Healing crystals and gemstones can be used in multiple ways. But before you use a crystal, you should first cleanse it.
Once you’ve cleansed it, you can then instruct your crystal how you’d like it to work for you – this is called programming. It is essentially a method by which you imbue the crystal with your positive thoughts and intentions. When this process is complete, your crystal is ready to use!
But first things first! Let’s start with cleansing.
How to Cleanse a Crystal
There are various ways to cleanse crystals and gemstones prior to using them for healing purposes. Some of the most common ones are:
Running water
Holding your crystal under running water is the easiest way to cleanse a crystal. You can also fully submerge your crystal into a bowl of spring water. However, this method is best reserved for only crystals like quartzes and agates, and very hard stones in general. Soft crystals (those with a 5 or below on the Mohs hardness scale) should be avoided, as water can erode them. Some crystals may even rust, crack, or release toxins if left in water for too long. Crystals to avoid putting under or into water include angelite, azurite, calcite, celestite, chrysocolla, fluorite, jet, larimar, malachite, rhodochrosite, selenite, and others; when unsure, simply stick to your safest options, like quartzes.
Rice or Salt
You can place your crystal(s) in a bowl of brown rice or salt and leave it in there overnight. This will cleanse the stone by absorbing its negative energy. Again, avoid using any of the pre-mentioned soft crystals and minerals.
Smudging or Incense
This is a great cleansing method for any kind of crystal, mineral, or gemstone. You can use sage, sweetgrass, Palo Santo, or any other incense that has purifying properties. Light your smudge stick carefully, blow out the flame, then move the stick over your crystals so that the smoke cleanses them.
White light visualization
You can use this method for crystals you would rather not place in water or simply when you have no other cleansing tools. Simply sit quietly and hold the crystal in your hands, visualizing pure white light swirling around it, stripping it away of all negative energy.
When you are done with cleansing, you can also charge your crystals in the sunlight or moonlight, for an extra boost of energy.
How to Use Crystals to Cleanse Yourself
Many crystals and gemstones have cleansing, purifying properties of their own. Crystal clusters and larger stones are quite purifying. Some of the ones we recommend are:
- Amethyst
- Clear quartz
- Citrine
- Selenite
- Smoky quartz
- Black Tourmaline
There are various ways to use such crystals for cleansing and purifying purposes, but it’s important to program them for this function first. You can do this by holding the crystal you wish to work with between your hands until you feel in tune with it. Then, clearly state your intention for the crystal – how exactly would you like the crystal to cleanse you? In spirit, body, or mind? A particular area in your house? Whatever it is, repeat the intention a few times and “feel” as if the desired result is already real.
Here are some of the things you can then do with your programmed cleansing crystal:
- Place it in your home to cleanse a certain area
- Place it near or into a plant pot to help cleanse and revive the plant
- Meditate with it to help clear you of negative thoughts
- Place it under your pillow for clearer dreams and no nightmares
- Add it to a chain or string to wear as a purifying necklace
- Keep it in your pocket or handbag as a go-to “emergency cleanser”
- Use it to cleanse other crystals that can’t be cleansed in water by placing it near them; you can also keep a large quartz point near your crystal collection to constantly cleanse and generate energy for all stones.
You can use any one or a combination of the crystals mentioned above for various cleansing purposes. Just make sure to re-programme and re-charge your crystals when they become overused.