The below is a guide based on how I cleanse my own crystals. As you work with your own stones, you'll find the best ways that work for you through experimentation.
STEP 1 - CLEANSING
All crystals and stones (even soft ones that are damaged by soaking in water / salt-water) can be cleansed in soil as soil absorbs all negativities, and plant and tree energy transfers them into positive. Smudging is also excellent for soft crystals (and all crystals). I recommend using the smudging method for all crystal jewellery, or Michael's Sword Spray, unless you can be sure that other methods won't dislodge the crystal from its holding. Loose stones can be cleansed using one of a number of ways below.
Soil: The soil does not have to be prepared beforehand, but if you like, you could clear a space in your garden specifically for cleansing and devise your own ritual for preparing it. Bury it completely under the soil if you can, and leave for 24 hours. After 24 hours, see if you want to energise / awaken them (below). Make sure the soil is not wet when burying crystals that can be damaged by water.
Smudging: I prefer to use White Sage, but you can also use Garden Sage, Cedar, or Sweetgrass. Lavender and Rosemary work really well, too, as can some grain incense blends. Light your smudge stick (or loose White Sage leaf), and once it begins to smoke, waft it around your crystal, or run your crystal through the smoke. Do this for as long as you think the crystal needs it (sometimes it's as little as a few seconds). Don't forget to have a heatproof dish to hand to rest your smudge stick on once you're done, and to catch any bits of ash that fall.
I love smudging! It's like an ancient dance and the crystals love it, too.
Running Water: Harder crystals and stones that will not be damaged by the process can be cleansed under running water from a tap, although water from a natural source is always preferable. Hold the crystal under the running water and visualise it being cleansed. Imagining white or gold light running through the crystal as the water runs over it, can help with this. All tumblestones can be cleansed using the (non-salt) running water method.
Salt Water: For a deep cleansing, the harder crystals that won't be affected by salt can be washed in salt water, either in the sea – by holding it directly in the ocean – or in a glass filled with water where a pinch of salt has been added. If holding it in the ocean, just a few minutes will do. If leaving in a bowl of salt water, then leave it for 24 hours.
The soil and salt water methods are effective for deep cleansing, while the running water method is good for a quick, refreshing cleanse. With soil and salt water (deep clean methods) cleanse for 24 hours. With running water (quick cleanse method), just a couple of minutes will do.
Holy Water: Holy Water (a sacred water blessed and consecrated by higher energies) is a fantastic way to cleanse hard crystals. This can be traditional holy water, or the pagan / Wiccan version (Witch's Holy Water). Alternatively, I use my own Michael's Sword Spray - a special mix of angelic and crystal essences for cutting through all negative and heavy energies. Just spray it around your stones.
Use your intuition as to how often your crystals and stones need to be cleansed and which methods they prefer. When working with them intensively, you will start to know what different crystals like and don't like.
STEP 2 - ENERGISING / RECHARGING
Sunlight / Moonlight: Simply leave them under sunlight or moonlight to energise, depending on the type of energy you want the crystal to encompass. Some crystals are compatible with both, some with one and not the other. Again, experiment and use your intuition. Leave them in your chosen light for the whole day or night.
Amethyst Cave: Crystals and stones may also be recharged by placing them in an Amethyst cave (also called Amethyst churches, or Amethyst cathedrals). As a side note, I have found that storing my silver jewellery in an Amethyst cave seems to prevent them from tarnishing - not sure why, but it works for me!
STEP 3 - AWAKENING
This means to awaken the crystal to its own vibration so that it's ready for use, and this can be done by the use of sound. Using a Tibetan Singing Bowl, the notes of your own voice, or tapping the crystal lightly on a rock connected to the earth are all good methods. You will know when a crystal or stone is awake because it will feel slightly more “alive” in your hand. The change is subtle, but noticeable – it will be as if the crystal is vibrating. When a crystal has absorbed as much negativity as it can, its vibrations will dull and it will go into “sleep”. At this stage, you will have to repeat the methods of cleansing, energising and awakening. You do not have to wait for the crystal to be asleep before cleansing it – putting a crystal in soil will automatically change its vibrations and put it to rest.
Storing Your Crystals
Crystals like to be used, carried in your pocket (it's so warm in there – they love the warmth, it activates them to an extent), worn as a necklace, kept under your pillow, or anywhere they can feel the vibrations of what's going on in the world. So, try to use them lots rather than just storing them. When you've finished using them and want to store them for a few days (they probably deserve a wee rest!), you don't have to worry too much – just keep them in a drawer, on a shelf, on your bedside table, anywhere you like as long as nothing can fall on them and they can't tumble to the ground and smash.
If you need to store them for a long period of time, give them a good, deep cleanse and keep them in a dark pouch away from light. If they have to go in transit, don't forget to bubble wrap them.
