How to Clean, Program, and Store Crystals — Daily Practices

The benefits of crystals have become alluring to those seeking to improve their lives. However, it can be frustrating to own crystals without knowing how to take proper care of them, never mind trying to figure out how to work with them. This leads to ineffective crystal use and hinders the potential benefits of crystal work.

In this guide, you’ll discover how to clean, program, and store your crystals and why it’s crucial. It’ll assist you in avoiding negative outcomes and allow you to harness the energies of your crystals. Even if you aren’t keen on all 3 practices, you can choose the ones that suit you best.

But if you want to get the most out of your crystals, I recommend consulting with a crystal advisor on California Psychics. After all, they can provide you with tailored advice on using your crystals, so you can see improvements specific to your needs in life.

How to Clean Your Crystals

In all crystal work, it is crucial to prioritize the initial step of energetically cleansing the crystals. This is because cleansing crystals plays a vital role in restoring their natural energy balance by eliminating negative energy. Crystals have the ability to absorb unwanted energy present in your environment, but it is important to be mindful that a failure to cleanse them can result in the accumulation of negativity.

1. Smudging with smoke

Smoke smudging, a practice with deep roots in indigenous cultures, has long been used for cleansing and purification purposes. By burning specific herbs, such as sage, cedar, or sweetgrass, it is believed that the resulting smoke can clear negative energies from objects like crystals, living spaces, and the aura surrounding individuals.

One of the wonderful aspects of smudging is that you aren’t limited to one type of incense. You have the freedom to burn any sacred herb, resin, or incense you like. I particularly like white sage, palo santo, copal, myrrh, dragon’s blood, and lemongrass for smudging. These options are renowned for their purifying attributes and their ability to ward off negativity.

Once you light your incense, focus on the purpose of purifying your crystal by bathing it in the cleansing smoke. Gently waft the smoke towards your crystal using a feather or your hand, or hold the crystal above the smoke. By ensuring the crystal is enveloped in the smoke, its energy is effectively cleared.

Have a window open to allow the smoke to exit your space, which will remove any negative energy. It’s best to spend between 30 to 60 seconds per crystal when smudging.

2. Cleaning with sound frequencies

Sound is another great way to clean crystals, as it’s believed that sounds with high-frequencies deter and remove negative vibes. Many people opt to use Tibetan bells and singing bowls to cleanse. However, you can speak with a reiki master that uses frequencies to remove any negative energy from your crystals.

You can generate sound personally using common items like bells, glass, clapping, singing, drums, or coins in a container. It doesn’t matter what method you choose to generate the sound, as long as it serves its purpose of dispelling negativity.

Just keep in mind that the greater the sound frequency, the more effective it is. Low-frequency sounds, often referred to as “dead sounds,” are not useful. This is due to the need for a vibration higher than negative frequencies to eliminate them. The optimal duration for this approach is between 5 to 10 minutes.

3. Using visualization

To clean your crystals in a hurry, use visualization. Hold your crystal and set the intention to cleanse it. Then, imagine a white or golden light enveloping the crystal. This process cleans the aura of the crystal.

You can also visualize white or golden light surrounding your aura and then extend the energy to your crystal. This means it’s possible to clear your energy and your crystal’s energy simultaneously. Using this technique is great if you’re planning on working with your crystal after you clean it, as your energy will also be clear.

If you believe in angels and guides, you can also ask them to help. While holding the crystal, speak to them aloud or in your head and ask them to cleanse it with the highest available frequency. They will happily oblige and leave your crystal feeling as new. You should also spend around 1 minute per crystal when visualizing.

4. Utilizing water

You can use water in a variety of ways to clean your crystals. The energy of water is said to purify all it touches and can help bring the crystal’s energy back in balance with nature. However, ensure your crystals are water safe, as some cannot tolerate water and will get ruined.

Crystals that are a 5 or below on the Mohs hardness scale should avoid being put into water. Such crystals will dissolve or crack, but some harder crystals that contain minerals can rust and even release toxins into the water. In addition, some crystals may be fine in freshwater but not saltwater, so always double-check.

I personally clean with water by using natural bodies like lakes, rivers, and oceans. You can submerge them for up to 1 minute, and this will be sufficient to restore your crystal’s energy. If you don’t have access to natural bodies of water, run tap water over them or prepare a salt bath. Crystals in salt baths can soak for up to 48 hours.

5. Incorporating nature

If you want to take good care of your crystals, you can incorporate the earth to ground and purify their energy. The earth is said to have the ability to absorb, clear, and transmute any negative energy and is a compelling addition to crystal work. Anything the earth touches is automatically grounded and strengthened energetically.

Since crystals naturally come from the earth, by burying them, you return them to their natural habitat and replenish their connection to Gaia (Mother Earth). Not only can burying crystals rebalance their energy, it can also amplify their healing capabilities. Reconnecting them to the earth is best if you’re using crystals for healing.

