One of the most frequently asked questions from new crystal owners is:
"What do I do with them?"
There are many ways to use and enjoy your crystals. Most people keep their stones on them, be it in a pocket, purse, or special medicine pouch made for
such a purpose, especially if they were bought for luck or prosperity. Stones that were bought for relaxation or dreams, naturally belong under your pillow. Stones that inspire creativity
or wisdom can be placed near a desk or other workspace. Stones do not need to be held to release their vibrations.
They do, however, need to be near by.
It may help to think of you and your stones as magnets. The closer you are to it, the more powerful the connection will be.
Do's and Don'ts
Don't allow others to touch your stones, as they will leave their energies as an imprint that will later need to be cleansed.
Don't leave your stones in direct sunlight as this will deplete their energies and cause them to fade.
Don't be surprised if your stone disappears or comes up "missing". Stones tend to migrate mysteriously.
Do care for your stones by cleansing and holding, or you will someday find they've
left you.
Cleansing your crystals
It is very important to do a "deep cleansing" to any new crystal. After that, you may wish to cleanse your crystals monthly with the full moon, and after any intense healing or spellwork.
And, simply, when you feel they need to be cleansed. Cleansing rids your crystals of energies that are not natural to the stone. These are energies left over from use or from strangers handling your stone.
Here are several ways to cleanse:
Salt
Salt is renowned in the metapysical world as being purifying and balancing. Salt absorbs negative energy, so it's a simple matter of filling a bowl with sea salt and burying your crystal in it for 24 hours. As the salt itself is a crystal, once the cleansing is finished, the salt must be discarded immediately.
Salt Water
While some stones will do just fine in a bowl of salt water, some will not fare so well, so it isn't advisable to soak stones for any length of time. Instead, use a spritzer or simply dampen a piece of silk and use it to rub the stone while envisioning the negative energies being rubbed away. Again, as salt is absorsive, you must discard the cloth afterward.
Moonlight
While sunlight can weaken and even fade some stones, moonlight enhances their power. It can even brighten some of their colors. Moonlight has long been a magical source of lore, and setting your stones in a bowl and putting them outside overnight during a full moon will recharge them, to their full potential.
Smoke
Light a smudgestick such as white sage, and pass the crystal through the smoke several times to cleanse and purify.
Sound
There are tuning forks set to vibrate at the exact frequency of clear quartz. These are available at many specialty shops, and are one of the most effective means of cleansing.
Striking the fork against a crystal will resonate a pure vibrational frequency that will immediately cleanse and purify the stone.
Fire
Passing a crystal gently over a flaming candle (carefully!!) is another way to cleanse. While this is usually not accepted as the best way to go, it is part of the:
Deep Cleansing Ritual
To "deep cleanse" a crystal, you must use all four of the elements. Salt, for Earth, smoke for Air, saltwater for Water, and flame for Fire. Do this on a full moon, then leave the crystal out in the moonlight overnight.
A Simple Grounding Exercise
It is prefereable to do this one before bed, or some time when you are relaxed and comfortable.
Place a black stone (tourmaline or black obsidian are perfect) in the right hand, and a clear quartz in the left hand.
Lie down with your hands at your sides.
Begin breathing slowly and deeply, filling the lungs and exhaling completely.
As each breath enters your body, imagine pulling positive, clean energy through your left hand and into the clear quartz. Feel it travel up your left arm and through your body.
As you exhale, push all your negative thoughts and energy down your right arm and into the black stone. Do this until you feel you've rid yourself of all negative energy. It normally takes about ten minutes. You'll feel it. Really. Afterward, cleanse both stones thouroughly before using them again.