How to Cleanse and Charge Crystals

Cleansing and charging are rituals used in crystal healing to clear a crystal of energy said to accumulate over time, and to restore it. There are several common methods, but some can physically damage the stone. Water, salt and direct sunlight all carry real risks for certain minerals, while smoke is the safest option.

Getting the Most Out of Your Crystals

For thousands of years, crystals have been used for their metaphysical healing properties. Within crystal healing, cleansing and charging are considered important steps in getting the most out of your crystals.

The purpose of cleansing is to remove negative energy that's believed to build up over time. The purpose of charging is to restore the crystal's energy, which is believed to dissipate through extended use.

Whichever method you choose, the most important practical consideration is whether it will damage the stone. Several of the most widely recommended methods can, and the advice found online rarely mentions it.

Cleansing Crystals in Water

Many crystal healers recommend cleansing crystals by submerging them in water. Before doing so, it's important to check that a crystal can be cleansed this way.

Many minerals, including malachite, pyrite, selenite, turquoise and angelite, should not be allowed to get wet.

Salt water is often recommended, but it should really be avoided. Plain water is far more suitable. Salt is abrasive, works its way into cracks and cleavage planes, and can corrode and mark softer minerals and metal settings.

Even for stones that tolerate water, such as quartz, it's best not to leave them submerged for any length of time. Where possible, dry them using a soft, lint-free cloth.

Charging Crystals in Sunlight

It's often recommended that crystals be charged in sunlight. This is a contentious subject because many minerals are sensitive to heat, light or both. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause a crystal to fade, change colour or dehydrate. Amethyst and fluorite are just two examples.

Charging Crystals in Moonlight

Charging crystals in moonlight, particularly under a full moon, is popular within crystal healing and carries none of the fading risk associated with sunlight.

When using this method, it's important to be aware of weather conditions. Crystals should not be left outside when it's cold, damp or if rain is expected. Stones that are sensitive to water shouldn't be left out overnight, as early-morning dew is enough to cause damage.

Cleansing Crystals with Smoke

Cleansing with smoke is the safest method. The ritual is widely used by crystal healers and in other spiritual practices. Its purpose is to remove negative energy and purify a space or object.

It involves burning herbs and allowing the smoke to flow freely. A smudge stick is a bundle of herbs tied together. Some consist of one herb, whilst others have several. Sage, cedar, lavender and rosemary are among the most popular, although many herbs and some spices can be used. Palo santo, a wood from trees that grow mainly in South America, is also widely used.

One advantage often mentioned is that the surrounding environment is cleansed at the same time as the crystals. Using smoke for purification has a long history across many cultures.

a bundle of herbs tied together, gently smoking. This item is called a smudge stick

A Note on Sage and Palo Santo

Two points are worth knowing before buying either.

White sage is heavily overharvested from wild populations in southern California. A significant amount that reaches the commercial market has been collected illegally.

Palo santo is frequently mislabelled, and it's often impossible to tell whether wood was collected from naturally fallen trees, as it should be, or has been cut from living trees.

Garden-grown common sage, rosemary, lavender and cedar work perfectly well for the same purpose and carry none of these problems.

It's also worth noting that 'smudging' actually refers to a specific ceremonial practice of Indigenous North American peoples.

Choosing a Method

There are many different ways to cleanse and charge crystals. Whichever you choose, the process can help you to connect with them on a deeper level.

Building a relationship with your crystals may help you tune in more easily to their healing properties. Many people who cleanse and charge their crystals regularly say the stones feel very different afterwards.

What is Manifestation?

In crystal healing, manifestation refers to using specific crystals to help one attract or manifest a desire, goal, or intention.

The technique is based on the belief that crystals possess unique energies that can help amplify and focus one's thoughts, intentions and emotions.

People who use crystals for holistic health and well-being believe that using them in certain ways can help them attract positive experiences, people, and circumstances into their lives.

To use crystals for manifestation, you should choose a crystal that resonates with your intention or goal. It should then be held or placed close to you during meditation. It can also be placed in a prominent location within your living or workspace.

Some of the most popular crystals for manifestation include clear quartz, citrine, amethyst and rose quartz.

During the manifestation ritual, you should visualise the desired outcome while focusing on the crystal. The crystal is believed to amplify intentions and help bring them into reality.

What to Bear in Mind

The effects and success of using crystals for their healing properties will vary from person to person. No two experiences will be the same.

It's important to remember that crystal healing is an alternative therapy that may not be effective for everyone. Despite extensive research over many years, science has never found anything conclusive to support the ability of crystals to heal.

Crystals should never be used to replace professional medical advice or to treat a medical or mental health condition. However, some people may find that working with crystals can be helpful and beneficial when used in conjunction with other forms of care.