Selecting, Cleansing, and Caring for Your Crystals

Selecting, Cleansing, and Caring for Your Crystals

There are no rules to follow when beginning your collection of crystals. Just trust your instincts, and you will know when you have found the right gemstone or crystal for you.  Most times, you will be automatically drawn to a stone and generally it’s a good idea to go with that one for that time.  It is often said that the stone chooses you

When selecting your crystals, it is a good idea to visit several different stores, and then revisit them again to be sure of the crystal that’s right for you.  You can also find crystal treasures at antique stores, garage sales, and in general when you travel.  If you’re looking for them, chances are you will stumble upon them and they will be drawing in on your energy. 

When You Know You Have Found the Right Crystal

When you have found a crystal that is right for you, you will experience any, or all, of the following signs:

You will feel drawn to a stone - you may feel like you cannot take your eyes off of it. If you do, you will be drawn back to it, as if it’s calling out to you. 

You will feel a strong need to take the stone with you. You almost feel uncomfortable with the thought of the stone not being in your possession.

Despite the physical similarity of stones in a basket or on a shelf, one particular stone will jump out at you, and you will be able to pick it out it, even among the other stones.

You will feel a strong jolt of energy, or tingly sensation or pure happiness when you touch the stone.

You will experience these signs when you find the right stone because an energy link has been formed between you and the gemstone or crystal. This is  definitely when you know you on track and a confirmation of the correct stone for you

 

There Are No Rules!

When looking for crystals, there are no specific rules to follow, however, it’s a good idea to have the following in mind : 

Maintain an open mind and heart when searching for your stone. In this way, you are receptive to the connection that you will undoubtedly be the right stone.  Also, be sure to follow your instincts or gut feel. When you feel strongly about a particular stone, or experience any of the signs listed above, you should seriously consider purchasing it.

 

How to Cleanse and Care for Your Gemstones and Crystals

Once you have purchased your gemstone, the first thing you should do is cleanse it. It is not advisable to introduce an uncleansed new stone to your current stones.  NEVER put a stone that has not been cleansed into your collection of cleansed gemstones and crystals, as it can contaminate the energies of all of your other stones.  Each crystal absorbs the energies of everyone who has handled it before it made its way to you, so you need to make sure that its energies are neutralized and purified before working with it.  

Cleansing Methods for your Crystal

This is a quick and easy way around cleansing your crystals to ensure their efficacy.  There are various ways of cleansing crystals. Each method involves different tools, ingredients, materials, and even locations. Use whichever method feels right to cleanse your crystals.

 

Salt Water

Most crystals can be cleansed in water, but, common sense would dictate which ones should not be. For those that can be cleansed in water, the following steps should be followed. It is best to perform this method of cleansing at night, particularly when the moon is starting to wane.

Prepare the following materials:

• A glass bowl of warm NOT HOT) water to submerge the stone in
• A tablespoon of sea salt
• The stone that requires cleansing 

Here is what you should do:

Go to a quiet place where you will not be disturbed. Sit down comfortably and place all of your materials in front of you. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to relax your body and mind. To effectively cleanse the stone, your own energy should be relaxed, and your mind should be rid of any thoughts that will distract you. Feel your entire body relaxing, but do not slouch. Empty your mind of all thoughts. If any thoughts attempt to enter your mind, gently put them out.  When you feel completely relaxed, open your eyes. Take the bowl of warm water and place it in front of you.  Take the salt and sprinkle it into the water. As you do this, visualize the purifying qualities of the salt removing all unclean and stale energies from the water. Imagine the water becoming even purer than it was before you sprinkled the salt into it. Now, take the stone that requires cleansing and place it in the bowl of warm water. Let it stay submerged in the water for about ten minutes. During this time, close your eyes, and imagine the stone being thoroughly cleansed. Visualize all of its impurities, from the surface to its core, being washed away by the salt water.  After approximately ten minutes, or whenever you feel that the stone has been fully cleansed, open your eyes.  Take the entire glass bowl to the sink. Take the stone out of the bowl and rinse it under cold, running water. Handle your stone with care as you rinse it.  When your stone has been fully rinsed, let it sit out to dry under the waning moon. It is best to let the waning moon shine upon it, so that the purification process is strengthened. The waning of the moon is best utilized for cleansing, as it removes any residual energy that may still be in the stone.  As soon as you wake up in the morning, you may retrieve your stone. It is now completely cleansed, and should be kept in a safe place.

