Caring for your crystals

Crystals filter and hold energy so whenever you get a new crystal, it's a good idea to cleanse it right away. Crystals have a big journey before they end up in your hands and its likely they are storing energy that you don't want.

 

Cleansing, Clearing, Charging, Programming. What's what?

There are so many words thrown around when it comes to crystals and 'correct' practice. It can be overwhelming! The terms are, arguably, interchangeable. It all comes down to your intention when working with your crystals. 

Cleansing or Clearing

Think of crystals like a computer. When a computer is new, the storgage is empty. The more you use the computer, the more storage space is taken up. As the computer reaches its capacity of storage, it starts to slow down and some functions don't work properly.
When you use transfer files to the cloud, you free up the storage space on the computer and it speeds up and functions correctly. Using your crystals is the same as taking up storage space on a computer. Cleansing or Clearing your crystal is the same as transfering files to the cloud, it frees up your crystals storage allowing them to work to their full potential.

There are many ways to cleanse and clear your crystals and it's important to note that not all are suitable for all crystals. Some distinguish the two by saying clearing is the first step when you get a crystal for the first time while cleansing is what you do to a crystal you already own and have used or worn for an extended period of time. Set your intention and pick a mantra or affirmation when you practice the below methods.

Please cleanse, clear and release any stagnant energies and any energies not meant for me, that the crystal/s is holding back to source.

Sound

If you have Singing bowls or a ritual bell you can use these to cleanse your crystals. Use the device in close proximity of your crystals and let the sound waves vibrate your crystals clear.  

Smoke or Smudging

White Sage and Palo Santo are wonderful to use for cleansing. Light your stick and allow the smoke to wave over your collection. You might like to light your sage or palo in the middle of your collection using a fire proof dish,and let it smoulder out on its own. Of course, always burn sage and palo responsibly. 

Light - moon or sun rays

Placing your crystals in the rays of the moon is a powerful cleansing practice. While the full moon has extremely potent rays, you can place your crystals in the cleansing moon rays at any stage of the moon phases. If you can leave them out all night that's great, but if you can't that's ok, they will still benefit. It's best to place your crystals in the moon rays whilst on the earth if possible. If you can't put them outside, place them on a windowsill that the moonlight hits. Don't worry if it's cloudy or overcast, the energy will not go unnoticed by your crystal.

Sun always works but some crystals will fade and become damaged if left in the sun for prolonged periods so do your research before using this method. 

Earth

Placing your crystals in the earth is known as earthing and is a beautiful way to cleanse your collection. Find a spot they will be out of direct sunlight and are in contact with grass, sand or soil. Some people create a dedicated spot in their garden by digging a small pit to place their collection with other trinkets like shells, crystal chips, dried petals etc.

Water

Water cleanses crystals too. Fresh running water is best, but your home sink/tap will also work. Run your crystal under the water for at least 30 seconds or until you feel the energetic changes. Some crystals should not be wet, Gypsum/Selenite is one of them. 

Other crystals

Some crystals will cleanse others. Selenite, for example is a great crystal to have in abundance around your home. Use Selenite towers, bowl or sticks to place your crystals on top of for a reset. Towers are great for your crystal bracelets to cleanse overnight while you sleep.

 

Charging / Programming

Charging is what happens once your crystal is cleared/cleansed and back to its natural vibration (no interference from collected energy). Keeping to the computer analogy, it's your personal settings and themes you set.

Hold your crystal in one hand, place the other hand over the top and infuse your crystal with your energy and your intention. This aligns the crystal to your unique energy field so it can effectively disperse its frequency upon you. You can also clear your crystals this way if you are experienced in energy work.
Once these two steps are done, it's good to place your crystal on selenite after each use to help keep up with the cleansing / clearing effect, or transfering the crystals 'files' to the cloud 😉 

Overall

The takeaway is, whatever you label your practice is not important. What is important is your intention. If you get a new crystal and the first thing you do is run it under your tap while repeating a positive mantra, and you decide to call that practice 'connecting' instead of 'cleansing', it's not going to negate the effect of your practice. What will negate your practice would be holding your crystal under running water while setting negative intentions.   
In my honest opinion, life has enough rules. Get to know your intuition and the crystal you're working with and you can't go wrong. If the crystal feels 'off', try one of the above methods, whichever one jumps out to you first, go with it, notice the difference and go from there. It's journey, enjoy it! Reach out if you'd like some extra guidance.

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