Guest Author - Diane Kern

Black Hat Feng Shui consultants often suggest crystals as part of their practice. Often these are manufactured and can be found in many gift shops, sometimes a natural crystal is recommended. While the use of crystals, natural or manufactured, is not a part of traditional Feng Shui many people enjoy collecting and displaying crystals. Keeping your crystals clean is just as important as keeping your windows clean.

Crystals are natural energy generators, think of a quartz watch. Your choice of a crystal is very personal and your selection should be made carefully according to the planned purpose of your crystals as well as how you react to it as you hold it in your hand. As a magnet will attract metal a crystal attracts and holds energy as well as transmitting energy outwards. It is for this reason that you want to regularly cleanse your crystal so that it does not hold negative energy and works properly.

Imagine how many people have held onto a crystal before you take it home. Each person leaves a residue of their energy on its surface. In fact sometimes when you pick up a crystal it will actually feel as if it has some sort of coating on it. This is an accumulation of energy on the surface. Sometimes it just doesn’t sparkle the way it should. You need to remove this residue of energy when you first bring it home. As it sits in a place of honor in your home or office it will also collect energy that regularly needs to be cleansed.

There are several ways to cleanse your crystals. Not all methods are recommended for all types of crystal. Some stones are softer or are affected by salts. If your crystal is in a piece of jewelry, yes, these need to be cleansed too, extra care should be taken not to damage the metal mounting.

If your crystal is dusty rinse it in luke warm water. Let it air dry completely before proceeding. One of my favorite methods of cleansing is the freezer. Place your crystal in the freezer for 3 days. This usually is long enough and your crystal will emerge sparkling and without that coated feeling. Make sure any little points do not get caught in the shelf or they make break off. I put mine on a piece of cardboard or in a shallow basket before putting them on the shelf.

A second method of cleansing is salt water. If you have access to the ocean, dip out a container of sea water. If not, make a mild solution of sea salt and water. Let your crystals soak for a day or two in a single layer so as not to damage them. Rinse them thoroughly and let them air dry.

The full moon is powerful. The night before the full moon set out your crystals and let the moon do the work. You can leave them the next night too. This is good for crystals that might be damaged by salt or freezing. You can also bury them for a few days as well to cleanse them.

Once your larger crystals are cleansed you can use them to clear your jewelry. If you have worn a piece of jewelry during a time of stress or sadness you definitely need to cleanse. Simply place the piece on a freshly cleansed crystal and leave it for a day or two. This is the best and safest way to cleanse jewelry as it is mixed metal and crystal.

How often should you cleanse the old energy from your crystals? If you notice them looking dull and feeling coated it is time to cleanse. But you should do it at least every three months.

Find out more about crystals, their properties and care with the following fine books.



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