 

Smudging

For crystals that cannot be submerged in water, a smudge stick can be used for cleansing. A smudge stick is a bundle of dried herbs tied together with string. Smudge sticks are primarily made of sage. Occasionally, pine or lavender is used in addition to sage to create a pleasant aroma.  It is the smoke that emanates from the smudge stick that does the work of cleansing the stones. The purifying properties of the herbs, in the form of the smoke, will cleanse your gemstones and crystals.

 

How to Make a Smudge Stick

Creating a smudge stick that is firmly rolled and held together will require a lot of practice, so do not worry if you can’t seem to make a perfect smudge stick on your first attempt. The important thing is that you learn more and more with each failed attempt. It also helps you to establish a deeper connection with the cleansing of your stones when you are the one making the smudge stick you will use to cleanse them.

The following materials are needed for making your smudge stick:

• A thin but strong piece of string for tying the herbs together
• The herbs that will make up your smudge stick
• Scissors to cut the herbs

Herbs you can use for creating your smudge stick are:

• Sage or White Sage (White Sage is the herb most commonly used in smudge sticks. You can use sage alone, or mix it with any of the herbs in the list below.)
• Lavender
• Pine
• Cedar
• Mugwort
• Cilantro
• Sweet grass
• Copal
• Juniper

Here is what you need to do:

Gather all your materials together and find a quiet place where you can work on your smudge sticks without being disturbed.  Meditate for a short while on the task you are about to perform. Concentrate on the natural cleansing properties of the herbs, and what they will do for your crystals when you use them. Then, close your eyes and focus all your attention on the creation of a cleansing and purifying tool.  When you are ready, open your eyes and begin your work.  Next, place a bunch of herbs in one hand, then take the string in your other hand and begin winding it around the herbs. Start with the base of the herbs, and work your way up toward the tips. When you get to the tips, begin winding the string down toward the base again.  After you have wound the string twice around the herbs from top to bottom, find the other end of the string and tie the two ends into a knot. Cut off any excess string. Make sure your herbs are firmly tied together, but be careful not to tie them together too tightly.

Your smudge stick is now complete, and can be used to cleanse your gemstones.

 

Cleansing your crystal with a Smudge Stick

Cleansing your stones using a smudge stick is very easy, but it requires a great deal of concentration. Because you are not physically washing your gemstone or crystal, you need to be mentally present and psychically connected with the activity of smudging. This will make it easy for you to “sense” or “know” when the gemstone or crystal has been completely cleansed.

Before you begin your cleansing ritual, you need to prepare the following items:

• Your smudge stick
• A candle with which you can light your smudge stick
• Something to light it the candle with
• A safe, fireproof dish

The stone that requires cleansing Here is what you should do:

Go to a quiet place where you will not be disturbed. Sit down comfortably and place all of your materials in front of you.

Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to relax your body and mind. To effectively cleanse the stone, your own energy should be relaxed, and your mind should be free of any thoughts that will distract you. Feel your entire body relaxing, but do not slouch. Empty your mind of all thoughts, and when unwanted thoughts occur, gently put them out of your mind.  When you feel completely relaxed, open your eyes and light the candle.  Now, take your smudge stick and light it using the candle flame. It is easier to light the smudge stick this way than to try and light it using a match or a lighter. When lighting your smudge stick, let it burn until the end becomes red embers, then blow out the flames. The idea is to let it smolder until it produces smoke, as the smoke will do the actual cleansing.  Once the smudge stick is smoking, place a fireproof plate underneath it to catch any falling embers.  When your smudge stick is continuously producing smoke, move it around the stone that needs to be cleansed. Let the smoke surround the stone, and gently fan the smoke towards the stone with your hands. If you are cleansing a small piece of stone, you can put down the smudge stick on the fire proof dish and hold the stone over the smoke.

As you do this, visualize the purifying powers of the herbs cleansing your gemstone or crystal. Imagine all the stale energies and impurities from the stone dissipating with the smoke.  When you “feel” that the stone has been thoroughly cleansed, you can extinguish your smudge stick by pushing it into a bowl of sand or running it under water, then allowing it to dry.  When smudging, make sure that pregnant women, babies, children, or people with allergies and respiratory ailments are not in the room. Also, do your smudging in a well-ventilated area.

