Choosing and caring for crystals

 

Choosing, Using and caring for your crystals

When shopping for crystals, what should you do?

Buying crystals online is a good way of getting them but this has its drawbacks:

You don’t know the crystal you’re getting. It may not be right for you or it may have impurities that could affect its appearance and energy 

Be aware that there are lots of fake crystals around especially online but they are now creeping into shops too. Know your crystals well and you can learn to spot fake or manufactured crystals 

Ensure that wherever you get your crystals from you must cleanse them appropriately and leave them to sit for a while with you to charge them and connect with them. 

Sleep with them near you, carry them around and they will respond.

But how do I know if a crystal is right for me?

If you are buying from a shop, hold your left hand over the crystals to feel the subtle energy from them. You will be drawn to your right crystals. Pick them up with your left hand and gently hold them individually in your left hand. If it feels warm it’s for you if it’s very cold and won’t get warm it’s not.

Looking after your crystals 

In crystal healing traditions, there is no single “correct” way to cleanse crystals 

Different practitioners and traditions use pdifferent methods depending on their beliefs and the form of the stone. Since some are  a relatively durable mineral, several common cleansing methods are considered suitable however ALWAYS check for the right method for cleansing any crystal as soft , water soluble or toxic crystals require particular care when using and cleansing.

Moonlight Cleansing

Many crystal practitioners prefer moonlight, especially during a full moon.

• Place the crystal on a windowsill or outdoors overnight.
• Retrieve it the following morning.
• Some dedicate the cleansing to a deity, spirit, or personal intention.

This is often regarded as a gentle method that will not damage the stone.

Smoke Cleansing

A traditional method in many spiritual paths.

• Pass the stone through the smoke of incense such as frankincense, myrrh, mugwort, or rosemary.
• Visualise stagnant energies being carried away by the smoke.

Some practitioners also use bundles of herbs, though practices vary by culture and tradition.

Running Water

Some crystal workers rinse softer briefly under cool running water. Harder crystals will cope fine with running water but always check!

• Hold the stone under running water for a minute or two.
• Visualise unwanted energies washing away.

However, avoid prolonged soaking, especially if your specimen contains fractures or other minerals. DO NOT DRINK the water or apply to skin unless you are positive it is safe to do so!!

Earth Cleansing

 Your crystals can be charged and cleansed with Earth energy, some witches and crystal practitioners bury it temporarily.

• Place it directly in clean soil or in a natural-fiber pouch.
• Leave it buried from several hours to several days.
• Unearth it and gently clean away any dirt.

This method is often used after intense spiritual work. Remember where you put it! 

Sound Cleansing

Sound is popular because it is safe for virtually all crystals.

• Use a singing bowl, bell, tuning fork, drum, or chanting.
• Allow the sound vibrations to surround the stone for several minutes.

Crystal-on-Crystal Cleansing

Some traditions place target crystals on or near crystals believed to have self-cleansing properties, such as

• Selenite
• Clear quartz clusters
• Amethyst geodes

Charging After Cleansing

Many practitioners follow cleansing with charging:

• Hold the stone in your hands.
• State an intention such as healing, growth, protection, or spiritual development.
• Visualize the stone filling with light or energy.

A Traditional Witchcraft Approach

For a witch using crystals in magical practice, a simple ritual might be:

1. Pass the stone through incense smoke.
2. Hold it over a bowl of spring water.
3. Say a blessing or charm related to transformation and renewal.
4. Leave it in moonlight overnight.
5. Dedicate it to your magical purpose before use.

Many crystal practitioners feel that intention is more important than the specific method. The cleansing ritual is often viewed as a way of focusing the mind and marking the stone’s role in spiritual work rather than physically altering the crystal itself.

Should you keep crystals separate?

Yes and no. This depends on the crystals. Some rest nicely with each other whilst others may damage or discharge another crystal stored with it. 

Learn your crystals, treat each one with care, store properly and they will serve you for many years .

They give back what you give them.