Crystal Cleansing and Charging

There are many schools of thought on cleansing and charging crystals. Opinions are like, well, you know. Some say you can use the sun, but many crystals are not safe in the sun. They'll either fade or could even cause a fire depending on the shape. Some say you can use the moon, and then there's a whole school of thought as to what moon phase you should and shouldn't use. And then there's people that say that they don't need cleansing at all, and that they'll intuitively know what you need them for.

I'm on the school of thought that is sort of in between, but welcomes everyone to the table, or classroom in this specific analogy. I say... do what you want. If you feel that your crystal needs to be cleansed, then clean it. If you feel that you need to charge it with a certain intent, then go for it. Simply put, you do you. That's the great thing about magic and witchcraft. This is YOUR practice, and no one else has the right to tell you how to do it. Besides, if we all wanted to be told what to do, many of us would not have left religion. So here are some ways that I found that helped me, and maybe it'll help you.

CRYSTAL CLEANSING:

1. Selenite: Probably the safest and easiest way. Take the crystals and place them next to or on top of selenite. Some people buy selenite plates for this exact reason. You basically set it and forget it for 12 to 24 hours.
2. Sound: you can use any type of positive music or instruments. Many people recommend singing bowls like you use in meditation. If you're like me and can't afford one of those, download an app called Tone Pool for the iPhone (don't know if it's on any other platform). It's free unless you want to upgrade it. I absolutely loved it so I upgraded it and I can set my own tones for each type of stone. Plus it's perfect for meditations. It is time consuming if you have a ton of crystals, but it does help you connect to your crystals on a deeper level than just placing them on selenite.
3. Brown rice (dried and organic): I used this when I first got my crystals and didn't have selenite or singing bowl. I wasn't really impressed with it or felt any difference, to be honest. I found it messy and didn't really see any difference. But some people swear by it. You should have seen me with my tons of plastic containers filled with crystals. Just buy selenite or use sound.

CLEANSING TIMING:

1. Altar and Grid crystals should be cleansed monthly.
2. Wearable crystals should be cleansed weekly.
3. If someone touches your crystal, clean it immediately.

CRYSTAL CHARGING:

1. Meditation: In my opinion, this is the best way. You and your crystal connecting on a deeper level. I'm an animist and believe that each stone or crystal has a soul. And so when our souls connect, we can develop a bond. It's how I intuitively pick my crystals when I go looking for one.
2. Handling Them: Just like with meditation, just being hands on with the crystal can charge them with your energy and vice versa.
3. Sleeping with them: I don't know about you, but I toss and turn, so I don't put them in my pillow or under it. I'd be more likely to lose it. But if that's your thing, go for it. But an option is to place it on your bedside table.
4. Full Moon: This depends on your school of thought. Some people swear by it, some people say it's too powerful.