Cleansing: This is your first step when purchasing your crystals. To cleanse your crystals doesn’t mean to wash them with soap. It means that you must cleanse all the prior energy that the crystal has interacted with. When you visit crystal shops, it important to remember that people often pick up those crystals, touch them, look at them, this makes the crystals absorb energy from countless people. We want to make sure your crystals are only containing your personal energy, and cleansing them will make them work for you to their best ability. There are a few different ways you can cleanse your crystals, while you cleanse them try visualizing the negative energy vanishing from the crystal, say a prayer, or ask the universe to get rid of the stagnant energy.
· Burn Sage and pass the smoke along all your crystals.
· Crystals love mother earth, lay them in some dirt from your garden or an indoor pot (Don’t forget where you place them).
· Lay your crystals under the light of a full moon.
· Spread your crystals under the vibrating sun.
· Place self-cleansing crystals onto your other crystals (Clear quartz, Selenite, Carnelian, etc.).
· Running tap water.
· Sea salt and water.
*Note: Always do your research in regards to sun and water. Some crystals do not react well in water (Selenite, Pyrite, Kyanite, and etc.) and other crystals will fade under direct sunlight (Rose Quartz, Amethyst, etc.).
Activating: Next step is activating your crystal. Set your intention onto your stone. You cant expect to feel a difference if your crystal is abandoned in a box somewhere in your house, or if you don’t even acknowledge it. What are you seeking? What are you struggling with? What do you want to bring into your life? Whether it's needing more confidence, needing more patience, fertility struggles, health, love, or motivation… think about these things. Remember, your stones need interaction. Talking to them and telling them what you want is what they want. You can sing to them, carry one or more in a purse, pray or meditate with them. I personally carry my tumbled stones with me for the first week when I purchase them.
Placement: Spread them around your home. You may want to place the stones that bring motivation or creativity (carnelian) onto your work desk, stones that help with hunger in the kitchen area (Apatite), or place some of your stones onto an altar you have at home. I personally have an altar with saints, photos of loved ones, photos of those who have passed, and some of my favorite stones (Amethyst, Labradorite, Tourmaline, etc.). I like to keep my tumbled stones in areas that people won't run up to them and touch them.
For those of you beginning your journey, remember to keep an open mind. Interact with your crystals, be patient, and enjoy these new beauties!