Before buying your crystals frequently travel a significant distance from the source to the vendor. Every change in direction exposes the stone to energies that might not be in harmony with yours.
These stones are also claimed to absorb or reroute the negativity you’re trying to shed when they’re utilised for healing.
The only method to return your crystal to its original state is to regularly cleanse and recharge your stones. Your own sense of purpose may be revitalised by this act of kindness.
Some of the most common ways to cleanse are below
1. Running Water
Water is said to neutralize any negative energy stored inside the stone and return it back to the earth. Although natural running water — like a stream — is best, you can also rinse your stone under a faucet.
Whatever your water source, ensure that your stone is completely submerged. Pat dry when complete.
Approximate duration: 1 minute per stone
Use this for: hard stones, such as quartz
Don’t use this for: stones that are brittle or soft, such as selenite, kyanite, and halite
2. SaltWater
Salt has been used throughout history to absorb unwanted energy and banish negativity.
If you’re near the ocean, consider collecting a bowl of fresh saltwater. Otherwise, mix a tablespoon of sea, rock, or table salt into a bowl of water.
Make sure that your stone is completely submerged, and allow it to soak for a few hours to a few days’ time. Rinse and pat dry when complete.
Approximate duration: up to 48 hours
Use this for: hard stones, such as quartz and amethyst
Don’t use this for: stones that are soft, porous, or contain trace metals, such as malachite, selenite, halite, calcite, lepidolite, and angelite
3. Brown Rice
This method can also be used to draw out negativity in a safe and contained setting. It’s especially beneficial for protective stones, such as black tourmaline.
To do this, fill a bowl with dry brown rice and bury your stone beneath the grains. Dispose of the rice immediately after the cleansing, as the rice is said to have absorbed the energy you’re trying to eradicate.
Approximate duration: 24 hours
Use this for: any stone
4. Natural Light
Although ritual cleansing is often centered around certain points in the solar or lunar cycle, you can set your stone out at any time to cleanse and recharge.
Set your stone out before nightfall and plan to bring it in before 11 a.m. — this will allow your stone to bathe in the light of both the moon and sun.
Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight may weather the stone’s surface, so make sure you return for it in the morning.
If you’re able to, place your stone directly on the earth. This will allow for further cleansing. Wherever they are, ensure they won’t be disturbed by wildlife or passersby.
Afterward, give the stone a quick rinse to remove any dirt and debris. Pat dry.
Approximate duration: 10 to 12 hours
Use this for: most tumbled stones
Don’t use this for: vibrant stones, such as amethyst, in sunlight; soft stones, such as celestite, halite, and selenite, that may be damaged by inclement weather
5.Sage
Sage is a sacred plant with a multitude of healing properties. Smudging your stone is said to clear inharmonious vibrations and restore its natural energy.
You’ll need:
- a fire-safe bowl
- a lighter or matches
- loose or bundled sage
If you’re unable to smudge outdoors, make sure you’re near an open window. This will allow the smoke and negative energy to disperse.
When you’re ready, ignite the tip of the sage with the flame. Transfer the sage to your nondominant hand and firmly grasp your stone and move it through the smoke.
Allow the smoke to envelop the stone for about 30 seconds. If it’s been a while since your last cleansing — or you feel the stone is holding onto a lot — consider smudging for an additional 30 seconds.
Approximate duration: about 30 to 60 seconds per stone
Use this for: any stone