Cleaning & Energizing Your Gemstones
For individuals who use gemstones for their energetic properties, a ritual of cleansing, charging, and setting an intention is a common practice. This process clears any absorbed energy from the stone and aligns it with your personal goals.
Cleansing the Bracelet
Cleansing resets the gemstone to its neutral state by clearing any old or negative energies it may have absorbed. Different methods are suitable for different stones, so research your specific gemstone to avoid damage.
Sage or Palo Santo smoke (smudging)
Pass the bracelet through the smoke from burning sage, palo santo, or incense for 30–60 seconds, visualizing old energy being released. This is a safe method for most gemstones. This is my preferred method of cleansing.
Moonlight
Place your bracelet on a windowsill or outside overnight, particularly during a full moon, to use the moon's gentle, cleansing energy. This method is safe for all stones as long as it is a clear dry night.
Using other crystals
Place your bracelet on or near self-cleansing crystals like selenite or clear quartz for 24–48 hours. This is my other preferred method. Especially if you have pets or are intolerant to incense.
Running water
Hold the bracelet under running water (preferably a river or stream but tap water will do the job) for 5 minutes. Note that certain stones, like selenite or malachite, should not get wet so this is not a recommended method for many gemstones.
Sound bath
Use a singing bowl or tuning fork to create a vibration around the bracelet that helps clear stagnant energy.
Charging the bracelet
After cleansing, charging replenishes the gemstone's energy, preparing it to amplify your intentions.
Moonlight or sunlight
Place the bracelet in moonlight or sunlight for a few hours. Be careful with certain gemstones, like amethyst and rose quartz, as they may fade in direct sun.
Using Selenite
Place your bracelet on selenite charging plate or bowl for 24 hours. This is my other preferred method. Especially if you have pets or are intolerant to incense.
Crystal grid
Place your bracelet in the center of a grid made of clear quartz crystals to amplify and recharge its energy.
Earth grounding
Bury the bracelet in soil for at least 24 hours to reconnect it with the earth's natural energy. I do not recommend this but list it here as it is an option.
Setting your intention (programming)
Programming the bracelet infuses it with a specific purpose, aligning the stone's energy with your personal goals. I call this giving your gemstone its job for the day.
Take a moment and visualize
Hold your bracelet and quiet your mind with a few deep breaths and then visualize your desired outcome as if it has already happened. Send that energy from your hands into the bracelet.
Give thanks
Conclude the ritual with a moment of gratitude, as if the intention has already been achieved.
Speak your intention
State your intention clearly and specifically, either aloud or in your mind. Frame it in the present tense, such as, "I program this crystal to bring me calm and focus".
Wearing the bracelet
Where you wear the bracelet can also be intentional, depending on whether you want to project or receive energy. This can be different for each person but these are the most often true.
Left wrist (receiving hand)
Wear the bracelet on your left wrist if you want to absorb its energy for internal healing or growth. This is considered your receiving hand.
Daily use
Continue to wear the bracelet and hold it each day to reaffirm your intention. Recharge and cleanse it at least monthly, or whenever you feel its energy has dulled. I typically place mine each night in selenite bowl or slab to cleanse and charge. Then when I wear it, I give it “job” for the day.
Right wrist (giving hand)
Wear the bracelet on your right wrist to project the gemstone's energy outward and manifest your goals in.