CARING FOR YOUR SACRED STONES


The Importance of Cleansing, Activating, Charging

& Programming Your Stones


Whether you have just selected a new stone or you own many in a collection of stones, your stones need to be cared for. They can absorb negative energy (your own and others), loose strength over time and most need your help to be cleansed, activated and re-charged.

There are just a few methods that I use to care for my stones, there are however a number of options to choose from which are readily available over the web & in books. The important thing is that you find methods that work for you and you cleanse and recharge your Sacred Stones regularly.

If you have just acquired a new stone, be sure to cleanse, activate & recharge before using or wearing. This resets your stones so they are at their finest and purest frequency and readies them to connect and work with you.


Step 1: Choosing Your Cleansing Methods

Cleansing your stones is more about setting Intention than it is about how you cleanse. So choose which ever method feels best for you and as you are cleansing, be sure to set your intention.

Setting your Intention...
Utilizing visualization to set your intention I find is the best way. Close your eyes and imagine all unwanted energy being released by the stone(s) and the stone(s) being fully recharged with positive energy from the Universe. Then let the cleansing method run its course. Trust you intuition to know when your stones are fully cleansed. Feel their energy, you will know.
Not all stones need to be cleansed, some of them are cleansers themselves, such as Selenite, Azeztulite, Citrine & Kyanite. But I feel all energy benefits from a little freshening up, so every now and then, I do cleanse the cleansers too.
Cleansing Methods

From the many methods to choose from, I use only two of them to cleanse my stones on a regular basis, selenite and moonlight. I also very occasionally will use smudging (especially good if you have a lot of stones to cleanse), running water (exception - selenite it will dissolve), salt bath, fire, burying your stones in the earth and using other cleansing crystals. The following are a few tips to follow using Moonlight, Selenite and Smudging to Cleanse your Stones:
1. Moonlight Cleanse
Place your stones in direct moonlight overnight. A nice size bedroom window sill is perfect, especially on a full moon. This not only cleanses your stones but also charges them!

Don't choose a window that gets the morning sun (not all stones enjoy the sun, in fact some stones colour will fade and even weaken in the Sun - see the list below of stones to keep out of the sun ).
2. Selenite Cleanse   
One of the simplest cleansing methods. Place the sacred stones you want cleansed on a larger Selenite for about 15 minutes.  You will know if the stone is cleansed by how it feels to you. I use this the most. Selenite can be purchased in various shapes & sizes.
3. Smudging
Smudging is great when you have a lot of stones that need to be cleansed. You can gather them together to one location as seen in the image below or Smudge them where they are at rest. Simply light a sage, sweet grass smudging stick or incense such as frankincense and using a smuding feather (often wild turkey feathers are used) cleanses the stones by fanning the smoke over the crystals for about 5 to 10 minutes.

The negative energies that are being removed, will rise up into the air and dissipate with the smoke, so it is important not to use your hands, only the feather as you don't want the negative energies entering your body through your hands.
Step 2: Activating Your Sacred Stones

Cleansing your stone is the beginning of the initiation process, your next step is to create a  spiritual connection with your stone. Making a Spiritual Connection with your stone helps to activate it and to awaken its consciousness.

You can activate your stone by utilizing the following initiation rituals...

- In a quiet comfortable space, with your Sacred Stone in your hands, start by taking a few deep breaths with your eyes closed to relax your breathing.

- Pay attention to how you are feeling and what the energy of the stone feels like. And then what your energy feels like together.

- Then either think or say a few words to connect your
energy with your Sacred Stone. For example...I accept
this gift from the Universe, with love and gratitude, and
with the purest of intentions. May our Journey together be of positive loving experiences.

Following this simple ritual will activate your Sacred Stone and connect the two of you together. Here are a few other ways you can connect with your Stone if you prefer...rolling it quickly back and forth in your hands, by sleeping with it, gazing at it, meditating with it and generally handling it.

Your next step is to recharge your stones.

Step 3: Charging or Energizing Your Sacred Stones

Once again there a number of options here for you. All revolving around re-energizing them with the Earth's energy. As I have said, the important thing is that you are doing so frequently to get the most of your relationship with your Sacred Stones.

The Sun, Moon, Stars, Planets, Seasons, Storms, Soltices & Equinoxes, Sacred Places, all have amazing energies to share with you and your Stones. Most Sacred Stones can be recharged with any of these options. There are a few however, that are more delicate. I have named a few below, but do error on the side of caution...always double check to make sure the method you choose is not going to damage or weaken your Stone.

I encourage you to try all of the above as they all will provide you with entirely different results. By experimenting you will discover the energies that you enjoy and support you best.

My method of choice is working with Selenite.


 1. The Sun
For the Stones that thrive in the warmth & life giving energy of the sun, try this ritual to recharge your Stones.

Place your Stones in a safe place outside in an sunny area with partial shade. Trust your intuition to know how long to leave them in the Sun. Some may require only an hour while others may require several days.

Welcome the Sun's energy for your Stones with a few loving words...Please energize this Stone with the life giving energy of the Sun.

Hold your stone and feel the difference! This is how you want your Stones to feel at all times...Fully charged!

2. The Moon
If you have chosen the Moon to cleanse your Stones, its a great choice! The Moon cleanses and recharges your Stones at the same time. That's why this is one of my favorites. However each Moon cycle carries different energy, so be conscious of your decision of when you recharge your Stones. To learn more about the Moon cycles and their energies click here

Check out this link for Monthly Moon phases.


PROTECT THE FOLLOWING STONES FROM THE SUN

Some stones will fade in the sun, these stone may change color of become paler and will become weaker if in direct UV. So the Sun method is not a good idea for the following stones:

Aventurine, Amethyst, Aquamarine, Beryl, Citrine, Kunzite, Sapphires, Fluorite, Rose Quartz, Smokey Quartz. Although Amber & Opal may not fade in the Sun, they can become brittle from the sun causing them to crack so I have added them to this list as well.


SELF CLEANSING STONES

Selenite, Citrine, Kyanite and Azeztulite are self-cleaning. Selenite has the ability to cleanse and re-charge itself and other stones. Clear Quartz and Carnelian can cleanse other stones as well but will likely need to be cleansed when done.



*Remember also, as much assistance as stones can give they do not take place of professional medical attention.