You can simply bury your crystals in the earth for 24 to 72 hours, but some practitioners recommend burying them for up to a week. The longer they remain with the earth, the more powerful they’ll become. You can then use a soft brush to cleanse off dirt and run them underwater to ensure all debris is gone.

How to Program Your Crystals for Results

Programming crystals helps you assign a specific intention or task to your crystal before using it for spiritual work. While some believe you don’t need to program your crystals to receive their healing, programming can help with manifestation. The good news is that it doesn’t need to e overly complicated.

1. Programming with voice

Talking to your crystal is one of the easiest ways to program it. You can thank your crystal for working with you, which helps to form a bond between the 2 of you. Then, it’s best to set an auditory intention with your crystal, so it’s aware of its job. You can say something along the lines of:

“Thank you Clear Quartz for extending your healing properties to me. I would like to assign you the task of helping me remain clear-headed during times of stress and chaos”.

You can also use chants and mantras to activate your crystal with the frequency of your voice. Since each crystal coincides with one of the energetic centers in the body, also known as chakras, you can use chants and mantras for specific chakras. This method can be helpful if you’re trying to heal a particular energy center.

Regardless of the method you choose, I recommend you familiarize yourself with the natural properties of the crystal you’re working with. This will help you assign it a task that already coincides with its natural properties and help you see tangible results.

2. Meditating with your crystal

Another common way to program crystals is by meditating with them and infusing them with a specific energy. You should experiment with different meditation techniques because working with crystals is an intuitive and unique process. One of them is to use your heart or third eye chakra to transfer energy and program your crystal with a specific vibe.

First, you’ll need to find a quiet place to get comfortable and stay grounded. You can do this by using breathing techniques to relax into deep awareness. Once your energy feels centered, hold your crystal in your dominant hand and relax. Try to feel a connection to divine energy at this time.

Then ask for protection and guidance in programming your crystal. Allow yourself to enter a receptive flow and begin to embody the energy of what you want your crystal to be programmed with. This is the energetic state you’ll be in when you work with your crystal after the programming is finished.

While maintaining awareness of this energy, direct it to your heart or third eye chakra. Your heart chakra is located in the center of your chest, and the third eye is located between your eyebrows. Then, place the crystal on the energy center of your choice and direct the energy into your crystal. Another method is to wear your crystals for at least 7 days, as your energy helps charge them.

3. Activating with help from the Moon & Sun

Allowing your crystals to soak under moonlight or sunlight can clean, activate, and program them. The rays of the Sun and Moon emit potent frequencies that can amplify the energies of your crystals. Make sure your crystals are safe under the sunlight since this can affect their color and clarity.

You can program your crystals by placing them on a windowsill and basking them in the light. If you want to program them with a specific intention, write it on a piece of paper, fold it, and place it under your crystal. But before programming, you’ll need to choose between the sun’s masculine energy and the moon’s feminine frequencies.

Intentions that work best with the sun’s energy include wanting help with business, mental clarity, confidence, and vitality. On the other hand, intentions that align with the moon’s frequencies include wanting to boost creativity, develop intuition, and increase self-love.

If you want to clear away energy blocks, activate your crystals during the mid-afternoon or the full moon. If you’d like to invite new energy into your life, use the new moon’s energy, which is said to invite freshness.

4. Making crystal grids

If you’re looking to manifest with crystals, you can create grids to program and amplify your intentions. A crystal grid is the intentional arrangement of crystals in a geometric pattern, which creates an energy field that aids manifestation. You should choose crystals based on their properties because the grid infuses the frequencies together.

You must first consider what you want to manifest and select a grid corresponding to that energy. Then, choose crystals with properties that will assist you with your specific manifestation. For example, you should select crystals like Rose Quartz, Clear Quartz, and Rhodochrosite to manifest love.

However, remember that creating crystal grids is an intuitive process, and there is no right or wrong. That said, all grids have a master crystal or center crystal that serves as an energy generator. The center crystal will vary depending on what you wish to manifest, but clear quartz is commonly used.

If you have pointed crystals, place the points toward the generator crystal to attract energy. Alternatively, position the points away from the centerpiece crystal if you want to send energy out. Start inwards and work your way outwards to emit energy and do the opposite to attract it in.

How to Store Your Crystals

Storing your crystals properly helps maintain their positive and healing energies. When crystals are left out in the open, they can attract and absorb negative energy quickly. So, once you’ve cleared and programmed your crystal, it’s essential to maintain that high frequency with proper storage.

1. Decorating with large pieces

Large crystals make eye-catching statement pieces around your home, particularly on bookshelves, coffee tables, and counters. They’re also great for inviting positive energy into your home while serving as beautiful accents. However, don’t be discouraged from crystal decoration if you only have smaller pieces.

