When you first buy your crystal, or after use for healing, or even after it has been sitting gathering dust on your computer, your crystal will need to be cleansed. The reasons for cleansing are manifold; if it is new to you it is likely the crystal will have been handled by many people before coming to you, each time their energy imprint will have been left; if you use crystals for healing, each time it is used it will have accumulated the energy imprint of the imbalance you were helping; if its just been sitting doing its job, it is likely to have absorbed energy from its surroundings.

Whatever the reason, cleansing your crystals is the best way to remove any unwanted energies and restore them to their original clarity, therefore ensuring they can continue to work well for you.

If you are not sure whether or not to cleanse your crystal, pick it up and ask it. By connecting with the crystal you will feel whether it is emanating positive energy or if it seems dull and lacklustre and then you will know if it needs cleansing.

There are several methods of cleansing, try anyone of the following:

moon water

Place a bowl of water outside on a clear night under the moon to allow the energies of the moon to charge the water.

Then cleanse the crystal in the moon water either by washing it or leaving it to rest for a while, before removing it and allowing it to dry naturally.

sun and water

Wash the crystals under running water and then leave out in the sun to dry, or;

Place the crystals in a bowl of water out in the sunlight, or;

Charge a bowl of water out in the sunlight for a little while (not so long that it evaporates) and then use this water the cleanse your crystal as with moon water

smudging

Smudging is using the smoke from burning incense or a smudge brush to cleanse the crystal. Hold the crystal within the smoke of some incense or wave the smudge brush over the crystals. The best herbs to use for this are sage, sandalwood, frankincense or cedarwood.

sea salt

Bury your crystal within a bowl of sea salt for 24 hours (use pure sea salt rather than table salt, and don't use salt water as this will corrode the crystal). This method can be quite harsh and should really only be used on a stubborn crystal or one that has imbued a significant amount of unwanted or negative energy.

earth

Another harsher method is to bury your crystal under earth for 24 hours, ideally choose somewhere in your garden, and not too close to plants if the crystal has a significant amount of unwanted energy as this will be passed on to your plants! Remember to mark the spot where you buried them so you know where to dig up after the 24 hours.

charging

Once you have cleansed your crystals you can now charge them with whichever intent or affirmation you wish them to carry for you, based on their inherent properties.

Charging your crystal revitalises it and gives it a purpose, beyond that which it naturally has. This is ideal for crystals used to dowse, or heal as you are able to ensure that it has the relevant energy within it. For instance for dowsing, you may wish to imbue the crystal with protection from your higher protectors (angel/guardian etc) and program it to always tell you the truth.

Charging a crystal means that it will absorb your intentions, so only charge a crystal when your mind is clear of any negativity and is clear in its intent. A simple method of charging is as follows:

Prior to starting the charging process, think carefully about what you want your crystal to do for you, or how you wish to charge it and write down an affirmation to sum this up.

Whilst thinking about this, place your crystal in the centre of a selection of quartz crystals, to focus the energy within your crystal and purify it in readiness for the charging.

After cleansing, hold your crystal in your hands and clear your mind completely

If you can start to enter into a meditative state by noticing your breathing, and relaxing your body and mind

When you feel ready, focus on your intent for the crystal, breathe in and out and on your out breath, breathe directly on the crystal whilst focused on the thought.

Now say out loud your affirmation, speaking to the crystal.

Keep holding the crystal and focusing on your affirmation and intent until you feel ready, you will know when the charge has been absorbed.

Ensure you keep your charged crystal stored separately from other crystals so that they do not absorb its energy or it absorbs theirs.