I may update the information on this page at any time as new things are discovered.
STEP 1 - CLEANSING
All crystals and stones (even soft ones that are damaged by soaking in water / salt-water) can be cleansed in soil as soil absorbs all negativities, and plant and tree energy transfers them into positive. Smudging is also excellent for soft crystals (and all crystals). I recommend using the smudging method for all crystal jewellery, or Michael's Sword Spray, unless you can be sure that other methods won't dislodge the crystal from its holding. Loose stones can be cleansed using one of a number of ways below.
Soil: The soil does not have to be prepared beforehand, but if you like, you could clear a space in your garden specifically for cleansing and devise your own ritual for preparing it. Bury it completely under the soil if you can, and leave for 24 hours. After 24 hours, see if you want to energise / awaken them (below). Make sure the soil is not wet when burying crystals that can be damaged by water.
Smudging: I prefer to use White Sage, but you can also use Garden Sage, Cedar, or Sweetgrass. Lavender and Rosemary work really well, too, as can some grain incense blends. Light your smudge stick (or loose White Sage leaf), and once it begins to smoke, waft it around your crystal, or run your crystal through the smoke. Do this for as long as you think the crystal needs it (sometimes it's as little as a few seconds). Don't forget to have a heatproof dish to hand to rest your smudge stick on once you're done, and to catch any bits of ash that fall.
I love smudging! It's like an ancient dance and the crystals love it, too.
Running Water: Harder crystals and stones that will not be damaged by the process can be cleansed under running water from a tap, although water from a natural source is always preferable. Hold the crystal under the running water and visualise it being cleansed. Imagining white or gold light running through the crystal as the water runs over it, can help with this. All tumblestones can be cleansed using the (non-salt) running water method.
Salt Water: For a deep cleansing, the harder crystals that won't be affected by salt can be washed in salt water, either in the sea – by holding it directly in the ocean – or in a glass filled with water where a pinch of salt has been added. If holding it in the ocean, just a few minutes will do. If leaving in a bowl of salt water, then leave it for 24 hours.
The soil and salt water methods are effective for deep cleansing, while the running water method is good for a quick, refreshing cleanse. With soil and salt water (deep clean methods) cleanse for 24 hours. With running water (quick cleanse method), just a couple of minutes will do.
Holy Water: Holy Water (a sacred water blessed and consecrated by higher energies) is a fantastic way to cleanse hard crystals. This can be traditional holy water, or the pagan / Wiccan version (Witch's Holy Water). Alternatively, I use my own Michael's Sword Spray - a special mix of angelic and crystal essences for cutting through all negative and heavy energies. Just spray it around your stones.
Use your intuition as to how often your crystals and stones need to be cleansed and which methods they prefer. When working with them intensively, you will start to know what different crystals like and don't like.
STEP 2 - ENERGISING / RECHARGING
Sunlight / Moonlight: Simply leave them under sunlight or moonlight to energise, depending on the type of energy you want the crystal to encompass. Some crystals are compatible with both, some with one and not the other. Again, experiment and use your intuition. Leave them in your chosen light for the whole day or night.
Amethyst Cave: Crystals and stones may also be recharged by placing them in an Amethyst cave (also called Amethyst churches, or Amethyst cathedrals). As a side note, I have found that storing my silver jewellery in an Amethyst cave seems to prevent them from tarnishing - not sure why, but it works for me!
STEP 3 - AWAKENING
This means to awaken the crystal to its own vibration so that it's ready for use, and this can be done by the use of sound. Using a Tibetan Singing Bowl, the notes of your own voice, or tapping the crystal lightly on a rock connected to the earth are all good methods. You will know when a crystal or stone is awake because it will feel slightly more “alive” in your hand. The change is subtle, but noticeable – it will be as if the crystal is vibrating. When a crystal has absorbed as much negativity as it can, its vibrations will dull and it will go into “sleep”. At this stage, you will have to repeat the methods of cleansing, energising and awakening. You do not have to wait for the crystal to be asleep before cleansing it – putting a crystal in soil will automatically change its vibrations and put it to rest.
Storing Your Crystals
Crystals like to be used, carried in your pocket (it's so warm in there – they love the warmth, it activates them to an extent), worn as a necklace, kept under your pillow, or anywhere they can feel the vibrations of what's going on in the world. So, try to use them lots rather than just storing them. When you've finished using them and want to store them for a few days (they probably deserve a wee rest!), you don't have to worry too much – just keep them in a drawer, on a shelf, on your bedside table, anywhere you like as long as nothing can fall on them and they can't tumble to the ground and smash.
If you need to store them for a long period of time, give them a good, deep cleanse and keep them in a dark pouch away from light. If they have to go in transit, don't forget to bubble wrap them.
I may update the information on this page at any time as new things are discovered.
