Crystals and gemstones look nice when set on shelves or displayed, but in order to get the most benefits out of them, they must be incorporated into a ritual, practice, or treatment. And because they absorb the energy around them, it’s important to not only keep them clean and hygienic, but to actually cleanse them of prior vibes. Andrea Barone, CEO and founder of Crystal Hills Organics, provides these energy-cleansing tips for your spa’s crystals and gemstones.
Tuning Fork: Harmonize your crystals with the resonance of a tuning fork, bell, or singing bowl. Strike the tuning fork on a solid object (not the crystal) to produce sound and pass it over the crystal in a clockwise rotation several times.
Flame Source: Light a candle and pass the crystal above the flame for a few minutes or until you sense the crystal is cleansed. Some people incorporate intention-setting during the process.
Sea Salt: Immerse the crystals in sea salt or Himalayan salt for 24 hours and then discard the salt, as it absorbs negative energies. Exercise caution with stones like pyrite, lapis lazuli, opal, and hematite, as they should be kept away from salt.
Brown Rice: Submerge the crystals in raw brown rice and leave them there for 24 hours. Dispose of the rice afterward, as it will have absorbed negative and unwanted energies.
Salt Water: Immerse crystals in mild salt water, but be aware that some crystals may not tolerate water or salt, necessitating prior research.
Water: Allow the crystals to sit in a full drinking glass or bowl, or hold them under cool running tap water for several minutes. Running water not only cleanses, but also energizes the crystals simultaneously. Verify the compatibility of the crystal with water immersion, particularly considering the potential adverse effects on porous stones or those with high metal content, such as opal. Be cautious, as crystals like selenite or desert rose can dissolve in water, and those prone to crumbling, like sulfur, kyanite, zeolite, and azurite, should not be submerged. If you’re using crystals for elixirs or skincare, cleanse them first with warm soapy water and ensure they are of a non-toxic variety, seeking guidance from a knowledgeable practitioner.
Smudging: Pass crystals through the smoke of a smudge stick, like sage, as it acts as an energetic vacuum, eliminating negative or stagnant energies, preparing the crystals for the infusion of positive energies.
Sunlight or Moonlight: Harness the natural energies of the sun and moon by placing crystals on a windowsill or outdoors for a few hours in sunlight or overnight in moonlight. Exercise caution with colored crystals like amethyst, as prolonged exposure to strong sunlight may cause fading.
Reiki or Other Hands-on Healing Energies: For practitioners of Reiki or integrated energy therapy, cleanse and charge crystals with healing energy or perform Reiki symbols over them to enhance their energetic properties.