How To Care For Your Crystals And Stones by Mary Ann Miller

Jan 29, 2010 by Susan

Mary Ann Miller head shot How To Care For Your Crystals And Stones by Mary Ann Miller Crystals and stones are powerful beings in their own right and they need to be approached with respect as they are part of the family of life. Crystals, like humans have a function and purpose for their existence. It has been discovered that every organ in the human and animal body vibrates to a certain frequency. So, too, do crystals and stones vibrate at a particular frequency. By matching these frequencies and personalizing your crystal or stone you are able to create a conscious tool for enhancing your life.

The following suggestions are for personalizing and tuning the crystal into your energy fields. This is an extremely important part of the ritual of working with crystals and stones. These are only guidelines and with a little practice you will develop your own unique ways of preparing your crystals and stones for healing and energy work.

CLEANING

First you need to make sure your crystal is physically clean. The simplest method is to clean your crystal under lukewarm running water with a soft toothbrush and a mild, detergent-free soap. Rinse in spring water or filtered water then pat dry with a soft towel or use your breath to dry imparting your energies to the crystal.

DEDICATING

Upon receiving a “new” crystal a dedication is always recommended. This may be accomplished by holding the crystal in your hands. Picture light surrounding it. Say out loud: “I dedicate this crystal to the highest good of all. May it be used in light and love.”

CLEANSING OR PURIFYING

Your crystal or stone has passed through many hands and processes before it comes to you. Therefore it is important to cleanse or purify your stone of negative energy. In addition to the initial cleansing you will need to cleanse regularly because most crystals will become saturated and dull due to their work.

There are a multitude of methods and the following provides several examples of workable techniques.

Purify the crystal in flowing water, ocean, sea, river, lake, or purified water and energize in the sun.
Soak the crystal in saltwater for a duration of from one to seven days, this method uses three tablespoons of sea salt to a cup of water making sure the water covers the stones. Place in a glass container with the water and the crystals in a sunny location.
Another cleansing method is to bury your crystal in moist sand or soil for at least twenty-four hours. This is especially good for radiated crystals.

Note: Lapis lazuli, malachite and sodalite can be damaged by water and should therefore not be subjected to those methods. Halite and selenite are among the water soluble minerals, which means they will dissolve in water. Some crystals are sensitive to sunlight and will fade. CAUTION! CHECK OUT THE BEST METHODS FOR YOUR PARTICULAR CRYSTAL OR STONE.

Bury your crystal in a container of sea salt for between 24 hours and three days, rinse in pure water and energize in the sun.
Gently brush every speck of salt off afterward as they could damage the crystal, especially in a damp atmosphere.
Smudging is the method of crystal cleansing used by Native Americans. Cedar, sage leaves, or sweet grass are burned in an open container, and the crystal is passed several times through the smoke. If you are unable to obtain the ingredients for smudging you can use the smoke from an incense stick or pass the stone through a candle flame.
Soak the crystal in flowers, such as rose petals, orange blossoms, honeysuckle etc. for twenty-four hours; the essence strips away negativity and cleanses the stone while the purity and energy of the flower is transmitted to the stone.
Soak the crystal in brown rice for twenty-four hours; the rice balances and centers the energy, removing the negativity, while dissipating and transforming the negative to the positive. Upon completion of the “soak” the rice is purified and energized and quite wonderful to eat.
Surround the crystal with a visualized white or golden light, intending any present negativity to be transformed to positive energy.

Certain crystals or stones have the ability to cleanse other crystals. Keep a carnelian in a bag of tumbled stones and you will never need to cleanse them using any other method. A small crystal can be placed on a clear quartz cluster and left overnight. A few crystals never need cleansing. Citrine, kyanite, and azeztulite are self-cleaning.

CHARGING

To charge a crystal or stone is to give it a particular kind of energy. Charging will ensure the crystal is ready electromagnetically and is saturated with ultraviolet light which energizes the stones.

Place the crystal in the sunlight or light of the moon. Summer and winter solstice, vernal and autumn equinox, the full moon and the new moon are heavily charged. You can place your stone on a large crystal cluster or place the stone in the center of a circle surrounded by other crystals whose terminations are pointing toward the center.

AWAKENING

Your crystal or stone may need to be awakened due to its lengthy dormant state, previous overuse, or carrying stuck or negative energy. Awakening will activate and bless your crystal or stone to return to its full glory.

Crystals have been awakened by impacting the stone on the energized sand of the ocean beaches and or sand dunes. You can sound a meditative gong or gently sound bells in proximity to the crystal.

PROGRAMMING

Programming is the process of instructing the energies of the crystal or stone in the method in which to use its qualities. Precise directions are required. Hold the crystal in your hands. Let yourself be open to higher guidance. Consider the purpose for which you wish to use it. Be specific. If you want it to attract love, describe exactly what kind of love you are looking for. If you are seeking healing, say precisely for which condition and what you want to happen. When you have formulated your intention, attune to the crystal. When you are totally in tune, say out loud, “I program this crystal for (your purpose).” Then put the stone in a place where you will see it frequently or keep it in your pocket. It can be helpful to hold it two to three times a day. You may need to repeat the programming several times.

STORING YOUR CRYSTALS

Stones can be laid on altars or tables or bookcases. However, there are times when you want to keep those special, unique or rare pieces safe and sound. When not in use, wrap your crystals in a silk or velvet scarf. This prevents scratching and protects the crystals against absorbing foreign emanations.

Use and incorporate your crystals into your spiritual practice and your life, and achieve a greater connection to the physical and mineral world around you.

Information for this article came from Love is in the Earth by Melody, The Crystal Bible by Judy Hall and Simply Crystals by Cass and Janie Jackson.

Since she was a child Mary Ann Miller has been excited about rocks. In an effort to help facilitate the metaphysical and healing properties of gem stones, Mary Ann began to design jewelry for herself and for her friends. Mary Ann sells her rock collections and jewelry on her website at www.rockyourlife.com, which she runs from her home in Boulder, Colorado. Mary Ann is a member of the faculty at Satiama. Learn more about Mary Ann or to view her jewelry at Satiama.