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How do you put energy into a crystal?
As a beginner crystal owner, you acquired your first crystal (or mala) so now what? How do you use crystals?
I like to use the analogy of a crystal being a newly hired employee. You have screened it for the qualities you are looking for to fill a position. It comes equipped with talents but you have to teach it how to do the job for you. This is the crystal programming process.
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Cleanse your crystals
To ensure that your crystal is ready to work with its full potential, it is important to cleanse it. Crystals have a unique energy that can be influenced by the environment they have been in before coming into your possession. By cleansing your crystal, you are removing any residual energy it may have picked up along its journey.

There are several methods you can use to cleanse your crystal. One popular method is to place it in a bowl of saltwater overnight. The saltwater helps to absorb any negative or stagnant energy from the crystal. Another method is to smudge the crystal with sage or palo santo, allowing the smoke to cleanse and purify its energy.
It’s important to note that not all crystals can be cleansed with water or smoke. Some crystals, such as selenite or kyanite, are self-cleansing and do not require any additional cleansing methods. It’s always a good idea to research the specific needs of your crystal before choosing a cleansing method.
By taking the time to cleanse your crystal, you are creating a fresh and clear energy for it to work with. This allows the crystal to align with your intentions and provide you with the maximum benefits it has to offer. So, before you begin working with your crystal, make sure to give it the cleansing it deserves.
Programming your crystals
To program your crystals, it’s important to tap into the power of feeling rather than simply speaking words. Begin by getting into a relaxed state of mind and connecting with the intention you have for your crystal. Hold the crystal in your hand and let it absorb the feeling you have, speaking it out loud if you wish. Take the time to truly be present with the feeling and allow it to wash over both you and the crystal.

Consider the properties of the crystal you have chosen. For example, if you have a blue lace agate, you know it can help with feelings of being overwhelmed or anxious. Blue stones are known to aid in this area according to chakra charts. After cleansing your crystal, hold it in your hand or wear it as a mala and speak-feel your intention into it. For instance, you might say, “You will help ease my anxious feelings and guide me back to a state of calm and focus on the positive aspects of my life.”
Hold the crystal in that place until the feeling begins to dissipate. This signifies that your crystal is now properly programmed. It will hold the energy and intention you have given it, allowing you to access it whenever you need it. Programming your crystal in this way ensures that it aligns with your specific needs and desires, enhancing its ability to support you on your spiritual journey.
Because many of your stones will be used in a way to relieve your negative feelings they will absorb those feelings and will need to be cleansed regularly. I like to do mine every full moon.

How to use crystals at home
Some will advise using your crystals as protection when you’re away from home. I personally minimize how often and how many of my stones go out in public. They absorb energy around them and many people are walking around in a negative mindset. I don’t want that in my crystals. You can cleanse them when you get home as some crystals absolutely should go with you. Some people even chose protective stones as pendants to wear as a beautiful piece of jewelry so they can wear them in public.

At home placing your crystals in particular rooms for particular purposes are how we use them.
It is important to determine which crystals are high energy and which are gentle energy. For instance, when I got my first three crystals (that included a polychrome jasper) I wanted to sleep with all three of them to infuse my energy into them. I could not sleep with the jasper in the same room. It has so much energy it kept me wide awake all night. After that day it lives in the alter near my living room fireplace.
I now keep only amethyst, green jasper and rose quartz in my bedroom.
Shungite and black crystals
A popular use of Shungite is to protect from all the electromagnetic fields we live with in these modern times. While almost every crystal should be kept far from our cell phones and computers this one should have a home next to all of these things. A shungite bracelet is a good way to have protection at all times from these things. More scientific benefits of this impressive stone can be found in this article from the National Health Library, Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Shungite against Ultraviolet B Irradiation-Induced Skin Damage. This is a high energy stone not to be kept in the bedroom.
In your bedroom stones like black tourmaline (for relaxing your mind and protection), rose quartz (for calming and healing) and amethyst (for protection and purification) are excellent for restful sleep. Keep this in mind when you program your bedroom crystals. Let them know how to work for you while you dream.
What crystals should not be in your bedroom
This tends to be the most common ask with regard to where people want crystals. Invariably you will find it is the bedroom they are most concerned. As mentioned above high energy crystals will impede a restful night of sleep. Again, be mindful of this when programming your crystals. Telling a high-energy crystal to let you rest is like telling a dog not to bark. Dogs are programmed to bark from birth.
Put your crystal in a circumstance to do the most for you.
Some crystals to avoid in your sleep space

- Moldavite: known to give the “moldavite flush” it is so energetic.
- Amethyst (yes I keep one by my bed as it does not overstimulate me but for some people it does as it works with the crown chakra and CAN stimulate the mind)
- Red Jasper
- Auralite: Another crown chakra stone that does bring mental clarity and deepens spiritual connection, those are also stimulating for a mind trying to blank out for sleep.
- Shungite: As mentioned above this stone is powerful! For such an unassuming stone that can look like a piece of coal it is a high energy stone that has significant power.
- Clear quartz: A great stone for any room that isn’t your bedroom. It is an amplifier.
Crystals for your kitchen
When it comes to cooking, everyone has their own unique relationship with the kitchen. For some, it’s a place of creativity and inspiration, while for others, it can feel like a mundane chore. But did you know that crystals can actually enhance your experience in the kitchen? By harnessing the energy of specific crystals, you can amplify the way you want to feel when you cook.
- Energized: Carnelian boosts stamina and creativity and letting go of poor eating habits
- Creative: Citrine a stone of creativity, abundance and joy
- Protection: Shungite to protect from EMF radiation, especially if you cook recipes from your tablet or phone
Crystals for your bathroom
Your bathroom is a sanctuary and crystals will enhance that.
Clear quartz: amplify the relaxing energy you feel during self care
Bloodstone: Known also as heliotrope this stone is powerful. It purifies and detoxifies. Think of it as the spa stone. It promotes a constant flow of energy through the body.
Jade: There is a reason beauty tools are made of jade. I use a gua cha jade tool as part of my skin care routine. Jade rollers are popular. This isn’t just a stone of abundance , it promotes joy and health.
Moonstone: For women this is for hormone balance or fertility. A beautiful clear stone with rainbow cast will be a beautiful addition to your bathroom.
Amethyst: For its calming properties this stone can be used in most rooms of your home but the bathroom should have a boost of calm and centering the mind.
