Ways to cleanse and charge your crystals
Crystals can be used to soothe the mind, body, and soul. Some believe that crystals act on an energetic level, and send natural vibrations out into the world.
Crystals often travel long distances, from source to seller, before a purchase is made. Each transition exposes the stone to energies that may be misaligned with your own.
Regularly cleansing and recharging your stones will restore your crystals to their natural harmonious state.
Below I list 6 different ways in which you can cleanse your crystals, and the ways we like to charge ours.
Salt Water
Salt has been used throughout history to withdraw unwanted energy and even eradicate negativity.
If you’re near the ocean, dip them in, or collect 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.
Only use this method for hard stones, such as quartz and amethyst, don‘t use for stones that are soft, porous, or contain trace metals, as they may discolour, spoil, or even dissolve.
Running Water
Water is said to release any negative energy stored inside the stone and return it back to the earth. Although natural running water (such as a river or stream) is best, you can also rinse your stone under the tap. One minute per stone should be sufficient.
Again, Don’t use this method for stones that are brittle or soft.
Sage
Sage is a sacred plant with a multitude of healing properties. Smudging your stone is said to clear inharmonious vibrations and restore its natural energy.
We do sell white sage, and you can find our smudge sticks here.
The best way is to smudge outdoors. If you’re unable to smudge outdoors, make sure you’re near an open window. This will allow the smoke and negative energy to disperse.
Transfer the sage to your nondominant hand and, with the other hand firmly grasp your stone and move it through the smoke.
Allow the smoke to envelop each stone for around 30-60 seconds.
You can use this ritual 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.
We use this method using a crystal singing bowl, you can also use a bell, pitch folk, or chanting. 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, or stones which are not easily moved. And it can be used for any stone, for ideally at least 5-10 minutes.
Breath
Breath-work can also be an effective cleansing method.
Hold the stone in your dominant hand. Focus on your intention for a moment and deeply inhale through your nostrils, bring the stone closer to your face and exhale long breaths through the mouth and onto the stone to bring the stone to its highest vibration.
Use for any stone which you can hold comfortably.
Visualisations
Take a few minutes to ground and center your energy, then pick up your stone and visualize the hand (or hands) holding the stone filling with white, radiant light.
See this light surround the stone and feel it growing brighter in your hands. Envision the impurities flushing out of the stone, allowing the stone to shine brighter with renewed purpose.
Continue this visualization until you feel a shift in the stone’s energy.
There is a difference between cleansing and charging your crystals. Cleansing helps to remove unwanted energies from your crystals, and enables you to align their energies to your own vibes and intentions. And just like a battery, they will need charging, because they will drain, especially if they have been hard at work. We love to charge ours both in the direct sunlight and under the moonlight;
Sunlight
Sunbeams can both cleanse and charge your crystals. Let your your crystals sunbath either on the earth, a balcony or widow ledge. An hour or so should be sufficient, as some stones may crack and discolour if left in direct sunlight for too long.
The sunbeams will revitalise your stones and give them lots of life, which both cleanses and recharges their energies.
Moonlight
Place your crystals some place where they can soak up the moonlight. If you’re able to, place your stones directly on the earth as this will allow for further cleansing, whilst also charging them. Use this method on the night of (or before/after) a full moon, and leave your crystals charging through the night.
Have you seen our Raw Crystal Kit? You can view it via our online store here. It’s a great kit to get started with, carry around in your bag or pockets, and have easy access to whenever you need.