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Cleansing and using your crystals

In this section...

Choosing your crystal
Crystal energy
Cleansing crystals
Energizing your crystals
Connecting energies
Programming your crystals
Grounding and centering yourself
Protecting your crystals

Choosing your crystal

Often when people buy crystals, they tell us that they've picked up a crystal and for some reason just can't put it down. At other times, people feel a buzzing sensation when they hold a crystal and feel compelled to buy it.

These are great signs and perfectly normal. It's a great way to gather crystals - using your inner intuition and sensing that sometimes the crystal just needs to come home with you!

If you're unsure about which crystal to choose, you can also ask Which crystals do I need today? and see which one says pick me! J

Make sure you carry your crystals with you in your pocket or in an Astral Alchemy pouch, so they can take care of you all day.
 

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What do I do now?

Once you have chosen your crystal, you may ask What does it do? or What do I do with them?

We've provided some information below and encourage you to use your intuition and experiment a little. There's also information in our crystal section and links to books in our books page.

While carrying crystals with you or having them around your home is a good start, it's by working with your crystals that you'll get the most benefit.

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Crystal energy
As crystals pass from person to person, they collect different energies. By cleansing them you are essential giving them a recharge.

Just as we become less effective when our energy is depleted, so too do crystals.

Once you cleans your crystal, whether it's in the sun, moon (our favourite) or during the solstice/equinox - you'll notice the AMAZING difference.

They shine brighter, feel lighter and generate a more positive energy.

When should I cleanse my crystals?
When you first receive a crystal, it's important that you cleanse your crystal and connect with its unique energies so it can achieve its greatest potential. There are many ways and times to to cleanse crystals.

At Astral Alchemy we have tried each method below and cleans and energize our crystals during the full moon of each season. We encourage you to do what feels right for you, by regularly cleansing and energizing your crystals you'll form a very special connection.

How to cleans and use crystals?
There are many different ways to cleanse and connect with crystals - we've included a few for you to try.

Find out more

You can find out more about crystals by reading about crystals or order online.

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Cleansing your crystals

Note: All Astral Alchemy crystals are tumbled and safe to cleans with water, however there are many types of crystals. Some are fragile and others dissolve in water, so be sure to learn as much as you can about your crystals before cleansing crystals. Read on to find out more about cleaning and using crystals.

Here are some techniques and ideas for you to try - experiment with what feels right when cleansing and using crystals.

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Cleansing your crystals - ocean, river or stream

Ocean, river or stream

To cleans your crystals in the ocean or a river, try this lovely cleansing ritual.

1. Find a clean, peaceful area where you can spend some time uninterrupted.

2. Walk to the waters edge, or enter the water as you feel comfortable.

3. Cup your hands over your crystal and carefully hold it in the water.

4. Let the water gently wash over it for a few minutes.

5. Say or think a few loving words to cleans your crystal.

Try for example, 'I accept this gift from the universe, with love and light, and good and pure intentions. Please wash away any negativity that may surround it and bring only loving, positive energy.'

6. Remove your crystal from the water when it feels right to do so

7. Place your crystal on a safe, clean surface to dry in the air naturally

8. Once it is dry, place it in your Astral Alchemy pouch or another protected place

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Cleansing your crystals - at home

Water

To cleans your crystals at home, try this lovely cleansing ritual.

You will need a glass container and enough water to cover your crystal(s)

Optional: Flower petals to add to the bowl

1. Find a clean, peaceful area where you can spend some time uninterrupted.

2. Pour water into a clean glass container

3. Place your crystal into the container - ensure the water covers it

4. Place flower petals into the bowl if you feel inclined

5. Say or think a few loving words to cleans your crystal(s).

Try for example, 'I accept this gift from the universe, with love and light, and good and pure intentions. Please wash away any negativity that may surround it and bring only loving, positive energy.'

1. Leave the crystal(s) in the water overnight to cleanse (near natural light)

2. Remove your crystal from the water

3. Place your crystal on a safe, clean surface to dry in the air naturally

4. Once it is dry, place it in your Astral Alchemy pouch or another protected place

5. Complete the ceremony by thanking the universe

6. Pour the crystal water onto a nearby plant to energise it (as an exchange, you could return the water to the flower that offered its petals)

See energizing crystals (below)

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Energizing your crystals

Once you have cleansed your crystals, you can energize them using the earths natural energy. This includes the sun, moon, stars, planets, seasons and storms as well as the seasons, solstices and equinoxes.

