Crystals transmit & receive energies. They have the ability to enhance, transform, attract, repel & transmute energies, therefore it is a good idea to know not only how to use your crystals but also how to look after them. In this article we will cover the various ways you can use crystals, how to programme them, how to look after them & keep them cleansed, so you are always working with your crystals full magical power.
Cleansing Your Crystals
Crystals attract & retain the energy that surrounds them, therefore they can carry a lot of residual energy. This residual energy not only hampers your crystals abilities but that energy can also be transferred to you. Therefore it is important that the first thing you do when you buy a new crystal is cleanse it. Crystals should also be cleansed regularly, even if it is only you that is using them. Each time you cleanse a crystal it restores it to its full magic potential & it also clears any previous intentions etc you may have set when using your stone.
There are various ways of doing this & they are as follows:
- Smudging-This way of cleansing was used by the Native Americans. If you have not heard of smudging before, it is the practice of lighting a smudge stick, typically made out of dried sage & allowing the smoke to drift over your crystals. Smudging is often used to dispel negative energies in an environment & on the body. It is a very effective method to use to clear your crystals of any residual energies.
- Water-Rinse your crystals under flowing water or you can wash them in bodies of water such as the sea. Not all crystals like water though, so before you use this method of cleansing, check that your crystal is water safe. A quick internet check will soon tell you if its ok to use water on your crystal but the general rule is if your crystal ends in 'ite' so for example Pyrite, Fluorite, Malachite etc it will not like water, but always check to be on the safe side.
- Moonlight-Either leaving your crystals outside or on the windowsill under the moonlight, especially on the night of a full moon is a very powerful way to cleanse & re-energise your crystals.
- Sunlight-Also a very powerful way to cleanse your crystals but again some crystals do not like sunlight. If left in the sun they can become discoloured & brittle. Also if left in the sun for to long, some crystals can actually become a fire hazard.
- Earth or Dirt-Being that the earth is one of the most grounding elements, which has the ability to cleanse & reinvigorate the spirit, it can do exactly the same for crystals. You can bury your crystals outside in the soil (make sure the soil is not wet or its not going to rain if you do this) or you can have a box of dirt inside to place them in. Either way you choose to do it, using dirt is an amazing way to cleanse your crystals.
- Selenite-This crystal has the amazing ability to cleanse & re-energise all other crystals. Simply place your crystals near a piece of Selenite or on a Selenite charging plate, for at least four hours or overnight.
- Himalayan Salt Lamp-Simply place your crystals near an Himalayan Salt Lamp to cleanse & recharge them.
- A Quartz Geode-If you have a large Quartz Geode, placing smaller crystals on top of it will cleanse & recharge them.
- Incense-The same concept as smudging, once the incense is lit you allow the smoke to drift over the crystals, cleansing them of any residual energy.
Whichever method you choose to use, set a clear intention that your crystals will be free from & clear of any unwanted energy.
Programming Your Crystals
Programming your crystals is another term for setting your intention. When you set your intention this will then activate your crystal. Crystals are always vibrating at a certain frequency but when you set intention with them, think of it as you are giving the crystal direction as to where to specifically focus its energy.
So to programme your crystal start off by holding your crystal in your dominant hand, get comfortable with it, feel its energy. Then say out loud 'I invite this (crystal name) to amplify my intentions' then speak your intentions out loud. Make sure you are clear & precise with your intentions. Whilst doing this, visualise your desired outcome & hold this visualisation for a few minutes. When you are ready thank your crystal & then use it in the way you are drawn to. For ideas on how to use your crystals please see below.
How To Use Your Crystals
There are many ways to use crystals. You may find that you are drawn to one particular way of using your crystals, or you may enjoy exploring the many different ways. Trust your intuition & go with what makes you feel comfortable.
Crystals can be used as follows:
- During meditation crystals can be held or placed near.
- They can be worn as jewellery.
- They can be placed under your pillow or placed close to you as you sleep.
- They can be used to make crystal elixirs.
- Crystals can be used in what is known as a crystal grid, for a specific healing purpose.
- They can be used as pendulums for dowsing.
- They can be used for divination work.
- They can be placed on specific areas of the body during reiki, chakra work & crystal healing sessions.
- They can be used as decoration throughout your home.
- Crystals can be used to cleanse other crystals, the body & the aura.
- They can be placed in specific area of your home to match your intentions.
- They can be carried in your pockets or purse
- They can be placed in your garden to encourage plant growth.
When you start using crystals it will be a case of trial & error for a while. What works for others, may not work for you. Take your time to explore all the different ways of using & caring for your crystals & don't let yourself get overwhelmed with all the information. Just have fun with it & enjoy exploring the magic.