Cleansing, Charging and Preparing Crystals
Many people begin their relationship with a new crystal by cleansing it first. Cleansing can also be performed at any time to refresh the crystal, clear it of any residual unwanted energies, and “re-charge” it.
There are a few exceptions for me personally – such as Quartz from Nepal and Tibet. I get these Quartz Crystals in their raw form right out of the ground, with the dirt still on them, and I don’t clean them. These particular crystals come from the Himalayan Mountains, and hold a very ancient energy full of wisdom and history. Although they may not look as aesthetically pleasing to the eye, their powerful, complex energy is amazing, and I feel the dirt from their environment adds to their intensity. At times you may find crystals or stones that you also feel the same way about. Or perhaps on a hike or trip you have found a stone along the way, and when you bring it back home with you, you would like to preserve it in its natural state as you found it, so you can enjoy it and “re-experience” that time.
There are also a few exceptions when it comes to immersing a stone in water for long periods. You should not immerse Halite in water – Halite is salt crystals, and will dissolve in water. Selenite will also degrade over a long period of time in water – it is o.k. to immerse it for a few hours or rinse it, but do not leave it in water for long periods. Some softer crystals and minerals are also sensitive to hot water, and can fracture. This is just one reason why it is good for you to educate yourself on the physical properties of the stones and crystals that you intend to work with.
Some methods of cleansing:
Water is a universal cleanser. If you have access to the ocean, ocean water is wonderful. If not, spring water, lake water, and filtered water can also work well, as long as the water is either directly from nature or clean (filtered properly.) Some people also add salt to their water, because of its electric properties.
You can simply rinse the crystal in water, or you can follow up by placing the crystal in a clear glass filled with water. Place the glass on your windowsill, ideally facing the south, to charge in the sun.
The Moon can also be used for cleansing and charging. Some people make a ritual of burying their crystal under a full moon, to take advantage of the magnetic forces of the moon in combination with the earth. You may also place your crystal in the direct light of the moon.
Another method is smudging the crystal with sage, incense, or sweet grass.
You can also cleanse and charge your crystal with other crystals. A crystal can be placed on a large crystal cluster or generator (single large quartz crystal.) Citrine in particular is excellent for cleansing the other crystals in your collection. It is one of only two crystals that is automatically self-cleansing, and will cleanse other crystals. The other is Kyanite, which is also extremely helpful in chakra alignment.
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Programming your gemstone
Crystals need to be dedicated to the purpose you’re using them for. It’s best to program your crystal directly after you've cleaned and cleared it. This gives you the advantage of better connecting with the crystals.
I’ve seen people program their crystals in many ways. However, I find the best way to connect with your crystal is by affirming your intention or praying over them. Using these methods infuses the crystal with pure intention and connects the crystal with your spiritual guides.
Hold the crystal in your hands (your left side is best because it's your receiving side).
Stand in pure light (outside or inside).
Then, say aloud:
I dedicate this crystal to the highest good. I ask that it be used in love and light.
To program the crystal for a specific use, hold the crystal in your left hand. Focus on the intended use of the crystal (healing a specific dis-ease, protection or love).
Once you’ve ensured the crystal's purpose, finish the process by saying: I dedicate this crystal for the (your purpose).
I also wear my stones on me for seven days to further connect with them. Personally, I find this is the best way to energize my stones. If you decide to take this route, wear your stone on the left-side of your body, close to your heart and on your skin.
Storing your stone
Most crystals are fragile, so tender love and care is essential to your crystals' longevity. Some gemstones fade after prolonged exposure to sunlight. When you’re not using your crystals, place them in a pouch or wrap them in a silk scarf to keep them safe.
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Owlscrying wrote: ↑Sun Jul 16, 2017 8:30 pm
Programming your gemstone
Crystals need to be dedicated to the purpose you’re using them for. It’s best to program your crystal directly after you've cleaned and cleared it. This gives you the advantage of better connecting with the crystals.
I’ve seen people program their crystals in many ways. However, I find the best way to connect with your crystal is by affirming your intention or praying over them. Using these methods infuses the crystal with pure intention and connects the crystal with your spiritual guides.
Hold the crystal in your hands (your left side is best because it's your receiving side).
Stand in pure light (outside or inside).
Then, say aloud:
I dedicate this crystal to the highest good. I ask that it be used in love and light.
To program the crystal for a specific use, hold the crystal in your left hand. Focus on the intended use of the crystal (healing a specific dis-ease, protection or love).
Once you’ve ensured the crystal's purpose, finish the process by saying: I dedicate this crystal for the (your purpose).
I also wear my stones on me for seven days to further connect with them. Personally, I find this is the best way to energize my stones. If you decide to take this route, wear your stone on the left-side of your body, close to your heart and on your skin.
Storing your stone
Most crystals are fragile, so tender love and care is essential to your crystals' longevity. Some gemstones fade after prolonged exposure to sunlight. When you’re not using your crystals, place them in a pouch or wrap them in a silk scarf to keep them safe.
Source
Great post Owl.. appreciate you starting this as I know a few of us were looking for gemstone threads.
I never knew this about wearing them on the left side so will make sure I do that from now on. I prefer to keep them close - especially as you mention.. for stones used to help with illnesses of any kind
I think it's a great idea to charge your stones in pure light- sunlight or moonlight, either is great. Some have mentioned they prefer to use moonlight for some and sunlight for others (such as the illness-healing stones) or ones to increase energy (citrine, carnelian) /abundance stones
Moonlight cleansing for stones can be good for spell/magic work, for attracting love (Rose quartz) for stones used to aid insomnia and for fertility stones (moonstone, mother of pearl, rose quartz)
I also prefer moonlight for stones which are being used for bringing peace to a (person or place)
For cleansing, I think if you can also use natural river/sea water - but then sea salt can and does work great too
How I cleanse mine in sun/moon light : I get a shallow dish & fill it with sea salt water.. put the stones in and leave them out .. depends how long, if it's not been long since they've been cleansed, I will leave them for a day.. but for ones that I know are using up a lot of energy/being used often.. I will leave them for a few days
With having a purpose, that is a good reminder.. I have a couple of gemstone bracelets I use only as needed .. so.. one for when I need to rebound negative energy (if I know i'm going to be facing someone who is difficult to deal with) .. or example, one to wear when i'm feeling __anxious_ or doing readings...
Thanks again ((Owl))
🙂 look forward to hearing how others use theirs too. And seeing your
Rainwater is also good, though with soft - centered stones such as Selenite or Gypsum - water is a no - no as it would erase the crystal away. However, most stones i know are particularly good with water.
Love this post, Owl.
Usually charge mine by the moon. Set them on the sill and let them bathe. If it's been a rough few days, I'll let them sit for two nights and a day.
On times my alter is set, or I can put dishes in the window, I lay them on a bed of salt under the moon/sun.
If heavy storms are about, but it's needed, I set them to the corners, around a salt lamp (candle powered) and set a cast/dedication. Still try to find space in lined with a window for them. Lightning does wonders. 😉
Had a few items I would set out when we lived in Florida, let the evening cloud to cloud show charge them. Could feel that for weeks on end.
Thankyou i didn't realize how informational everyone's post is i appreciate you all posting this which gemstones do you reccomend for remote viewing,telepathy,mediumship,and psychics?
Find this quite helpful to get familiarized with several types of crystals and what they're intended to be used for. Anyone here knows what's the name of the crystal used to provide positive energy?