Here are a few methods and corresponding crystals for you to try, however experiment a little and use your intuition. You'll find what's right for you.

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Energising your crystals with the sun

To energize your crystals with the warm and life giving energy of the sun, try this lovely energizing ritual.

1. Find a sunny place outside that is also partially shady.
2. Place your crystals on a clean, safe surface or in a glass bowl of water
3. Say or think a few loving words to welcome the earths energy for your crystal(s).

Try for example, 'I accept this gift from the universe, with love and light, and good and pure intentions. Please energise this crystal with life giving energy of the sun.'

1. Leave your crystals outside for 3 days (or what feels right for you at the time)
2. Remove your crystal from the water

3. Place your crystal on a safe, clean surface to dry in the air naturally

4. Once it is dry, place it in your Astral Alchemy pouch or another protected place

5. Complete the ceremony by thanking the energy of the sun

6. Pour the crystal water onto a nearby plant to energise it

Try: Carnelian, Citrine and Red Jasper

Warning - Do not do this method in very hot weather or in a fully exposed position. High temperatures and prolonged sunlight can crack and damage some crystals - especially quartz crystals. If in doubt, please use another method below.

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Energising your crystals with the moon

To energize your crystals with the gentle, loving energy of the moon, try this lovely energizing ritual.

1. Find out when the next full/new moon occurs - see the lunar calendar
2. Find a place outside that will receive the moon's light
3. Place your crystals on a clean, safe surface or in a glass bowl of water
4. Say or think a few loving words to welcome the earths energy for your crystal(s).

Try for example, 'I accept this gift from the universe, with love and light, and good and pure intentions. Please energise this crystal with loving, gentle energy of the moon.'

1. Leave your crystals in the moons light overnight
2. On the next morning, remove your crystal from the water

3. Place your crystal on a safe, clean surface to dry in the air naturally

4. Once it is dry, place it in your Astral Alchemy pouch or another protected place

5. Complete the ceremony by thanking the energy of the moon

6. Pour the crystal water onto a nearby plant to energise it

Try: all crystals, particularly Labradorite

Note: Astral Alchemy energises all of our crystals on the full moon of every season. You can never over-energise with the moon.

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Energising your crystals with the Solstice and Equinox

The solstice and equinox signifies the completion of one cycle and the beginning of a new life phases. To energize your crystals with the transforming energy of the solstice or equinox, try this lovely energizing ritual.

1. Read about solstices and equinoxes
2. Find out when the next solstice or equinox occurs - see the lunar calendar
3. Place your crystals on a clean, safe surface outside or in a glass bowl of water
4. Say or think a few loving words to welcome the earths energy for your crystal(s).

Try for example, 'I accept this gift from the universe, with love and light, and good and pure intentions. Please energise this crystal with the transforming energy of the Summer/Winter Solstice or Autumn/Spring Equinox.'

1. Leave your crystals outside overnight
2. On the next morning, remove your crystal from the water

3. Place your crystal on a safe, clean surface to dry in the air naturally

4. Once it is dry, place it in your Astral Alchemy pouch or another protected place

5. Complete the ceremony by thanking the energy of the Solstice/Equinox

6. Pour the crystal water onto a nearby plant to energise it

Try: all crystals
See: solstice or equinox for further information

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Energising your crystals with the stars and planets

Every star sign corresponds to the sun, moon or planets. To energize your crystals with the powerful, guiding energy of the planet(s) that correspond to your star sign, try this lovely energizing ritual.

1. Read about which planet governs your star sign and how astronomy and astrology relate to one another
2. Place your crystals on a clean, safe surface outside or in a glass bowl of water
3. Say or think a few loving words to welcome the earths energy for your crystal(s).

Try for example, 'I accept this gift from the universe, with love and light, and good and pure intentions. Please energise this crystal with the energetic qualities of my guiding planet [    ] .'

1. Leave your crystals outside overnight
2. On the next morning, remove your crystal from the water

3. Place your crystal on a safe, clean surface to dry in the air naturally

4. Once it is dry, place it in your Astral Alchemy pouch or another protected place

5. Complete the ceremony by thanking the energy of your guiding planet(s)

6. Pour the crystal water onto a nearby plant to energise it

Try: all crystals, particularly those that correspond to your star sign.

