Have you ever wondered how to cleanse, activate and program your crystals? You may be wondering why it’s important and where this meditative practice comes from. Explore our detailed guide to learn more about how you can make the most out of your crystals.
Clear Quartz has represented perfection for many civilisations throughout history. It was highly valued for its roles in ritual, folklore and its magical properties.
Today, we know that crystals have highly ordered atomic structures that offer great regularity to the flow of electro-magnetic energy. It is for this reason that silicon chips are used as memory in computers. Likewise, it’s why Clear Quartz (Silicon Dioxide crystals) are incorporated into watches providing accurate impulses, giving measurement of time. Most of the technology our modern world relies on, has its “intelligence” grounded in Silicon (Quartz).
Not only are they useful in a scientific sense but their energy is still treasured today. Crystals are a tool of spirituality, energy work and access to higher information. This is where the term healing crystals has been based. We feel their resonance and they draw us in when we need them for support, guidance and learning. To learn more about crystals and their healing properties click here for an extensive guide.
Over time, crystals are thought to build up energy, which is sometimes reflected by them becoming cloudy or dull in colour and feel. By cleansing on a regular basis, we can revive their energy and bring them back for a clear, fresh start.
Why Should I Cleanse My Crystals?
Many crystals will absorb static and unwanted energies that inhibit their optimal functioning. This is especially the case with Quartz crystals such as Clear Quartz, Smoky Quartz, Citrine and Amethyst etc. You will know when they require cleansing as they will begin to simply feel “dirty”. The surface can feel a little greasy, they lose their sparkle and generally begin to feel a little tired energetically. Some pieces, particularly Clear Quartz, can become a little cloudy, signalling it’s time to clear the energy of your stone.
When you get a new crystal, it’s a great idea to invest some time and care to first cleanse it. This sets the foundation for activation and programming. Simply using the crystal directly from the shelf isn’t a problem, but the crystal will feel “brighter” after this process. Clear Quartz is mostly used to accept a Programmed Intention. However, any of the Quartz family will also benefit to some extent from the following protocols.
There are many ways to effectively clear and cleanse a stone. Beyond any physical technique, simply having a concrete intention to fully cleanse the crystal is imperative.
Some people find that meditating with a new piece is the most effective method. Visualising white light or water flowing through the crystal is a great way to cleanse the piece fully and simply…
How to Cleanse Crystals
The 5 Best Ways to Cleanse Your Crystals
Meditation is often the most popular and easiest method of cleansing your crystals through focused intention. However, why not explore a few other methods which offer variation on the best ways to cleanse your crystals.
1. Salt Cleanse
It is difficult to go past this technique! The crystals emerge bright, sparkling and ready to get to work after a good salt cleanse. Purchase any salt (preferably rock salt but table salt is okay) and “bury” your crystal in it. Ideally a couple of centimetres of salt on all sides ensures a thorough cleanse. Simply leave it for at least 24 hours and then give it a thorough rinse in flowing cold water. It is best not to reuse the salt. Simply give it back to the earth to neutralise the static it has absorbed. Avoid this method for any jewellery pieces set in silver. Rather, read on for one of the less corrosive methods to cleanse your piece.
2. Earth Cleanse
This method is particularly useful for larger pieces, and for pieces that have been used intensively. Therefore, an Earth cleanse is a great way to achieve a deeper, neutral state with your crystals. Dig a hole in the earth to house your crystal and leave it for as long as you feel. Generally, a day, a week, or a cycle of the moon is a useful length of time.
Perhaps consider a year, a decade or longer to mark the passage of significant intervals of your life. Imagine digging up a magnificent quartz you and your new wife buried on the night before your wedding…on the night before your 20th anniversary! Or, place a crystal in a special spot on the day your child is born and one day dig it up together. It is best to first cleanse, charge and program crystals which you intent to bury for a significant event. Make certain, however, you clearly mark the location of your crystal. Its not unusual to lose a much loved piece by placing them in/on the Earth and losing them!
3. Flowing Water
Crystals love natural flowing water. Hold the termination downwards and hold the intention of “flushing” the crystal. As well as giving it a physical clean, you will definitely feel a new freshness surrounding the piece energetically. Consider leaving a crystal near or in a waterfall, creek, ocean or natural body of water. Returning the crystal to natural elements is believed to fill it with the ionised nature of these environments. Waterfalls and waves are Nature’s negative ion generators. Given Quartz Crystal’s natural affinity for electro-magnetic energies, you are sure to cleanse and enliven both yourself and the crystal.
4. Smudging
Smoke clears away unwanted energies and cleanses environments. Sage, mugwort, lavender, frankincense and myrrh have long traditions of use as cleansers and purifiers. Other examples of smoke in use are Smudge sticks of Sage from the Native American tradition. Similarly, Moxa sticks as from Traditional Chinese Medicine have been used. Also, Indigenous Australians use the smoke of Eucalyptus twigs and leaves for cleansing rituals. These smudging methods will help to cleanse your crystals. Simply pass the crystal through the smoke or waft it over your crystal collection. Remember to hold the intention of what you are doing firmly in your mind. The smoke cleanses and also represents a blessing or offering to the natural forces these crystals represent.
5. Toning
This is certainly one of the easiest methods to use. Sing any sound rich with your intention such as Aum or Om. This is believed to cleanse and purify the crystal and will serve to restore its freshness.
