Choosing, Cleansing and Charging Crystals
I have written a lot of articles about gemstones, rocks and
crystals for this site that describe which ones are best for
prosperity, love and protection. If you look back in the
archives here, you will find lots of information about
gemstones, crystals and semi-precious stones and their magical
purposes. This article teaches you how to make optimum use of
these natural allies of the spirit.
First of all, when you go to a new age or gem store, you will
usually find baskets or drawers filled with various kinds of
gems. Tumbled stones are usually the cheapest and feature lumpy
rounded surfaces. Points are gems that have been cut so that
they resemble a geometric shape or a small tower. The most
important thing is to pick up the stone and see if it feels
right in your hand. One stone might feel somehow "better" than
another. The process of feeling energy from an object by holding
it is called "psychometry." It is very common to set foot in
such shops and then step out again holding a bag full of stones
that are quite different than the ones you originally intended
to purchase. Don't worry, as this is quite common. Many of us
make decisions about which stone we need to heal by reading a
diagnostic description and then feel a certain rock or crystal
"call out to us" in the store. Half of the time that is the
remedy for the situation that you really need. For instance if
you set out to buy Chinese Jade for money drawing, but instead
walk out with a nice big hunk of Rose Quartz (which is more for
emotional healing), the fact that you chose this stone might
open your way for abundance. It could be that the quartz is a
somehow more suitable coin it may soften a "block" you have
inside with regards to prosperity. As this is not a pure
science, you are well advised in this situation to follow your
gut instincts and have faith in the universe. If you find
yourself attracted to a certain color of stone, pay attention as
well, as it may reflect a color that is missing in your aura.
For instance, an attraction to red or pink stone might represent
a desire for more love and security in your life whereas an
attraction to a purple stone might mean you are ready to advance
on the spiritual path. Once you have your stones, it is
important to cleanse them of any energy they may have picked up
in the past. Crystals are little storehouses that can collect
various forms of energy and they may have been touched, handled
or meditated upon before you bought them. Quartz crystals, in
particular, can just pick up vibes from an environment. There
are four main methods of clearing crystals. The Solar Method:
Perhaps the easiest and quickest method for clearing stones,
especially crystals, is simply to place them outside in direct
sun for one full day. The Sea Salt Method: Bury the crystal in a
jar or bowl filled with sea salt and let it sit overnight. Do
not use the salt for cooking or ingesting or bathing in after
this though. Some prefer to soak the crystal in seawater. If you
live near an ocean that's great, but you can make your own 'sea
water' by just adding a couple of spoonfuls of sea salt to a
container of water. The best container for either procedure is
glass or ceramic. Don't leave your stones or crystals in there
more that 24 hours as too much salt can cause a crystal to start
growing a limb or developing a seam. After 24 hours rinse the
crystals with water, preferably spring or distilled water.
Smudging: Smudging a crystal involves passing the crystal
through smoke. Usually the source of the smoke is a burning
bundle of cedar or sage (this can also be purchased in new age
or health stores.) You can also clear crystals using the smoke
from rosemary, sage, frankincense, myrrh or Tibetan temple
incense. This ritual finds its origins in both Native American
and pagan traditions. Breath: Hold the crystal in your dominant
hand, or if you bought a huge one, in both of your hands. Focus
your thoughts on the crystal and imbue it with the intention of
freeing it of all negative influences and energy. As you hold
this intention in your thoughts, inhale forcefully through your
nose and exhale forcefully on the stone. The idea is that your
breath cleanses the rock and makes it your own. This is an
Eastern as well as Nordic tradition for clearing objects. It
will only work if you do feel truly connected to the divine as
you are doing it. If you easily attach emotions, resentments, or
are in a bad mood, save this technique for another day. After
you have cleansed your crystal, you need to "charge it" with
your intention. There are ways of doing this and you might want
to use your imagination. For some charging a crystal is a simple
as holding it in your hand, meditating and pouring your
intention into it. Others charge their crystal by a stream (for
cleansing), at high tide at sea (for vitality and health), at
low tide (for slowing down, relaxation), during the New Moon
(for new beginnings) or during the full moon (for abundance)/
Single crystals or stones may also be charged by placing them on
a cluster of crystals that have already been charged or on an
altar that has been dedicated to the Divine in some way. The
changing of crystals is a personal matter and it is vital to use
your imagination when it comes to know how and where is the
right time to do it. After you are done charging the crystal,
keep it close to you, and soon you will start to notice subtle
changes within yourself.