It’s best to place crystals in designated areas of your home to boost the energy in that space. For example, you should place crystals like fluorite in your work areas to aid concentration. Meanwhile, protective crystals such as obsidian are better for the bedroom because they can protect you while you sleep.

However, leaving crystals out in the open will cause them to lose energy, so you’ll need to clean them often. You can store your crystals in a designated container to protect their energy and save time. Using your crystals as decor is still possible, but the container will provide added protection.

You can even place smaller crystals within larger crystals to enhance their natural energy and protect them from external influences. Geodes and natural caves are best because they have a natural barrier protecting smaller crystals.

2. Placing them in the earth

Many people store their crystals near plants or even directly in their soil, which helps charge them. Just make sure the crystal is waterproof before you place it in the soil and water it. Some crystals can dissolve in the soil and may even release toxins into the plant.

Placing crystals near and in plants can also help them if they’re suffering. I like to do this when I’m trying to keep a plant happy so it can thrive. This technique has even helped me revive plants that I thought were gone for good. Since plants and crystals come from the earth, they make good companions and promote positivity.

You can also bury protective crystals around your property to create an energy protection field. Since crystals come from the ground, placing them there can help them reconnect with the earth’s energy. This technique doesn’t require you to regularly cleanse them because the earth will naturally rejuvenate their energy.

They don’t have to be protective crystals, either. If you’d like to boost your love, finances, or health, you can select crystals with certain properties and bury them in the corners of your property. Doing so will deter unwanted energies while also working as a great storage place.

3. Storing in pockets, bags, and bowls

If you’re concerned about your ability to maintain a cleaning routine, you’ll need a low-maintenance hack. Wrap your crystals in a natural cloth and store them in a safe drawer to protect their balanced energy. The natural cloth will help to protect the aura of the crystal, and the drawer will keep it out of the way.

You can also use bowls, and I recommend getting a selenite bowl if you do. Selenite is one of the few crystals that can cleanse itself due to its high frequency. Using a selenite bowl for crystal storage can help keep your crystals free of negative energy while also charging them with high vibrations.

If you’re constantly on the go, carry your favorite crystal in your jacket pocket or bag. Crystals can be useful companions when you’re out and about, and keeping them tucked away will ensure safety. I like to use protective and grounding crystals to keep unwanted energy away from me.

Best Psychic Sites for Crystal Advice

If you’re looking for tailored insight on crystal work, consider chatting with a psychic for advice. Doing so can help you identify the crystals that would work best with your needs and provide you with practical guidelines on using them. The following sites are my favorites because of their quality, trustworthiness, and affordability.

1. California Psychics — Best Site Overall for Tailored Crystal Advice

California Psychics is renowned for its rigorous screening process, with an acceptance rate of 2%. Its psychics are chosen for their experience, skillsets, and accuracy to ensure authentic advice on using crystals. With such a high caliber of advisors, you can use the site with peace of mind.

When I looked into its pricing, I was pleased to learn that California Psychics offers a variety of introductory packages. You can choose between its “Affordable”, “Popular”, and “Premium” 20-minute packages to test out a crystal advisor within your price range. This helps you receive crystal advice without breaking the bank.

The platform’s Karma Rewards Program lets you save money over the long term. You get a $20 credit when you join, and points for each dollar spent, which you can use to redeem discounts on future sessions. You’ll also get quarterly specials which let you save if you need continuous advice on crystal work.

Additionally, California Psychics is one of the few platforms that reimburse you for unsatisfactory sessions. Its satisfaction policy lets you use its services confidently because you’ll be taken care of if you have a negative experience. This is valuable since it helps you minimize risk, especially if it’s your first reading.

One drawback to using California Psychics is that it only offers live chat and call readings. However, its chat and call readings give you a sense of privacy. They can be equally as impactful as video readings, so it ultimately depends on your personal preferences.

2. Purple Garden — Get Affordable Crystal Insights on the Go

I recommend Purple Garden because its user-friendly app offers flexibility. The app is ideal for mobile readings because it allows you to receive crystal advice from anywhere without having to worry about glitching or lagging. Additionally, its usability is smooth and will keep you from encountering any technical difficulties.

By joining, you will be credited with $10, and additionally, you will receive a free reading as a reward for referring a friend.

If you’d like an intimate crystal reading, Purple Garden offers video sessions. But on days when you feel like keeping more to yourself, you can get a chat or call reading. This can be hard to find on reliable platforms because not all of them support all three methods.

Purple Garden is unique because it adds banners to psychics’ profiles with outstanding qualities. Identifying banners like “Top Accuracy” and “Hot Pick” allow you to automatically know which crystal psychics are exceptional. In short, you won’t need to take a blind guess on the quality of your reader.

