Most traditions hold that crystals pick up the energy of the people and places around them, and that they benefit from a regular clearing. Here are seven of the oldest methods.
1. Moonlight
Leave stones on a windowsill or outdoors overnight on the full moon. This suits every crystal and is the gentlest method.
2. Smoke
Pass the stone through the smoke of white sage, palo santo or frankincense incense. Ideal for jewellery and for stones that dislike water.
3. Sound
Strike a singing bowl or chime near your crystals and let the note ring out. Good for clearing a whole collection at once.
4. Selenite
Rest smaller stones on a selenite plate or bowl overnight.
5. Earth
Bury a stone in a pot of soil for a day to return it to the earth. Best for hard, tumbled stones.
6. Salt
Place the crystal in a bowl of dry salt, or in a small dish set within a bowl of salt so the two don't touch.
7. Breath and intention
Hold the stone, breathe on it firmly and say what you would like it cleared of. The simplest of all.
Keep these out of water
Selenite, lepidolite, malachite, pyrite, hematite and many soft or metallic stones can dissolve, rust or crack in water. If unsure, choose moonlight or smoke.
