Charging Crystals with Sunlight
Cleansing and charging crystals are crucial practices to rid them of negative energy. A popular and effective method for cleansing is to expose them to sunlight.
The moon exudes a gentle, passive, feminine healing energy, whereas the sun embodies a strong, active, masculine energy, ideal for charging crystals.
Charging crystals infuses them with a warm, positive energy that aligns with your own. Sunlight is one of the many ways to charge stones and is considered highly effective.
This post will discuss the advantages of charging and cleansing crystals with sunlight, the procedure, and the specific stones that are suited for this method. It's important to note that not all crystals are compatible with sunlight charging, and alternative methods will be explored for those that require different treatment.
How to Charge Crystals in the Sun
Charging crystals in sunlight is straightforward, but it's important to note that not all crystals are suitable for sun exposure. Even those that are generally safe require careful handling. Proper preparation is essential for the successful and safe solar charging of your crystals.
Here's how to charge your crystals in the sun:
Firstly, select crystals that can be charged under the sun. Before proceeding, ensure your crystals are ready for cleansing and charging. Exercise caution when deciding which crystals to cleanse in sunlight, choosing those that won't be damaged by the sun's rays.
For example, avoid sun-charging brightly colored crystals as they may lose their vibrancy. Crystals like amethyst and amber are known to fare poorly in sunlight.
Cleanse your crystals beforehand. It's imperative to purify your crystals before charging them to remove any accumulated negative energy. Whether used for personal spiritual healing or placed on display, crystals absorb energy, which can sometimes be detrimental.
Cleansing is particularly vital for protective stones, which may absorb significant amounts of negative energy.
While most crystals require cleansing, sun cleansing is an option. However, other methods might be equally or more effective, such as:
- Placing them under the full moon
- Immersing them in saltwater
- Using sound from a tuning fork or singing bowl
- Smudging with sage or palo santo
- Positioning them near selenite or clear quartz
There are numerous other methods for cleansing crystals.
- To prepare crystals for charging and cleansing, locate an area that receives sunlight and is protected from harsh weather, disturbances, or animals. A garden or an outdoor table would be ideal for this purpose. Whenever possible, place your crystals directly on a natural surface such as soil or wood. If such a surface is not available, use a glass, ceramic, or wooden bowl instead.
- Place your crystals under direct sunlight or in a location where they can absorb the sun's energy. If you opt to set them on the ground, make sure they're not at risk of being disturbed or affected by moisture. Using a container can provide protection. In the absence of a garden or secure outdoor area, positioning them on a windowsill will suffice, provided the sunlight can reach them.
- It's best to expose your crystals to sunlight for a few hours, up to an entire day. The optimal period for sun exposure is from dawn until mid-morning. Avoid the intense heat of noon, which could harm or alter your crystal's color. If a brief charging is needed, the early morning hours are preferable. For crystals prone to fading, cracking, or disintegration, limit sun exposure to between one and four hours. Whenever possible, choose a spot with partial shade to minimize the risk of damage.
- Setting your intentions is crucial when programming your crystal, just as charging and cleansing them are. Programming your crystal ensures that its energy aligns with your own. It's also vital to program crystals based on your specific intentions. Since most crystals have various uses, programming them for a particular purpose, such as easing anxiety, is recommended. To program your crystals, focus on the aspect of your life that requires assistance. Meditation can aid in this process, as it enhances the connection and understanding between you and your crystal.
- Gather your crystals After several hours, your crystals will be ready to collect. Some individuals opt to leave their crystals for 12 hours, whereas others recommend a 4-hour charging period. The duration largely hinges on the energetic density of your crystal. If your crystals appear depleted and less effective for healing, they may require extended charging. The denser your crystals, the greater the need for thorough cleansing and charging. After charging is complete, ensure to store them securely.
How long should your crystals be out in the sun?
The duration for which crystals should sit in direct sunlight varies. A few hours of bright sunlight can charge them, but this depends on the crystal's composition and its energetic density.
For crystals that are soft (like selenite), porous (like some opals), or vibrant (like amethyst), it's best to avoid sunlight exposure. If necessary, they can be placed near a windowsill in the early morning hours. Remember to remove them before the sun gets too high to prevent damage.
Crystals that are safe in the sun can be exposed for longer periods, especially darker ones. However, crystals with faceted points should not be left in the sun around noon or early afternoon to avoid the risk of fire.
Popular Crystals That You Can Cleanse in the Sun
Below are some crystals which can be charged and cleansed in the sun:
- Black Obsidian
- Labradorite
- Lapis Lazuli
- Morganite
- Malachite
- Tourmaline
- Black Onyx
- Sunstone
- Howlite
- Moonstone
- Jade
- Carnelian
Darker-colored crystals and orange stones (except for amber) generally do well in the sun.
Meanwhile, here are some crystals that should avoid the sun:
- Calcite
- Apatite
- Super Seven
- Topaz
- Citrine
- Fluorite
- Beryl
- Celestite
- Amethyst
- Amegreen
- Ametrine
- Chrysoprase
- Hiddenite
- Turquoise
- Prasiolite
- Auralite 23
- Apophyllite
- Kunzite
- Opal
- Aquamarine
- Aventurine
- Sapphire
- Opal
- Spirit Quartz
- Smoky Quartz
- Rose Quartz
- Clear Quartz
Most quartz, particularly those with lighter hues, may fade in sunlight. Clear quartz can be placed in the sun but should be removed within two hours. Crystals from the quartz family tend to crack or fade when charged and cleansed in sunlight.
It's generally advised not to charge crystals that are:
- Soft or have a low Mohs hardness level, as they may crack or crumble in sunlight.
- Porous, which may lose their color in the sun.
- Vibrantly or vividly colored, as they could lose or change color and fade.
Additionally, it's important to avoid placing crystals with faceted points in direct sunlight, as they could potentially start a fire. These crystals can still be charged but should not be left out for extended periods.
How to Know Your Crystals Have Finished Charging
You can tell that your crystals are fully charged when they feel energetically lighter. Crystals that appear heavier than usual require cleansing and charging. Conversely, when crystals feel light, it indicates that their natural vibrations have been rejuvenated.