METHODS
RUNNING WATER
Water is a master energy and is well known for dispelling and neutralising any stagnant or negative energies stored inside your crystals. A pure spring or a river/ocean is best but you can work with what you’ve got! Completely submerge your stone and allow it to soak for a few hours, then pat dry when complete.
Note: not all crystals can withstand water. Some, like selenite, will dissolve. Please do your homework beforehand.
Perfect for: Quartz
Not best for: soft stones, such as Selenite
SALT WATER
Sea salt has been used throughout history to absorb negative energy and banish away evil.
Ocean water works wonders but you can use water from the tap also. Sprinkle in some pink Himalayan salt or rock salt and submerge your stones for a few hours, this will most definitely cleanse them deeply.
Perfect for: Amethyst
Not best for: Malachite, Selenite, Halite, Calcite, Lepidolite and Angelite
SAGE
Sage is a very sacred herb that's been used throughout time. It has an abundance of healing properties, so giving your stones a good smudge will clear them of any impure energies. It'll also lift your personal vibration giving rise to a revived, excitable energy within you.
You will need:
Bundled or loose sage (we recommend this)
A fire-safe bowl
A lit candle
Be sure to open a window if you are burning sage indoors. This will aid in the dispersing of negative energies in your home and bring forth a fresh, positive energy. Using the flame of a lit candle, carefully light the tip of the sage and use the smoke to cleanse your crystals. While you’re at it, you may as well bless your home too!
Perfect for - any stone
SUNLIGHT/MOONLIGHT
Ritual cleansing is often centered around certain points in the solar/lunar cycle, although you can set your crystals out to charge anytime.
Find a safe place on the ground to rest your stones for some nourishing, grounding energies (our sacred Earth beholds beautifully cleansing energies for our stones and oursleves).
Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight could potentially weather the stone’s surface, so make sure you do your research and are extra careful with sensitive stones.
Top tip: When you set your stones out at dusk and bring it back indoors at around 10am, your crystal will have soaked in amazing life force energy from both the moon and the sun.
Perfect for: most tumbled stones
Not best for: vibrant/sensitive stones such as Amethyst. In pure sunlight soft stones such as Celestite, Halite and Selenite may be damaged by intense weather.
WHEN TO CLEANSE & CHARGE YOUR CRYSTALS
You should always cleanse your crystals when you first get them. Each stone has its own purpose and like people, needs rest and recharging from time to time. You may notice that your crystal starts to feel heavy or dull, or you may intuitively get a message that it needs refreshing. This is the perfect time to cleanse & charge your beloveds.
Crystal healing is a perfect way to ground yourself, you can discover even more ways to ground yourself in our How to Ground Yourself Spiritually post.