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Energising your crystals with a storm

The energy of a storm (particularly an electrical storm) is strong, powerful and definitely not gentle.

To energize your crystals with the powerful energy of storm, try this energizing ritual. Remember to place your crystals somewhere safe during a storm.

1. Read about the metaphysical properties of your crystal to see if it would suit storm energy.
2. Place your crystals on a clean, safe surface outside or in a glass bowl of water
3. Say or think a few loving words to welcome the earths energy for your crystal(s).

Try for example, 'I accept this gift from the universe, with love and light, and good and pure intentions. Please keep this crystal safe and energise it with the energetic qualities of storm.'

1. Leave your crystals outside during the storm and overnight
2. On the next morning, remove your crystal from the water

3. Place your crystal on a safe, clean surface to dry in the air naturally

4. Once it is dry, place it in your Astral Alchemy pouch or another protected place

5. Complete the ceremony by thanking the energy of storm

6. Pour the crystal water onto a nearby plant to energise it

Try non-quartz crystals, such as Agate-Black, Bloodstone, Fluorite, Hematite, Obsidian, Tektite, Tiger iron, Tigers eye (gold) and Tigers eye (red)

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Connecting energies

Once you have cleansed and energised your crystals, choose a time when you can focus your attention and connect with your crystal.

1. Hold the crystal in your hands for a few moments

2. Relax your breathing and close your eyes

3. Say (or think) a few words to connect your energy with the crystal.

Try, for example: 'I accept this gift from the universe, with love and light, and good and pure intentions. May its journey with me be one of positive, loving experiences'

4. After a few moments (when the time feels right), thank the universal energy and place your crystal in your Astral Alchemy pouch or somewhere special

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Programming your crystals

Choose a time when you can focus your attention on your energy and your crystal.

1. Hold the crystal in your hands for a few moments

2. Relax your breathing and close your eyes

3. Think of its intended use, such as protection, clarity, love or meditation

4. Say (or think) a few words to accurately describe the intention you wish to strengthen.

Try, for example: 'I support the universal energy to create [love/happiness/protection/clarity] through this crystal'

5. Open your eyes and return your crystal to your Astral Alchemy pouch or somewhere special

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Grounding and centering yourself

Choose a time when you can focus your attention on grounding and centering your energy.

Grounding and centering yourself

The first thing you need to do when selecting or working with crystals (or any energy for that matter) is to ground and centre yourself.

You may have heard of the need ground something when talking about electricity and that is pretty much what it is. It's also why lightning tries to 'earth' itself. Centering is making sure your energies are balanced.

Background
Everything on earth is made up of energy and just as there are positive and negative energies, there are also 'good' and 'bad' energies. These 'bad' energies (or entities) work on a 'lower' level and do not serve positive purpose in our lives. By grounding yourself you can focus your energy and protect yourself from potential negative entities.

A word of warning
Always act on your first impression. Crystals are beautiful energy forces, however they can be exposed to negative or polluted environments, so if something doesn't feel right, it's ok to keep your distance.

Who can benefit from grounding?
This technique is excellent if you find yourself spending too much time in the clouds, if you're feeling frazzled, have difficulty settling your thoughts or have too much going on in your life.

We also suggest spending some time in a garden, park or forest - check out our wilderness photos for inspiration.

How to ground yourself

1. Stand (or sit) with your feet flat on the ground
2. Relax your breathing and close your eyes
3. Place your arms by your side
4. Face your palms to the ground (at a comfortable angle)
5. After a few moments you will begin to feel the exchange of energy between you and the earth through your palms
6. Notice the energy between your hands and the earth grow stronger
7. If you feel it is right for you, let the energy grow to cover your whole body
8. After a few moments, you'll feel stronger and more grounded - you'll feel more 'steady on your feet'
9. Say or think a few loving words to thank the universal energy.

Try for example, 'I accept this grounding energy from the universe, with love and light, and good and pure intentions.'

To strengthen this exercise try holding a grounding crystal such as black agate, black obsidian, red jasper or smoky quartz.

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Protecting your crystals

Protect your crystals from dust and scratches in an Astral Alchemy crystal pouch. All pouches are of a very high quality are durable and can carry up to ten tumbled crystals.

This allows you to safely carry your crystals with you to work, at home, on holidays or on retreat.

Using and cleansing crystals are intuitively provided by:
Lorri Shaw, Astral Alchemy - www.AstralAlchemy.com
 

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