How to Cleanse your Crystals - which method is best?

Whichever method you choose, the most important thing to remember is that your intention is vital. 

It's normal when you buy a new crystal that someone else's energy will be on it.  This can be from the mining process, distribution, packing etc and the crystals will retain the energy that they've picked up on their journey to you whether good or bad.  In my opinion, all crystals should be cleansed when you first get them and I feel it's part of their settling in process.

When cleansing your crystals, imagine that any negativity is being released from the stones and that they're being cleansed ready to work with you.

So, which crystal cleansing methods is the best?

WATER
Using water is a good way of cleansing your crystals but some stones, such as Selenite, can be damaged by water so please check first.  There are various ways to use water to cleanse your crystals.

- hold them under running tap water

- place them in a bowl of spring water

- hold them in the waves of the ocean or the current of a clean stream or river

My rating - 7 out of 10 (as some crystals aren't suitable for this method)

OTHER CRYSTALS

Did you know that crystals can cleanse other crystals?  How amazing is that?  Citrine, Clear Quartz and Selenite can all be used for cleansing other crystals.  When you get a new crystal, place it in a bowl with Citrine or Clear Quartz crystals and leave for a few hours to cleanse.  Another great idea is to use a Selenite Charging Plate. 

My rating - 7 out of 10 (as it takes quite a while)

SOUND

Sound is a very effective way of cleansing crystals and one that I use all the time as it's so quick and easy.  I tend to use Tingsha Bells, also known as Tibetan Hanging Cymbals, but you can also use a singing bowl or drum.

My rating - 10 out of 10 (as it's easy and instant)

SMOKE

A very common crystal cleansing method is using Californian White Sage in the form of a smudge stick but loose leaves can also be used.  The crystals can be individually passed through the perfumed smoke or a whole batch can be cleansed at one time.  Incense is also great to cleanse your crystals in this way.

My rating - 8 out of 10 (as if you're sensitive to smells it might not be the best method for you)

BREATH

Sometimes known as the Prana Breath, blowing mindfully on your crystals can also be used to cleanse them.  Hold them in your hand and slowly and gently blow on them 3 times.  As you breathe on the crystals, imagine the energy of anyone who has ever touched the crystals before being blown away so that they're cleansed and ready to work with you.

My rating - 9 out of 10 (only because you might not be sure it's actually worked as there's nothing to see)

BROWN RICE

This may seem a strange one but it does work!  Bury your crystals in a bowl of uncooked brown rice and leave in place for 12 - 24 hours.  Once you've removed your cleansed crystals, immediately throw away the rice as it will have absorbed any negative energy that was attached to the stones.

My rating - 5 out of 10 (as it can be a little time consuming and messy)

Whichever method you use, I hope this guide has helped.