Cleansing Your Crystals: How & Why
Dec 16, 2021
Does holding your crystals put you in a bad mood?
Feeling disconnected and looking to be more connected with spirit?
It's time to give your crystals a deep energy cleaning.
Crystals are no exception because all things need cleaning.
Like us humans, crystals are social beings and need a change of air.
Crystals tend to hold on to negative energy, whether it comes from someone else, from anything in the environment or even from you, nothing is worse than carrying around negative energy.
We’re just like our crystals! We need to take good care of ourselves consistently in order for us to function effectively.
For crystals to create positive energy and harmony, you need to cleanse them frequently on a regular basis.
Why you should cleanse your crystals?
Healers believe that cleansing is the only way to restore your crystal to its natural state.
The cleansing process isn't a 'physical' cleaning with soap and water which means not necessarily literal and physically dirty, but energy-wise.
For this reason, it is important to 'cleanse' your crystals as soon as you obtain them to clear out all the old energy they have stored and on a regular basis (once per week or once per month depending on the amount of use) making sure they are in top shape.
Crystals used specifically for HEALING should be cleaned on a regular basis before and after used to keep them full of positive energy.
How should you cleanse your crystals?
There are many different methods to clean your gemstones.
I've read some practices so I wanted to take some time to share with you what I believe a few of the most effective and convenient methods to try out on your crystals.
RUNNING WATER
Hold the crystal under running water for a few minutes, then dry with a clean and soft cloth or leave dry under sunlight.
Typically, natural crystals in the Quartz family such as:
Clear Quartz, Rose, Smoky Quartz and Citrine,
SUNLIGHT
Leave your crystals exposed to the sunlight, either outside in the garden, or near a window. It shouldn't be overexposed. Keep away from your children and pets.
There are some crystals that will fade in sunlight or change color.
Many crystals love to sunbathe, especially ones that are red, orange, or yellow like Carnelian and Sunstone.
BROWN RICE
Place your crystals in a bowl of dry and uncooked brown rice for a few hours.
The brown rice balances and centers the crystal’s energy, neutralizing any negative energies it may have absorbed.
This type of cleansing appeals to all types of crystals and is a gentle process.
SMUDGING
Light a smudge/incense stick. Hold your crystal in a hand and pass the stick up down around the crystals.
Not only this method cleanse your crystals but it brings good vibrations to your home.
Be careful not to burn yourself.
SALTED WATER
Place your crystal in a bowl of salted water for a few hours.
Then wash it down the sink. You can dry it with a soft clean cloth, or leave it dry under sunlight.
Popular choices include Ruby, Clear Quartz, Apophyllite, Kyanite, Selenite, and Carnelian.
MOONLIGHT
The lunar gentle light can empower your crystals and re-energize them.
Leave your crystals near a window that is exposed to moonlight, ideally full moonlight.
Many crystals like Amethyst, Aquamarine, Citrine, Fluorite, Rose Quartz, and Smoky Quartz are all safe to be cleaned with moon energy.
Fill a ball with salt and lay your crystal on the top of it, then brush the salt off and rinse the crystals.
Dry with a soft clean cloth or leave it dry under the sunlight. You could also rub salt on the crystal, however, this method is not recommended with soft crystals.
EARTH
Bury your crystal in the ground for a few days. Make sure it's an area that receives good sunlight and/or moonlight.
But don't use this method for crystals containing iron.
Some methods work best for certain crystals, but others may simply vibe with your personal preference.
What works best for you may not work as well for someone else.
I suggest that you try simple methods to safely cleanse your crystals and do what resonates best for you.
Remember, always have a clear intention to cleanse the crystal.
Write them on a piece of paper, do whatever feels right for you.
I would love to hear your stories and practices, too.