How do I cleanse my crystals?
When you first receive your beautiful crystals, you will need to cleanse them before you first start using them. There are quite a few ways in which you can cleanse your crystal.
My personal favourite method of cleansing is using Selenite. Its such a simple, easy and quick way and you can buy some beautiful pieces of Selenite, especially carved in bowls, so it's a great way to store your crystals when they are not in use.
It's a good idea to carry the cleansing process at regular intervals or every time you have finished worked with your crystal for a specific purpose so it will be ready to use again.
So, why do we have to cleanse our crystals?
Crystals vibrate at a high frequency. They will pick up energy from all sources around their environments. The energy, if not cleansed, will build up overtime so we need to release the built up energy before we can work with the crystal, providing a clean slate to work with, ready to use for crystal healing work.
When should I cleanse my crystals?
As soon as you get a new crystal you should cleanse it straight away. You won't know where it has been, who has handled it and what energies it may have picked up on the way to you. So it's a good idea to cleanse as soon as you receive it so the crystal can be clear and ready to work with.
Selenite Method
As I mentioned before this is my go to method, if you too decide you would like to use Selenite to charge your crystals, the optimal length of time is around 24 hours. Simply set your Selenite plate or bowl down and leave the crystals you wish to charge on top of the Selenite. This will give the stones a deep clean and allow you to start working with a cleansed, energised crystal.
Smudge Stick Method
This method is carried out by using a smudge stick, such as Palo Santo or White Sage, light the stick and let the flame burn for a few moments, then blow out the flame and let the smoke envelope around the crystal. This is clear any lingering energies from your crystal, and Palo Santo especially will make your home smell incredible. I often use Palo Santo to cleanse a room i'm working in of any remaining energies and before/after a Reiki session.
Earth Method
A lovely simple method which is easy to do, crystals came from the Earth, so every now and then pop them back in. Get your crystals and buy them in soil overnight, if you can, leave them as long as you can for this method, a week or two would be beneficial and they will be ready, refreshed and recharged!
Full Moon Method
Every Full Moon place your crystals somewhere where the moons light will cleanse them. You can either place them outside in the earth or if it is raining or it is not suitable to leave them outside, on your windowsill where the moonlight casts down, this is absolutely fine too. You can do this method on a New Moon too if you prefer. Don't worry if you can't actually see the moon, if it is hidden by cloud, the moonlight and lunar energy will still cleanse the crystals.
Water Method
Some crystals can’t be cleansed with water so please double check first which ones can and which ones can't, as a rule of thumb any crystal ending with 'ite' such as Selenite etc.. If your Crystal is OK to be submerged underwater, run your crystal under a running tap for a short while, a minute or two will suffice, its even better if you can get them to a fresh water source such as a stream, waterfall or the ocean.
Visualisation Method
Holding your crystal in your hands, visualise a cleansing, bright white light surrounding and cleansing your crystal. Set an intention to cleanse and clear any remaining energies. Healing energy such as Reiki is is also a great way to cleanse each crystal.
Brown Rice Method
Another way to cleanse your crystal is to use dry uncooked brown rice. Rice is said to balance the negative energies and harmonise any unwanted energy in your crystal that may have occurred over time. First you fill a bowl with dry brown rice, then place your crystal inside the bowl, buried deep into the rice, making sure the crystal is fully covered. Leave the crystal in the bowl of rice overnight.