Here are a few questions I am asked quite often...
First and foremost start with your intuition. Browse the crystals visually to see which one ‘calls’ you, more often than not you will likely pick a crystal and won’t know why, this is because the crystal picks you for what you need at that time in your life.
The simple answer to this… NO, it doesn’t matter what form the crystals comes in, whether its rough, carved or tumbled, they all have exactly the same healing benefits.
The same goes with size, you can use a small tumblestone or a large carved piece and they both have the same healing benefits.
One of the first things you should learn when you begin working with crystals is how to cleanse crystals. This is not physically cleaning them but how to energetically cleanse them.
Crystals are sensitive tools which absorb energies as well as emit them. If you have never cleansed your crystals before don’t worry, you’re not the only one. Cleansing crystals can seem intimidating to some people but it’s really not at all.
WHY DO WE NEED TO CLEANSE CRYSTALS?
Crystals pick up all kinds of energies from our thoughts, feelings, other people and places.
If you use a crystal for chakra healing, for example, it can take on energies which you would not want to keep or pass onto others. If you have purchased or been given new crystals, you should always cleanse them before you use them. Also if someone else handles your crystals it is a good idea to cleanse them too.
The following list is a general guide only and based on my experience over many years. Opinions on cleansing crystals vary and you may develop your own cleansing routine over time.
WHEN TO CLEANSE YOUR CRYSTALS
- When you have purchased new crystals
- If you have never cleansed them before
- After using them for a crystal healing treatment
- After using them for chakra balancing
- After wearing or carrying them throughout the day
- If someone else touches or handles them
- Before and after using them in a crystal grid If you feel they need a cleanse.
HOW TO CLEANSE CRYSTALS
There are many methods available which you can use to cleanse your crystals and bring them back into balance.
Some of these methods are well known but some you may not have heard of before. Whatever method you choose remember it’s all about your intention. Focus on energetically cleansing your crystals as you do it.
Smudging and Incense
This popular Native American cleansing method uses dried White Sage bundles which can be purchased on this website. You will need a dish to catch any ashes or cinders. You could use an Abalone Shell which is traditional in some tribes, again available on this site.
Before you start, open a window for ventilation. Light the Smudge Stick then blow out any flame. You can now pass your crystal through the smoke a few times to clear it. Carefully stub out the Smudge Stick in the dish.
You can also burn the end of a Palo Santo wood stick in a similar way. Burning Palo Santo is a tradition that comes from Peru. Please make sure your Palo Santo is sustainably and ethically sourced and only gathered from naturally fallen branches.
Alternatively, use other cleansing natural incense in other forms such as sticks, cones, powder or loose incense. You could use Sandalwood, Camphor, Copal, Lemongrass, Sage, Frankincense and Myrrh. Or any blend of cleansing/purifying incense. Burn it in a suitable heat resistant holder and pass your crystals through the smoke. Remember to open your windows.
TIP: Sensitive to smoke or don’t like the smell in your home? You can always sit outside in the fresh air to do these methods.
Moonlight
At night when the Moon is full place your crystals on a window sill which faces the Moon. If it is safe to do so and dry you could also leave them outside. Use a glass jar or bowl to cover them for extra protection if needed. The moonlight will cleanse the crystals overnight.
Remember to remove them first thing in the morning so they don’t get too much direct sunlight which can fade them over time.
Universal White Light
This is a completely free way to channel white light using visualisation to clear your crystals.
Sit in a comfortable seat and hold your crystals in your hands. Close your eyes and visualise a white light travelling from the top of your head, down through your body, down your arms to your crystals. white light energy reiki cleansing crystals
Energy Healing
If you are a Reiki practitioner or use any other energy healing method you can use this to cleanse your crystals whenever or wherever you are. Simply hold your crystals and pass the healing energy through them.
Tibetan Singing Bowl
These Buddhist metal bowls come with a cushion to rest them on and a wooden stick. When struck they emit a tone which is both soothing and cleansing. You do not need a big one, there are some beautiful ones on this site.
Don’t put your crystals inside the bowl itself (it may damage them) place them outside, around it. You can also hold the bowl in one hand sitting on the cushion and sound it above the crystals. Gently strike the side with the stick and slowly rub the rim or outer edge of the Singing Bowl in a clockwise direction several times. singing bowl tingsha bells
Tingsha Bells
This is another cleansing method that uses sound and originates from Tibet. Tingshas are metal cymbals which many find easier to use than a Singing Bowl. Just clink the cymbals together over the crystals and wait for the sound to stop.
Copper Pyramid
Not very well known but one of the simplest methods to use. This is a specialist tool made of copper pipes or rods. Look for ones based on the proportions of the Great Pyramid to tap into powerful Sacred Geometry. Remember that a really small one will only be good for smaller crystals.
Use a compass so that you always have all four sides facing the four cardinal directions. Simply leave your crystals in the pyramid for an hour or longer if you wish.
Selenite Cleansing
Selenite is a wonderful stone that never needs cleansing. Its pure energy is great for cleansing other crystals. Please be aware this stone cannot go near water as it will disintegrate due to its delicate structure. There are beautiful selenite bowls and plates, now available in most spiritual stores, or place a selenite tumblestone in with your other crystals but keep it in a separate bag to stop it getting damaged.
WILL CLEANSING REMOVE THE GOOD ENERGIES?
Cleansing crystals will not remove any good energies from your stones. All you are removing is energies that do not belong there or are clogging up your crystal and stopping it from working at its optimal level.
Cleansing crystals will not remove any programs you have placed inside your crystals unless that is your intention. That is called deprogramming and is not the same thing as cleansing.
These are just a few methods you can use. In time you will likely develop your own ways. After cleansing, the crystals will feel revitalised and renewed as well as work at their full potential.
