Crystals are something I use personally and have about my home, yet they are available to all of us in abundance and are another example of the generosity Mother Earth gives to us. Whilst they are visually beautiful, they possess many, of what some might refer to, magical qualities.  There is a plethora of stunning and inspiring crystals used for a variety of purposes. The properties and abilities of each stone are beyond this blog post and often are best left to experts in this field, such as Crystal Studio UK and other reputable specialists. Be sure to use diligence when seeking advice and buying crystals to ensure you are getting proper information and genuine crystals.

Back to cleansing them...

Crystal cleansing is an ancient practice which remains increasingly popular, giving your crystal a proper cleanse is essential for maintaining their energetic qualities.  Below, you will find various methods to help you do this, the right one is the one that calls to you or feels good or like relief.

Why Should I cleanse my Crystal?

Crystals can absorb and retain energies from their environment and previous handlers. Cleansing, especially after purchase, helps reset these energies, restore the crystal's natural properties and attune it to your energy. I once bought a piece of Tigers Eye from a shop that was full to the brim of products, stuffy and quite chaotic. I forgot about cleansing and dismissed it when I remembered because I was more interested in keeping it on me due to a situation. The days that followed came with all sorts of crazy, and things I didn't want (the opposite of Tigers Eye, which protects and deflects negativity). When I joined the dots, I didn't even want to cleanse the stone; it felt corrupted and so I planted it in a park at the base of a tree. After that, most of the drama fizzled away and I hoped the crystal was reset and found a new owner.

When to Cleanse Your Crystals

Consider cleansing your crystals in the following situations:

• When you first acquire them
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• After healing work or meditation sessions

• Following exposure to negative energies
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• During full or new moons
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• When they feel energetically "heavy" or less effective
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• After others have handled them

• Monthly as regular maintenance

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Cleansing Methods

Moonlight Cleansing

Perhaps the gentlest and most traditional method is moonlight cleansing. Place your crystals outside or on a windowsill during a full moon. The lunar energy is believed to purify and recharge the crystals. This method is safe for all crystal types and particularly effective for feminine or intuitive stones.

Sunlight Cleansing

Sunlight can be a powerful cleanser, but use caution with this method. While some crystals benefit from brief sun exposure, others may fade or become damaged. Limit sun exposure to 1-2 hours in the early morning. Avoid this method for delicate crystals.

Running Water

Natural running water, such as a stream or rainfall, can effectively cleanse crystals. If using tap or bottled water, hold your crystal under the tap/bottle's edge for 1-2 minutes while visualising negative energies washing away.  Caution:  Check your crystal is not water-soluble or can be damaged by water.

Smudging

Smudging  is another traditional method. Pass your crystals through the smoke of burning sage, palo santo, or cedar. This method is safe for all crystals and particularly effective for protective stones. When smudging, maintain good ventilation and observe proper fire safety.

Salt

Sea salt or Himalayan salt can absorb negative energies. Place your crystals in a bowl of dry salt or salt water for several hours. However,  salt can sometimes damage  softer crystals, porous stones or those with high metal content.

Sound Cleansing

Using sound vibrations from singing bowls, bells, or tuning forks is a safe and effective way for all crystals. The vibrations help dislodge stagnant energies. Hold your crystals near the sound source or place them inside a singing bowl while it's being played.

Crystal Grids

Create a cleansing grid using clear quartz points arranged in a circle. Place the crystals needing cleansing in the centre of the grid for 24 hours. This method is particularly effective during full moons or significant astrological events.

Earth Cleansing

Burying crystals in the earth for 24 hours can help them reconnect with natural energies. Use a marked container or tie a string to a larger object to easily retrieve them. This method works well for grounding stones but some softer crystals might be damaged by soil minerals.

Post Cleansing

Once your crystals are cleansed, consider these practices:

1. Program your crystal with a specific intention
2. Store them properly to maintain their energy
3. Keep them separate from other crystals if working with their specific properties
4. Document cleansing dates in a dedicated journal
5. Create a specific space or placement for your newly cleansed crystals

Final thoughts as we say peace out and good night to 2024: it's better to find crystals and a cleansing practice that works for your lifestyle and collection, even if that deviates a little from the mass advice. Many people choose to cleanse their crystals monthly during the full moon, while others prefer to cleanse as needed or on intuition. Whatever schedule you choose, consistency and the feeling of a right fit are what you are after. Trust your intuition. My favourite is the moon, whcih one speaks to you?

I will return in a few days with the first diary entry of 2025!

Merry everything and a happy always.

Spreading the sorcery love,

Annaliese

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