Cleansing is necessary before using any stone for healing. The cleaner the energy of a stone, the more powerful it is. Crystals and healing gemstones need to be cleansed as soon as they are purchased. They additionally need to be cleansed after every healing. A cleansed crystal feels positive, bright, and tingly. A crystal that needs cleansing may feel hot, heavy, or drained. There are a number of ways to effectively cleanse crystals and gemstones. As a general rule, soap should not be used on crystals and they should never be rubbed with any abrasive materials. Most stones will scratch easily, and soap can leave a film. There are some minerals that should never, under any circumstances, be cleaned with water because they will dissolve (i.e., Calcite, Halite, Selenite, etc.). Here are some basic methods for cleansing crystals:
Running Water If you are in a hurry and feel that your crystal needs to be cleansed, you can easily run it under cool (not cold) tap water. Make sure the point is facing down the drain to run the negative energy right down the sink. Avoid the use of hot water as the potential for a fracture or break is real. Visualize the crystal as sparkly, tingly, cold, and belonging to you, the healer. If you are fortunate enough to live by a stream or river, all the better. Secure your crystals in a closely woven mesh bag or netting material and hold them in the running water for a few minutes.Note — do not cleanse flaky or layered crystals with water as they may dissolve. Some examples include Kyanite and Selenite.
Smudging Smudge sticks or dried white sage leaves should obviously always be used with extreme caution. Carefully light a smudge stick or dried white sage leaf. When it has ignited, extinguish the flame by shaking it gently over a fireproof container or sink. Many people like to use large seashells for this. It is only the smoke you want — not the flame. Move the smudge stick or dried white sage leaf around the crystals or stones, making sure the stones actually pass through the smoke several times. A feather or fan can be used to help disperse the smoke evenly if you like. To extinguish the smudge stick or dried white sage leaf, place the smoking end into sand or dirt. You can use water, but you will then have to let the smudge stick or leaf dry out completely before you can reuse it. Be absolutely certain that the smudge stick or leaf is out before you walk away from it — they can continue to smolder for quite a while. Never throw a smudge stick or leaf in a trashcan, out or not.
Herbs Laying your crystals in a bowl of dried herbs will also clean them. Suggested herbs for this are lavender, rose petals, sage, frankincense, myrrh, peppermint leaves, and/or sandalwood. This is a gentle and pleasant way to cleanse crystals, but it does take a longer period of time.
Note — we carry cleansing herbs at HolEssence.
Sound Crystals and other minerals can be programmed and recharged by sound. Music works well, but best of all is the sound of your own voice. Crystals are extraordinarily receptive to sound patterns, so remember that it is the tones and intensity of the tones that matters, not the words or human interpretations. Crystals don’t really speak English (or any other language, for that matter); they simply manage to work around it.
Essential Oils
Rub your crystals with pure essential oils. Other stones can also be anointed with oil, but be sure you are dealing with a non-porous surface and that the oil won’t soak into the stone and permanently stain it. Pure essential oils (operative word being pure) are also beneficial in programming crystals; just choose the oil to suit your program.
Note – we carry 13 different pure essential oils at HolEssence.
