How to Cleanse & Charge Your Crystals

Crystals are natural sponges: as much as you absorb their energy, they absorb yours. For that reason, cleansing and charging your gems is essential! Think of it this way: when buying a new set of sheets, the first thing you do when you go home is wash them (if you don’t, this is a safe space, don’t worry). You then wash them regularly to make sure they remain free of any sweat or dirt that builds up over time. Your sheets make up a big part of your room, and thus the more comfortable they feel the better you will feel too. 

The same concept should be applied to your crystals. Before you purchase a crystal, it is passed around many hands and thus filled with a lot of different energies - be it joy, fear or anxieties - that you most likely do not want. So, to make them uniquely yours, I recommend you go home to your sacred space and set aside some alone time to cleanse and charge your crystals with your intentions. (Learn more about intentions.)

So, now that you know why you need to charge them, let’s find out how to do it! There are four methods that are commonly used: moonlight or sunlight recharge, water recharge, sage recharge and recharge by burial. 

Moonlight or Sunlight

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This is by far the easiest method. All you have to do is place your crystals outside and set your desired intentions. For better results, I recommend waiting until a full moon when the light will be brighter and the energies stronger. Make sure to leave it somewhere dry and open to absorb the highest amount of moonlight possible.

You can use the same method for sunlight, but only with certain stones. Some crystals will fade with enough exposure to the Sun, so make sure that your crystal is sun-safe.

Crystals that aren’t sun-safe: Ametrine, Aventurine, Apatite, Amethyst, Aquamarine, Beryl, Citrine, Calcite, Celestite, Chrysoprase, Kunzite, Sapphire, Fluorite, Rose Quartz and Smoky Quartz.

Water

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Water charging is another method you need to be more attentive with. Many crystals will dissolve with enough water content so always make sure your crystals are water-safe.  

If your crystals are good swimmers, all you have to do is submerge them in water for a minute (bonus points if it is moon water) and let it do all the work. 

Crystals to worry about include: Selenite, Kyanite and Halite. 

Sage

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Much like the moonlight, sage is a safe and reliable cleansing and charging method. First, you will need to buy your sage. Due to their sacred status, I recommend buying them from a first nation community where they are sustainably sourced - some good examples are Mountain Rose Herbs and Sage Winds Farm. Next, find a fire safe container, a couple of matches and open a nearby window. That way the smoke and any negative energy can leave the room freely. Once you're ready to light it up, hold your crystal with your dominant hand and pass it through the smoke. And remember to always have good, pure intentions. This practice will cleanse your crystals and your space simultaneously! 

Sidenote: if you can’t find any sage near you, palo santo can be a great replacement. 

Earth 

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This method is fairly simple: place your crystal around the earth. You can take them with you to a hike as you set intentions, place them in your garden overnight, or, if you’re feeling inspired, you can bury them for a full recharge. The choice is yours and the only downside - if even that - is getting your hands dirty.

So, I encourage you to do just that. Get yourself a little zen gem, choose your favorite element (if you’re a cancer like me, I suggest enjoying that moonbath too) and watch your life change for the better!

 

By Ana Martins (@clarinhas.cam)

 

Feature photo by Edz Norton