How to clear your crystals.

Crystals can hold onto the energy (good or bad) of the people who have handled them. Therefore, it is recommended to cleanse new crystals to restore their natural vibration. There are various methods that can be used to cleanse crystals, such as using sea salt, running water, other stones, placing them under the full moon, bathing them in moon water, visualization, or sage smoke. It is important to note that some crystals may be fragile and should be handled with care, and certain crystals may be damaged by certain cleansing methods. After cleansing a crystal, it is recommended to program it with a specific intention or purpose. Taking care when storing them is also important.

Consider cleansing your gemstones any time somebody else has been touching them to clear their energetic fingerprint. If you ever find an old crystal that’s been hidden away and forgotten for a while, that’s a good opportunity for a quick cleanse as well.

Here are a few strategies for clearing your crystal companion. They are all effective, so go with the method that most appeals to you:

1. Use Sea salt.

Sea salt and water can help rid your stone of unwanted energy. If the stone is not brittle, using sea salt should be fine. However, you don’t want to put a porous stone that has lots of little holes or ridges (think pyrite, hematite, etc.) in salt water since it can get damaged.

Leave the stone in the water overnight and add dried sage, basil, or lavender to enhance the bath’s cleansing effect.

2. Use running water.

Holding your crystal under running water is also a very effective cleaning method. As you do so, ask the Universe to restore their natural vibration. I usually imagine a ray of white light around the stone as I do this, cleaning it and filling it with wisdom.

3. Use other stones.

Certain crystals associated with purification like carnelian, clear quartz and selenite are thought to actually cleanse other stones. Stack these stones on top of any crystals that need clearing, or keep them all in the same bag when you travel.

4. Place them underneath the full moon.

On the next full moon, place any crystals you’d like to cleanse on your windowsill to soak up some of the lunation’s refreshing energy.

5. Bathe them in moon water

Moon water is exactly what it sounds like: distilled water that has been left to charge under the energy of the full moon. There are many creative ways to use it, and soaking crystals—as long as they’re not too porous! —is one of them.

6. Visualize cleansing.

Visualization is the powerful practice of imagining that which you desire. The next time your crystal is in need of a refresh, hold it in your hands, close your eyes, and visualize a ray of cleansing light washing over it.

7. Sage

Light the sage, then blow out the flame. You can use either loose-leaf sage or a dried sage bundle for this. Hold one end of the sage in your hand and light the other end with a match or lighter. Once the sage catches on fire, blow or fan out the flame so it’s just left smoldering. Pass the crystal through the smoke for about 30 seconds. The smoke will purify the crystal by driving out any lingering energy.

How to program your crystals in 6 steps or less.

Crystals get their power once they’re “programmed,” or dedicated to a specific purpose of your choosing. The best time to do this is directly after you’ve cleared your stone. I’ve tried programming my crystals with intentions a few different ways but found the following the most effective:

1. Hold the crystal in your hand. (Your left hand, preferably, since your left side is your receiving side.)

2. Stand in natural light, either outside or next to a window.

3. Say aloud, “I dedicate this crystal to the highest good. I ask that it be used in love and light.”

4. Then, program the crystal for a specific use. Think about what you want that crystal to support you with, whether it’s landing a new job or speaking kindlier to yourself. While still holding the stone in your left hand, visualize and feel into what it would be like if you were to achieve that intention.

5. Once you’ve envisioned the crystal’s purpose, finish the process by saying aloud: “I dedicate this crystal for the [your purpose].”

6. This is optional, but I also like to wear my stones on me for seven days to further connect with them. Personally, I find this is the best way to energize them.

How to (safely!) store your crystals.

Crystals can be fragile, so handling them with tender love and care is essential. Some gemstones fade after prolonged exposure to sunlight, so when you’re not using your crystals, keep them inside in a pouch or wrapped in a silk scarf to keep them safe.

Some examples of gemstones that can fade include:

1. Amethyst: Amethyst is a type of quartz that can fade to a pale yellow or brown color when exposed to sunlight over a long period of time.

2. Citrine: Citrine is a variety of quartz that can fade or darken when exposed to sunlight for an extended period of time.

3. Emerald: Emerald is a type of beryl that can fade or become lighter when exposed to sunlight for an extended period of time.

4. Opal: Opals are sensitive to heat and light, and can fade or become discolored when exposed to sunlight for an extended period of time.

5. Topaz: Topaz can fade or become discolored when exposed to sunlight for an extended period of time.