So you just got a crystal...yay! Now what? What do you do with it? Let's dig into not only how you cleanse your crystals, but the why. Most importantly, we will discover how to use your crystals by programming them! 

Why do you need to cleanse & charge your crystals?

Cleansing your crystals is always a good idea, especially cleansing a new crystal that you may have just adopted. There were probably many hands that crystal passed through to make its way to you. From the mine, all the way to the shop you purchased your new crystal from. That has a potential to be a lot of hands and energy! It is a great idea to cleanse your new crystals when you bring them home.

Always cleanse the crystals you use frequently. Healing crystals are energy! They can hold onto negative energy just like they hold onto positive energy. 

Try to make it a habit of cleansing your crystals especially your frequently used crystals weekly. There are many ways to cleanse crystals. You do not need to rely on just one form. Do what feels right for you! Some ways are more favorable for some than others depending on where you live, whats accessible, and what feels best for you.

How to Cleanse your Crystals

There are many ways one can charge their crystals. 
Here are some of my favorite ways:

Cleansing Crystals with Smoke

Using a smudge stick or palo santo or incense is a great way to charge your crystals. By using the smoke, you are cleansing the crystal of all of the negative energy that it could be holding. The smoke helps to reset the crystals and clears away all of the negative energy.

Cleansing Crystals with Water

Immersing your crystal in running water or salt water is another way to cleanse crystals. The negativity is washed away leaving your crystal revitalized. Do be careful with this method as some crystals like selenite are delicate. Selenite will literally dissolve in water. The water method is not the ideal method for all crystals. It is always a good idea to research the crystal you are working with to see if there are any specifications on cleansing it properly.

Cleansing Crystals with Other Crystals

This is a favorite method to cleanse and charge my crystals. Using a crystal like selenite or clear quartz is a wonderful way to cleanse crystals. This method is so easy! Use a selenite or clear quartz charging plate. All you have to do is place your crystals on the charging plate overnight. 

Cleansing Crystals with Moonlight

Utilizing moonlight is another great way to charge your crystals. I love to use a tray or bowl to place all my crystals on. This way it is easy to carry them all outside without doing so many trips. Don’t forget to bring them inside! You do not have to wait for a Full Moon to charge crystals! You can charge and cleanse crystals with moonlight whenever you like!

Crystal Tip: If you live in an apartment or in the city and do not have access to a backyard or balcony, simply place your crystals on the windowsill!

Crystal Cleansing In the Sun

Utilize the power of the sun to charge crystals. Using a tray or bowl is a great way to transport all your crystal babies outside safely. This is my favorite way to charge and cleanse new crystals. However, this method isn’t the best way to charge all crystals. 

Why? Because the sun is powerful! The sun will cause some crystals to fade if left out in the sun. In particular crystals like amethyst and celestite are known to fade in the sun. Definitely utilize another method when charging crystals like celestite and amethyst to avoid your crystal from fading. 

There are a few other ways to charge and cleanse your crystals (sound, visualization, burying them, etc). But I do not do them personally and prefer the other methods mentioned.

Cleansing Crystals is so easy!

It is so easy to cleanse crystals! Be sure to cleanse them often if you are using them often. Think of your crystals as a cell phone battery, the more you use your crystals, the more depleted the energy gets and needs to be recharged.

Some of the methods mentioned may not work for you. If you do not have access to a safe place to put your crystals outside or have a windowsill/patio you can utilize, it may be best to utilize one of the other methods mentioned.

Using a smudge stick with dried herbs is a great way to cleanse and charge your crystals. Or cleansing crystals with incense is a great idea! Not only will it clear your space of any negative energy, but will also recharge your crystals.

Do what feels right for you! Cleansing crystals is easy and can be fun. Once you have cleansed your crystal, what happens next? You need to program your crystal. This not only gives it a role, it helps to focus the energy of the crystal on the intention you are working on. Think of you as being the head coach and your crystals are members of your team. With a proper game plan and your teammates knowing where to focus their attention, success is inevitable! Why? Because you are working together. Energy is being focused on the intention at hand.

How to Program your Crystals

1. Cleanse your crystal with whatever method you prefer.

2. Take your crystal and hold it between your hands. Close your eyes and breathe. Take as many deep breaths as you need to relax, calm your mind, and to hold space. 3 Deep Breaths is a good start. Do what feels right for you and your body.

3. Be open and reflect on what it is you are seeking, the purpose. Be as specific as possible. The more specific the better! Describe it in detail, what you want to happen, feel it.

4. When you are ready, say out loud if you choose, "I program this crystal for.... (include your purpose & any intentions you would like to include)" When you are done, say Thank You, 3x. This emits gratitude because what you are asking for is/has always been readily available for you.

5. Place the crystal where you will see it frequently. It could be by your bedside table, in your bathroom, in your pocket, etc. Hold the crystal as often as you'd like. Each time you do, think of your intention.

Cleansing Your Crystals

Cleansing your crystals is a practice that should be done regularly. You will find which method works best for you. It could be that you love to place your new crystals in the sun. You may love doing a moon ritual and cleansing your crystals with moonlight. It is all up to you. Always do what feels right. Listen to your intuition.