 

Other Ways to Cleanse Your Crystals

Using water and smoke are two of the several methods available for cleansing your crystals. Nature itself offers various means of purifying them – the light of the moon and sun, the water that flows in oceans and rivers, and the rich soil of the earth, just to name a few. Utilizing these natural methods of cleansing will be discussed in the next section.

Cleansing your Crystal with the Rains

Rainwater can be used to cleanse your crystals. If you know that it is about to rain, you can place your stone on the ground where the rainwater can wash over it.  To attune yourself to your stone and the process of cleansing, here is what you should do:

After you place the stone out in the rain, take some time to meditate upon its purification process. Sit down comfortably at a quiet spot in your home.  Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to relax your body and mind. To effectively cleanse the stone, your own energy should be relaxed, and your mind should be free of any thoughts that will distract you. Feel your entire body relaxing, but do not slouch. Empty your mind of all thoughts, and when unwanted thoughts occur, put them out of your mind.  Visualize the stone’s impurities being washed off by the rain and soaked up into the ground. Continue doing this until you feel that the stone has been thoroughly cleansed.  After a while, you may open your eyes. You can bring your stone back in the house, rinse it, and then pat it dry.  If you wish to wait until the rain has stopped to bring your stone in that is fine, but make sure that you do not leave it outside very long. After the rain stops, immediately bring the stone back in, rinse it, and then pat it dry. You can leave the stone in the rain as long as you feel it is necessary for it to be thoroughly cleansed.

 

Cleansing your Crystal by the Rivers

You can cleanse your stones in rivers, creeks, or any small body of clear, running water. All you need to prepare is the stones that require cleansing.

Here is what you should do:

Go to a quiet spot by a river where you will not be disturbed. Sit down comfortably near the river.  Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to relax your body and mind. To effectively cleanse the stone, your own energy should be relaxed, and your mind should be clear of any thoughts that will distract you. Feel your entire body relaxing, but do not slouch. Empty your mind of all thoughts, and when unwanted thoughts occur, put them out of your mind as gently as you can.  When you feel completely relaxed, open your eyes and take out your stones.  Simply place the stones into the current, and the natural rhythm of the water will cleanse your stones. Of course, you need to place them in spots where they will not be carried away by the current.  As the water is cleansing your stones, visualize all of their impurities and negative energies being taken away by the current.  When you feel that your stones are thoroughly cleansed, you may take them out of the water.  Pat them dry with a soft cloth, or let them dry out in the sun for a while, before placing them back into their pouches or containers.

Cleansing your crystal by the Ocean

The ocean is very powerful. The rays of the sun and moon continuously energize it, and it has a high salt content. Its tides are also continuously shifting, therefore its energies are always in motion, and never stagnant.  You can cleanse your crystals in the ocean. The ocean not only purifies your stones, but energizes them, as well. If you wish to cleanse your gemstones and crystals in the ocean, you will need a mesh bag to put

them in. This will ensure that you do not lose your stones while you are allowing the waves to wash over them.

Here is what you need to do:

Place the stone that requires cleansing inside a mesh bag, preferably one with a handle or a sturdy string attached to it. This will allow you to have your stone washed by the ocean without having to hold the stone itself.

Find a spot by the shore where the waves can reach you. Make sure it is somewhere that you will not be disturbed.  Sit by the shore and allow the waves to wash over the stone in the mesh bag that you are holding. Once you are seated comfortably, close your eyes and start relaxing your body and mind.  Take a few deep breaths, taking in the feelings of peace that surround you. Then, visualize the waters of the ocean completely cleansing your stone. Whenever the waves retreat back into the ocean, imagine them taking the stone’s impurities with them. Meditate upon this for as long as you wish, until you can sense that your stone has been totally cleansed.  When you are ready, open your eyes. Dry your stone with a soft cloth, or let it dry naturally. It is now ready for use.

