Connect with your crystals to increase your healing intent..
When we care for our crystals, we’re caring for ourselves. We’re allowing energy that’s out of sync with our lives and intentions to leave in a peaceful and healing manner. Taking these small steps allows us to be more mindful in our interactions with the crystals, with ourselves, and with others.
To get the best results from your crystals, follow the instructions to cleanse, charge and program your crystals. Repeating these steps regularly with clear intent, will help increase their effectiveness, and enable you to bond with your crystals.
Many people use crystals to soothe their mind, body, and soul. Crystals are said to act on an energetic level, sending natural vibrations out into the world.
Crystals are touched by many people before a purchase is made. Each point of contact exposes the stone to energies that may be different from your own. When used for healing, these stones are said to absorb or redirect the negativity you’re working to release.
CLEANSE
This allows any previous energy accumulated, negative or positive to leave your crystal, so you are starting fresh with a blank slate.
Choose from the following rituals to cleanse your crystals;
- WATER
Water is said to neutralize any negative energy stored inside the crystal and return it back to the earth. Although natural running water like a stream is best, you can also hold your crystals under running water, or place in a bowl of filtered water whilst visualizing all negativity being washed away, and the crystals re-energized. (water soluble crystals like Selenite are not appropriate to cleanse this way)
Whatever your water source, ensure that your crystal is completely submerged. Pat dry when complete.
Approximate duration: 1 minute per stone
Use this for: hard stones, such as quartz
Don’t use this for: stones that are brittle or soft, such as selenite and kyanite
- SALTED WATER
Salt has been used throughout history to absorb unwanted energy and banish negativity. If you’re near the ocean, consider collecting a bowl of fresh salt water. Otherwise, mix a tablespoon of sea, rock, or table salt into a bowl of water.
Make sure that your stone is completely submerged, and allow it to soak for a few hours to a few days’ time. Rinse and pat dry when complete.
Approximate duration: up to 48 hours
Use this for: hard stones, such as quartz and amethyst
Don’t use this for: stones that are soft, porous, or contain trace metals, such as malachite, selenite, calcite, lepidolite, and angelite
- BROWN RICE
This method can also be used to draw out negativity in a safe and contained setting. It’s especially beneficial for protective stones, such as black tourmaline.
To do this, fill a bowl with dry brown rice and bury your stone beneath the grains. Dispose of the rice immediately after the cleansing, as the rice is said to have absorbed the energy you’re trying to get rid of.
Approximate duration: 24 hours
Use this for: any stone
- NATURAL LIGHT
Ritual cleansing is often centered around certain points in the solar or lunar cycle, but you can set your stone out at any time to cleanse and recharge.
Set your stone out before it gets dark and bring it in before 11 a.m. This will allow your stone to bathe in the light of both the moon and sun.
Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight may weather the stone’s surface, so make sure you return for it in the morning.
If you’re able to, place your stone directly on the earth. This will allow for further cleansing. Wherever they are, ensure they won’t be disturbed by wildlife or passersby.
Afterward, give the stone a quick rinse to remove any dirt and debris. Pat dry.
Approximate duration: 10 to 12 hours
Use this for: most tumbled stones
Don’t use this for: vibrant stones, such as amethyst, in sunlight; soft stones, such as celestite, and selenite, that may be damaged by inclement weather
- SMUDGING WITH SAGE
Sage is a sacred plant with a multitude of healing properties. Smudging your crystals is said to clear inharmonious vibrations and restore its natural energy.
You’ll need:
A fire-safe bowl, lighter or matches, loose or bundled sage or other burning herbs
If you’re unable to smudge outdoors, make sure you’re near an open window. This will allow the smoke and negative energy to float away.
When you’re ready, light the tip of the sage with the flame. Transfer the sage to your nondominant hand and firmly grasp your stone and move it through the smoke.
Allow the smoke to envelop the stone for about 30 seconds. If it’s been a while since your last cleansing — or you feel the stone is holding onto a lot — consider smudging for an additional 30 seconds.
Approximate duration: about 30 to 60 seconds per stone
Use this for: any stone
- SOUND
Sound healing allows a single pitch or tone to wash over an area, bringing it into the same vibration as the tone.This can be accomplished using chanting, singing bowls, a tuning fork, or even a nice bell. It doesn’t matter what key the sound is, so long as the sound emitted is loud enough for the vibration to fully encompass the stone.
This method is ideal for collectors who have a large volume of crystals not easily inventoried or moved.
Approximate duration: 5 to 10 minutes
Use this for: any stone
CHARGING
This gives your crystal additional energy, allowing your crystal to work with more vibrancy and for a longer duration before it needs to be cleansed again. Charging can also increase the intensity of any intention placed into the stone.
- FULL MOON CHARGE
Place your crystals where they will be bathed in direct moonlight so they can charge up under the moons beautiful lunar energy! To get the most charge, do this during the full moon. - VISUALIZING
Hold your crystals in your hands whilst picturing light surrounding them and say “I dedicate these crystals to the highest good of all, may they be used in love and light.
PROGRAM
When you program your crystal you are setting a crystal clear intention for what you need help with. Programming gives your crystal a laser like focus. It will do what it can to help you, however it can.
Allow yourself be open to higher guidance. Envision the stone’s energy merging with your own, and think about the specific purpose you have for them – when this is clear in your mind speak to your crystal — silently or out loud, and say the following;
“I program these crystals for [your purpose].”
Your crystals are now ready to work for you. For best results place them in your environment, or carry them with you so you can touch and connect with them when you need them.
