Introduction

There are several different methods for cleansing your crystals. It is very important to take these steps between each healing session, such as laying-on-of stones, as it keeps the crystals from being attuned to the negative energies that were involved in the process. When wearing crystals, you can sense that it is time to cleanse and charge them, they sometimes lose their ability to work effectively. Also, any new stone or piece of jewelry should be cleansed and charged, unless already done so by the person from which it came from, but it is still important to program it with your own energy, as it will need to "get to know you". If you are the one receiving a laying-on-of stones session, focus on what it is you wish to achieve as the stones are being placed on you. If you are seeking guidance, simply state that in your mind, and then allow your thoughts to quiet down, but do not force it. Let things happen naturally:

Cleansing by Water:

This is perhaps the easiest method in which to cleanse your stones. Most agates and quartz stones are safe when using water. Avoid using this method with calcites and soft stones.  Simply place the stones under a running faucet, or submerge in a stream. Other water sources are fountains, waterfalls, ocean shores, or submerged in ponds. Be sure to secure your stones in netting or hold securely as to not lose the stones. This can be done for any length of time, but your intuition is the most accurate in determining it. If not sure, it is said to submerge for periods that coincide with a numerical value that holds power. Such as three fold, seven fold, and so forth.

Cleansing by Smudging:

This method of cleansing is one of the safer ways of cleansing your stones, as it does not affect some the way water might, especially if your stone is porous or fragile. Different kinds of incense can be used. Some sources say cobalt, frankincense, myrrh, and amber are traditional methods. I prefer sage as this instills a sense of connection with Native American spirituality, who have always used crystals and stones in healing. You can find sage bundles at most Native American trader shops or on line. It is also traditional to have a mother of pearl shell to catch the ashes. Remember to be careful burning incense around sensitive individuals who may have allergies, and in an environment that has little ventilation. Also be sure your pets are not bothered by it, as they are much more sensitive to smoke then people.

Cleansing by Earth:

     This method of cleansing is great for people who enjoy gardening, and involves burying the stone in the earth for a period of time. This method is very effective as it can create the same environment in which a crystal was first nurtured in. Be sure that the crystals that you bury are not soft or porous. This method works best with harder crystals such as agate, amethyst, quartz, etc. Also, if the stone is mounted in jewelry, or is easily affected by scratches, be sure to wrap the stone in a natural cloth. The length of time once again as in the water method, can be determined by your intuition, or based on a powerful number such as three days, hours, or weeks.

Charging your Crystals

Charging is done by placing your stones either in sunlight or moonlight, depending on the energy you desire to charge the stone with. Sunlight is best used with stones that are yang or energizing in their properties. Moonlight is great for stones that create intuition or enhance yin qualities. Be careful with some stones such as amethyst, when placed in the sun, as they may fade if put out for too long. Once again, your intuition will guide you on the length of time, as will your location. For instance, in Phoenix, Arizona, the sun is very intense, and therefore requires very little time to charge crystals. A crystal that is charged will have a certain glow, or intensity in it's appearance that is only really your ability to see it's subtle energies. This is a great way to practice seeing auras.

Wait! One more Step! (Programming)

Before using your crystals, it is a good idea to send healing intent into them. This is easy, and simply requires holding the stone and focusing your thoughts on what it is you wish the crystal to do. To re-program, simply cleanse, charge, and send intent into the crystal, and your ready.