Similarly, crystal or brass singing bowls like Tibetan singing bowls are great tools for toning. Play the singing bowl with the crystal placed inside on a piece of fabric. This method is great for day to day cleansing in meditation. Some crystal teachers also suggest that a “silent” tone can be used just as effectively to clear a crystal. Hold the point with the termination facing away from you. Then, with the out-breath, silently “tone” your intention through the piece with the intention to clear and cleanse it. Similarly, this technique can be used for an environment or grid work that has been crystal enhanced. Address the whole space, take a long slow breath and tone (silently or audibly) to cleanse and refresh the space. This is very similar to the traditional crystal meditation technique of clearing.
Your crystal is now cleansed after following one or many of these practices! The next step is to consider the best way to charge and activate it ready to receive its programming.
How to Charge and Activate Crystals
Clear Quartz is generally the most responsive to these techniques of programming intention. However, many other Crystals can benefit from a similar protocol. It is best to have already cleared and cleansed as per the previous steps before proceeding. Now your crystal is ready to enhance its resonant capacities by activating and awakening its potential.
1. Natural Energy Activation
Any significant Natural Energy concentration will awaken Quartz. A popular method is leaving your crystals outside during a full moon. Similarly, you can do this with a thunderstorm, a waterfall, the Ocean, even an open fire! The larger the piece, the more energy required. Placing a crystal on a mountain top is a great way to receive the first rays of New Year’s Day. This is a sure fire way to prepare it to capture your New Year’s Resolutions with great intensity.
2. Crystal Grids
Place your crystals in a crystal grid to activate and charge them. The sacred geometric shapes of the grid activate the crystals further. Form crystal grids on the ground, in corners of a room or try one of our crystal grid boards for a more guided approach.
3. Large Geodes or Clusters
This method is very easy and effective. Place your crystals in a large statement piece such as a large geode or cluster. The energy of the larger piece charges your crystal. Explore our collection of large decorator crystals if you are wanting to bring some extra crystal charge into your home!
Once your crystal is cleansed and activated, it is now ready to accept your Programming…
How to Program Crystals
So, having followed the previous steps of how to cleanse and activate your crystals, you are ready for activation. Programming your crystal is the process of aligning the energies of the crystal with the intent you wish to use them for. For example, you can program your crystal to send healing to a specific person or yourself. This may be for protection, love, insight or support around a particular issue. Approach this with care and a sense of reverence. Ensure the intent placed within your Quartz is clear, concise and meaningful. You can focus your creative potential towards a specific reality, helping to manifest a heart-felt want. Ensure your “program” is clear and uncomplicated. Reduce it to a simple phrase of stated intention. See the below examples for guidance.
Programming Intention Examples:
For Fear/Anxiety: “ My World is safe, bountiful and welcoming; providing me with guidance, nourishment and Love”.
For Meaningful Relationships: “All my Relationships are blessed with respect, love and Universal Light. Being with another allows me to see, experience and be received in this Loving Light.”
For a New Project/Business: “This Project serves to bring Real Abundance at every level. It serves only to fulfil, to nourish, to learn and to grow.”
For Abundant Health: “Every cell in my body rings with the Harmony of Universal Love. Health flows through me and from me in all directions. I am the Living Connection between the energies of Heaven and Earth. At every moment I have access to all the energy I need to be strong, bright and at Peace.”
Final Stages
Finally, now that your intention is clear, you may feel a sense of readiness. So, take the time to hold this meditative state, lifting your awareness to a level you are able to comfortably sustain. Place the point of your crystal in your dominant hand with the termination facing away from you. Choose a facet on the termination and place your thumb upon it. Bring your consciousness to the crystal and develop a sense of what the interior matrix of the crystal feels like. Some even prefer to hold the crystal to the third eye. With a sense of readiness, begin the programming by gathering your intention. Allow it to flow brightly and strongly into your crystal. So, repeat your phrased intention over and over until you feel a sense of “saturation” in the crystal.
This meditative process will feel complete within your own time. This can take anywhere from 10 seconds to an hour or two! This is a very personal process, and everyone is different. Gently begin the process of disconnecting from the crystal. Simply withdraw your attention from within the crystal back to your surroundings. If the crystal is large, a program needs to be reinforced and repeated on occasion. In order to get the crystal resonating strongly with your chosen intention, multiple efforts at cleansing, charging and programming may be required. As this is such an intuitive, meditative exercise, enjoy the process and base your completion on what feels right to you personally.
How did you go?
So, we hope that this guide has given you an idea of how to cleanse, activate and program your crystals! If you have any questions or wish to share your story please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Better yet, come and visit us in our Brisbane, Australia store. Our staff are very knowledgeable and more than happy to help you along your crystal journey.
So many thanks for this. There have been quite a few very helpful guides and insights on your site. The page “HOW TO CLEANSE, ACTIVATE & PROGRAM YOUR CRYSTALS ” has been of immense help to me.
Noel Canning
Thank you for this information. Can I do set different intentions for each stone or activate all together
Hi Cristina,
I’m glad the information helped you!
I would recommend doing them separately as all crystals are unique, however, with crystals there is never a “right or wrong”. So, you could always try to set intention for a group of crystals and if you find that they aren’t feeling fully cleansed or that your intention isn’t clear when you work with them, go back and re-cleanse them individually.
I hope this helps a little!