Crystals can be amazing tools that help us feel more connected with ourselves, and because of that, they can be a great addition to your home and yoga practice—but you must take care of them. They probably don’t look dirty from the outside but they absorb positive as well as negative energy so they should be cleansed regularly to keep the energy flowing. When a stone is properly cleared, it should feel both energetically and physically light.
How often should I cleanse my crystals?
First, it’s always a good idea to cleanse them when you bring them home from the store. Mainly because they’ve been absorbing the energy of others for quite some time—you want them to release this so you can begin your practice with them. You don’t need to use a calender when it comes to cleansing your crystals. It’s rather defined by frequency of use, care and energy. Some need cleansing every two weeks some just a few times a year.
When your crystals look dull or feel greasy … this can be a good indicator for well deserved spa time for your crystals.
6 Ways to cleanse your crystals
Cleanse your crystals under the moonlight
The most common way to clean your crystals is to leave them outside during a full moon.
A full moon is the spiritual and energetic pinnacle of every month. While that may play a part in your spiritual practices, don’t forget about your crystals. Place them in a safe spot where they’ll be able to soak up the moon’s glow. You can also create moon water in the same way (by laying a glass of water out during a full moon), which you can use to cleanse your crystals. The energy of the full moon helps the crystals to recharge, and release any negative vibes they have picked up since their last spa treatment.
Cleanse them under running water
Running water conveys a feeling of calmness.The sound of the waves on the beach or a river making its way through the landscape… meditating on those sounds brings peace, right?
If you live near a natural running water source, bring your stones for a bath from Mother Earth. Be sure to dip the stones completely and pat them dry afterwards. A faucet in your home will work too if you’re not living near a river or any of that kind.
Some crystals are not water compatible so be sure to do some research beforehand.
Leave them out in the rain
There’s nothing like a rainstorm to wash away what no longer serves you—which makes it another great option to cleanse your crystals. If you see some raindrops falling outside, place your crystals outside and let the water wash over them.
Also with this method keep in mind that not all crystals are happy being in a wet environment.
Get dirty to get clean: Bury them
This method may sound a little unusual, but remember that crystals were once a part of the earth. Take your crystals outside and bury them for 24 hours. The earth absorbs the energy of whatever the crystals are carrying and helps to pull that energy out. Choose a spot you’ll remember so you don’t lose them—and be mindful of any animals that could come by! Mother Earth may provide overnight healing, but you should be prepared that crystals with an extremely heavy energy can take months or even years to regain its original vibrancy.
Cleanse them with other cleansed crystals
Probably the easiest method is to cleanse your crystals with other crystals. Certain crystals such as selenite, citrine, carnelian and obsidian work to absorb negative energy within their proximity. If you take these crystals and hold them over your crystals, drawing circles around them, you release the un-cleansed crystals from their negative energy. Another way to take advantage of these healing stones is to put them in a bag or box with your gemstones in need of cleansing, or place smaller crystals on top of the larger stones.Selenite is one of the best conductors for this practice because it is able to clear the energy of other crystals completely.
When in doubt, smudge it out
Have you ever used sage to smudge out the negative energy in your home? You can use this very same technique to draw out the negative energy in your crystals.
Once your sage is lit, hold your crystal in the smoke for approx. 30-60 seconds. Or you can also place the crystal on a surface and use a feather or your hand to waft the smoke around your stone.
When you use one these methods to cleanse and care for your crystals, your crystals will be restored to their full capabilities, meaning a happier life full of healing for you!
Happy cleansing