METHODS FOR THE CLEANSING OF CRYSTALS:-
Natural Water Cleansing:
(particularly suited to those born under the water sign)
The best water to use is fresh, pure, clean water so if you live close to a stream, waterfall, river or spring, then this is obviously the best source as it is so full of natural earth energy. If not then running water from the tap also works. Hold your crystal under the flowing water until you feel all the dirt or stored negative vibrations have left it. When this process is completed you will feel your crystal is pure and vibrant. It is now ready to be used opr, if it is a clear quartz crystal it can now be programmed or dedicated for its purpose.
Saltwater Cleansing:-
Purley from a scientific angle, it is not recomended to use saltwater on a crystal, as this process will, in a short time, damage the crystalline structure and split the crystal or make it appear cloudy, dull, or change colour. Remember, salt is also a crystal. Salt will get into any other crystalline structure, causing irrepareable structural damage. If you do want to try cleansing with salt vibration, I recomend you place the crystal in a large bowl of sea salt, allowing enough salt to completly cover the crystal. Leave it buried for as long as your intuition tells you. You could also dowse for the correct amount of time. Wash your crystal with plenty of fresh clean water after its salt immersion. If you lay an Opal in salt it will damage it by extracting the water. You can lay the Opal or any crystal that might react negatively to salt - in a small glass dish that has been embedded in a large glass dish full of salt, this way the salt doesnt actually touch the crystal.
Smudge Cleansing :-
(this technique is particularly suited to those born under an air sign)
The burning of incense is a sacred practise held in common by many traditions. In American Indian tradition the practice is called 'Smudging' or sometimes 'smoking' even though the herbs may not be inhaled. Smudging, practised traditionally, takes many forms. Sometimes the herbs are tied in a bundle and called a 'smudge stick'. There are certain herbs that lend themselves to braiding, such as sweet-grass. To smudge cleanse a crystal or gemstone you need a safe container ( a large shell is ideal) that is heat proof. You can place a layer of sand or soil in the bottom, then place a small charcoal disc on top , light the charcoal and put the herbs on top to smoulder, herbs that can be used are - white sage, cedar, copal, lavender, fennel or sweet-grass, if the herbs catch into flame , blow out the flame and just use the smoke for the cleansing for 2/3 minutes. The idea of burning herbs is to release their fragrance and energy, make sure you are in a well ventalated area, out doors is even better. The Native Americans believe it helps them to connect to their spirit helpers. White Sage is used before, during, and after all ceremonies, as they believe that white sage not only cleanses, but also protects them from negative spirit/energy. Sweet grass is also burned because they believe that it calls in positive spirit/energy. The smoke carries their intention or prayers to the sky world, and because birds fly freely in the sky, they use a feather to brush the smoke over the object or person to be smudged, and upwards to the sky, believing that the wings of the birds can carry our prayers to Creator. Allow the smoke to pass over and around the crystal , gently carrying away any harmful, stagnant vibrations to the elements of air to be dispersed and transmuted.
BAY LEAF - used in autumn to protect from colds, flu and infections.
CEDAR, CYPRESS, JUNIPER - to consecrate and make sacred.
FENNEL - repels evil energies.
LAVENDER - protection, relaxation and cleansing.
MINT - cleansing, invigorating and uplifting.
MUGWORT - healing, divination and dream work. (unsafe for pregnancy)
PINE - purifying and disinfecting.
RESIN< COPAL, BALSAM, GUM, SAP - embodying the four elements for balance.
SAGE - clears negative energy and negative spirits.
SWEET-GRASS - grounding, protection and making sacred, calls in good energy and good spirit.
WILD TOBACCO - traditionally used to connect with sacred beings and wisdom.
Earth Cleansing : -
(this technique is particulaly attractive to those born under an Earth sign)
This method is extremely useful when you feel your crystal is becoming negative or sick. By placing it in the earth you are returning it to its 'Great Mother' for realining, nurturing and cleansing. Crystals love this experience; they simply enjoy the whole process of earth placement. After you have buried your crystal in the earth, please be sure to mark the spot if you want to find it again once it has been replenished, (make sure the family pet has not watched you do this, as it may be dug back up as soon as you turn your back). Cleansing may take some time, try two weeks first, then dowse to see if the crystal is ready to work again, if the answer is no, then leave it another couple of weeks and try the process again. Also check to see what soil you have, as some acidic soils can damage your crystal, if I am not sure I wrap my crystal in a piece of black cotton with some white sage and bury it, this way the soil dosent make contact with the crystal, yet it is still surounded by the healing vibrations of the Mother Earth.
Firw Cleansing :-
(this is for the fire signs and it is a nice quick easy one to do)
Simply pass your crystal very quickly through a small candle flame, taking care not to burn yourself or the crystal. It is often recomended to use a white candle( but this depends on personal intuition) for this signifies the 'Grandfather' fire ceremony. This is a quick dynamic process, which is instant and very effective. Please note, however, that you must never put an Opal near fire, as fire will damage it. Another technique with fire is to suround your crystal or crystals that need cleansing with small tea lights, normally one for the four directions, one for Father Sky and one for Mother Earth, ( or again what ever number you are impressed to use) place the candles in the centre and leave if you can until the candles burn out ( this is usually about 4 hours) or until you feel it is right. Because it is unsafe to leave candles burning, stay in the room or area where you can keep a check on them, or on a still night do it out doors by the light of the moon and stars. Some people like to use this method for themselves, to cleanse the Aura, by sitting in a circle of 12 lit candles, some say they hear a hissing sound come from the candles and believe this to be the negative energy being burned up by the flame. ( I dont knock anything until I have tried it for myself)
Sound Cleansing : -
For this process you will need a crystal singing bowl, bells, a gong, ting-shaws, rattle, or drum. Simply allow your chosen sound to wash over the crystal, purifying, cleansing and freeing it or any stuck or negative vibrations. This process can take a little time, but it is very effective for large quantities of crystals whaich may need cleansing at the same time.
Hope you find this section helpful, because by now I am expecting everyone to be treating their crystals as the living energy they really are.
Peace be with you Rainbowlady X
SELECTING YOUR PERSONAL STONES 