 

Cleansing your crystal by the Sunlight

The sun is a very good source of purifying energies. You can cleanse some of your gemstones by placing them directly under the light of the sun. You can place them in a windowsill, or outside in the direct sunlight.  For this method, all you need is the stone that requires cleansing. I would suggest setting out the gemstone or crystal at either sunrise or sunset. Putting out the stone during the hottest part of the day may damage it.

Here is what you should do:

Find a spot where you can place your gemstone or crystal safely under the direct light of the sun.  Place your stone on the selected spot. As the sun shines upon your stone, sit down near it. You do not need to sit directly under the sun; just sit comfortably somewhere nearby.  Relax your body and mind by taking a few deep breaths. Your own energy should be relaxed to effectively cleanse the stone, and your mind should be cleared of any distracting thoughts. Relax your entire body, but do not slouch. Free your mind from all thoughts. If unwanted thoughts occur to you, gently let them go.  Visualize the power of the sun’s rays removing all impurities and unwanted energies from your stone.  Continue meditating for about ten to twenty minutes. Finish your meditation by visualizing your stone in your mind’s eye, completely cleansed of all its impurities. Then, open your eyes. You may now use your thoroughly purified stone.

Cleansing your crystal by the Moonlight

The light from the moon is also a powerful way to cleanse your gemstones and crystals. For this method, you need only the stone that requires cleansing. Performing this method during any phase of the moon is fine, though the period between the Full Moon and the New Moon is best. As the moon wanes, unwanted energies will be removed from your stone more effectively.

Here is what you should do:

Find a spot where you can place your gemstone or crystal safely under the direct light of the moon.  Place your stone on the selected spot. As the moon shines upon your stone, sit down nearby.  Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to relax your body and mind. Effectively cleansing the stone requires your own energy to be relaxed as well. Feel your entire body relaxing, but be careful not to slouch. Empty your mind of all thoughts. When unwanted thoughts occur, gently put them out of your mind.  Now, visualize the light of the moon cleansing all impurities and unwanted energies from your stone.  Continue meditating for as long as you wish, or until you feel that your stone has been completely cleansed of all its impurities. Then, open your eyes. You may now take your thoroughly purified stone and work with it.

Cleansing your crystal by the Earth or Soil

The earth is rich with different forms of energy that can cleanse, balance, heal, and comfort. You can use fresh earth from your garden or the soil in your plant boxes for cleansing your gemstones and crystals. If possible, try not to use soil with fertilizer or pesticide in it. To cleanse your stones using soil, you will need to prepare the following:

• A patch of earth in your garden or a pot of soil, with or without a plant in it
• A hand shovel

The gemstones and crystals that require cleansing Here is what you should do:

Choose a spot in your garden where you can bury your crystals. Sit down comfortably near the selected spot. If you plan to use a pot of soil, make sure you bring it with you. Also, have your hand shovel and stones ready.  Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to relax your body and mind. To effectively cleanse the stone, your own energy should be relaxed, and your mind should be free of any thoughts that might distract you. Allow your entire body to relax, but take care not to slouch. Empty your mind of all thoughts, and when unwanted thoughts occur, gently put them out of your mind.  When you feel completely relaxed, open your eyes and pick up your hand shovel.  Dig out a space where your gemstones and crystals will be placed. Do not dig too deeply; you do not want to lose your stones. Dig just deep enough to make sure that your stones will be fully covered by the soil, but not so deep that you will not be able to find them.  When you have dug out a space for your stones, place your stones in the hole. Make sure to allow for space in between each stone, so that they are not touching.  Cover them completely. After they are fully covered by soil, meditate for a while, and visualize the natural powers of the earth removing all of the stones’ impurities. Do this for as long as you feel is necessary.  Leave the stones buried overnight. You may want to mark the spot where you buried your stones with a flower or a popsicle stick. The following morning, dig them out and rinse them. Your stones are now cleansed and ready for use.  Because you are working with fresh earth, make sure that your stomach is not empty when doing this exercise. Have a light meal or some bread before beginning your cleansing activity.  It is also wise to bury your stones in a patch of earth that is not easily accessible to other people or their pets. For example, your front yard may have a lot of space for burying stones, but it is also open to anyone that happens to pass by. You would not want your stones dug up by somebody’s dog. Make sure that the spot where you choose to bury your stones is accessible only to you.