Something to keep in mind is that Purple Garden’s customer service doesn’t offer live chat or phone support. But this isn’t a massive deal since its request form is easily accessible and ensures prompt replies. You can also use its thorough FAQ to get immediate answers to general questions that don’t require a representative’s help.

3. Keen — Valuable Crystal Advice With Peace of Mind

Keen is an affordable psychic platform with some of the lowest prices. If you’re new, you can get your first 5 minutes for $1. These promotions are helpful because they allow you to spend less money while still getting the most out of your session.

I was also surprised by Keen’s extensive selection of broad and specific reading themes, which appeal to people from all walks of life. For example, its LGBTQ+ category is excellent if you’d like a guaranteed safe space while you learn which crystals work best for your specific situation.

The platform’s high level of transparency keeps you safe while using it. There’s no need to guess the qualifications and experience of its psychics as everything is clearly listed on their profiles. Plus, you can easily view all client reviews to get a real glimpse into the psychic’s abilities.

Its unique features add further peace of mind since you can get tailored results with its “Psychic Match Tool”. This feature asks you a few questions to determine which psychics would match your specific criteria. This way, you save time by avoiding readers that don’t have experience with crystals.

A small concern with Keen is that it doesn’t evaluate or control its services or exchanges between you and its psychics. That said, Keen does offer a satisfaction guarantee that you can use once every 30 days. Its refund form is easily accessible and offers Keen credits up to $25 dollars for future sessions.

FAQs on Crystals Use

Can I store my crystals together?

Yes, you can store your crystals together without issue. But if you’re storing many small crystals together, you should individually wrap them, so they don’t chip and crack. You can group crystals based on their form if you don’t want to wrap them. For example, you can keep tumbled crystals together because of their durable finish.

While crystal storage is a personal choice, you should still be aware that there are optimal ways to store them. Since crystals attract and absorb negative energies, it’s best to find ways to minimize their exposure to outside energies.

What are the best crystals to buy?

The best crystals are ethically sourced that are naturally grown in the earth. Unethically sourced crystals can carry negative energies due to their surrounding environments and can be affected because of how they were handled when mined. Artificial crystals don’t have the same potent energy as naturally grown crystals.

Always double-check with your seller about how the crystals were sourced, and look for common signs of unethically sourced crystals. Some signs of unethically sourced crystals include very low prices, sourcing from countries with inhumane working conditions, and commercial-scale mining operations.

If you’re new to working with crystals, you may wonder which types are best for beginners. I recommend working with crystals that offer various benefits and trying to pick one type within crystal categories. For example, Rose Quartz is great for beginners since it amplifies love, helps with confidence, and can transmute negativity.

Once you’ve brought your crystals home, you’ll want to learn how to care for and work with them properly. If you’re not familiar with how to clean crystals, I suggest starting there since it’s a great place to start on your journey to working with healing crystals.

Are there any links between crystals and chakra energies?

Yes, all crystals correspond to particular chakra centers depending on their natural healing properties and color expression. For example, Red Jasper corresponds with the Root Chakra because of its deep red color and powerful grounding properties. Its energy helps to clear and balance impurities in that chakra.

Additionally, there are crystal programming techniques that can help you advance your crystal practice. Understanding how to program crystals can help you be intentional about how you work with them to maximize their chakra healing properties.

Can I use crystals to heal anxiety?

Yes, crystals can be healing companions that can help you manage disorders like anxiety. However, you’ll need to work with crystals that have natural properties associated with tranquility, balance, and grounding. Amethyst, Clear Quartz, Jasper, Obsidian, and Lepidolite are some crystals known for their anti-anxiety properties.

While many believe that you don’t need to assign a job to your crystals to receive their healing, you may consider programming yours. Programming crystals gives them an intentional task in helping you with a specific issue. In this case, programming them to manage your anxiety can benefit and bring better results.

Do crystals carry any meanings?

Yes, all crystals carry their own unique frequency, healing properties, and meanings. Some crystals are even associated with certain zodiac signs, angels, deities, and chakras due to their specific meaning and vibration. Knowing their meanings allow you to dive deeper into your work with crystals, making it more meaningful.

To deepen your crystal practice, you should chat with a credible crystal expert for professional advice. They can give you the added knowledge you’re looking for and help you take your healing to the next level.

Bottom Line

Spending time and energy purchasing crystals can feel like a waste of resources if you don’t know how to use them properly. Improper crystal use can attract unwanted negative energy and never manifest results.

Luckily, you can make full use of your crystals with proper guidance and patience. When you know how to clean, program, and store your crystals, you can enhance specific energies and live more intentionally. Best of all, these practices will become second nature to you.

Once you’re ready to learn more complex crystal techniques, you could benefit from the professional crystal advice available on psychic platforms. Consulting with a credible crystal expert can give you tailored insights that help you develop a unique relationship with your crystals.

To summarize, the best sites for crystal advice are…

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