Cleansing your crystal by the Sea Salt

Sea salt has been used in various rituals of cleansing for centuries. It can be used alone, or mixed with water for cleansing, healing, and purifying. You will find that salt is always present in mixtures, solutions, and other tools that are used to drive away negative energy.  When using salt to cleanse your gemstones and crystals, remember to use sea salt, not table salt. Table salt has already been processed, and may contain chemicals that could damage your stones. Sea salt can usually be purchased from your local grocery store.

Here are the three things that you need to prepare for this method of cleansing:

• A shallow glass container, in which you will place the salt, as well as your crystal.
• The stone that requires cleansing

Here is what you will do:

Choose a spot where you can perform your cleansing without being disturbed. Sit down comfortably, and lay out all of your things in front of you.  Relax your body and mind. Do this by closing your eyes and taking a few deep breaths. Your own energy should be relaxed in order to effectively cleanse the stone. Relax your whole body, but do not slouch. Your mind should be free of any bothersome thoughts. When unwanted thoughts occur, gently put them out of your mind.  When you feel completely relaxed, open your eyes, and place a layer of salt upon the glass container.  Place your gemstone or crystal on the bed of salt.  Meditate for a while, visualizing the natural cleansing powers of the salt absorbing all of the stones’ impurities. Do this for as long as you wish.  Let the stone rest upon the bed of salt until you feel that the stone has been fully cleansed of its impurities. This may take several hours or a few days. You will naturally sense when the stone has been thoroughly cleansed.  When the stone is completely cleansed, take it from the bed and rinse it to remove the traces of salt. It is now ready for use. Make sure to dispose of the salt that you used.

Cleansing your crystal by the Herbs and Dried Flowers

Certain herbs and dried flowers possess purifying and cleansing qualities. You can use these herbs in the same way that you would use sea salt. Here are some examples of herbs that may be used for cleansing and purifying your gemstones and crystals:

• Acacia
• Basil
• Bay
• Carnation
• Cedar
• Eucalyptus
• Frankincense
• Hyssop
• Irish Moss
• Juniper
• Lavender
• Lemon Verbena
• Lemongrass
• Mugwort
• Myrrh
• Peppermint
• Red Clover
• Rose Petals
• Rosemary
• Sage
• Sandalwood
• St. John’s Wort
• Star Anise
• Sweetgrass
• Thyme
• Valerian Root
• Vervain
• Witch Hazel
• Yarrow

Select the herbs that you wish to use for cleansing your crystals. You can use just one type of herb, or a combination of two or more different types. When you have chosen the herbs you will use, you need to prepare them, along with the following items:

• A shallow glass container, in which you will place the herbs, along with your gemstone or crystal
• The herbs you have chosen to use
• The stone that requires cleansing

Here is what you should do:

Choose a spot where you can perform your cleansing without being disturbed. Sit down comfortably and lay out all of your things in front of you.

Close your eyes. Begin relaxing your body and mind by taking a few deep breaths. It is important that your own energy is relaxed, in order for your stone to be effectively cleansed. Let your entire body relax, but do not slouch. Empty your mind of all distracting thoughts. If unwanted thoughts occur, put them out of your mind gently.  When you feel completely relaxed, open your eyes. Create a bed of herbs in the glass container. You can trim or cut any long pieces of herbs, allowing you to mix the herbs more easily.  Place your crystal upon the bed of herbs that you have created.

Meditate for a while, visualizing the natural purifying energies of the herbs absorbing all the stones’ impurities. Do this for as long as you feel is necessary.  Let the stone rest upon the bed of herbs until you feel that the stone has been fully cleansed of its impurities. This may take a whole day or more; you will naturally sense when the stone is thoroughly cleansed.  When the stone is completely cleansed, you may take it from the bed of herbs and rinse it to remove any traces of herbs. It is now ready for use. You can now dispose of the herbs that you used.

Knowing how to properly cleanse and care for your gemstones and crystals is as important as knowing how to use them. If you do not take proper care of your gemstones and crystals, it will affect your connection and relationship with them, as well as how they perform for you.  Crystals are more than just beautiful rocks. Crystals are alive – they pulsate with powerful energies, and are connected with the consciousness of the Universe. It is wise to treat them with respect, and to use them properly. What they can do for you in return is only limited by your imagination and knowledge.