Why Are Crystals Charged In Moonlight?
Crystals work pretty hard on our behalf and we often ask a lot of them. Act as a shield against negativity? Check. Amplify good thoughts and feelings? Check. Bring protection to the home and self? Check. Give us answers when we can’t find the way? Check. The list of things we ask of our crystals is endless and deeply personal.
Now imagine a friend asking all this of you. After a little while you’d feel pretty overloaded, perhaps even a little rundown constantly being there for them no matter how much you wanted to, and that’s the same for crystals.
Crystals can get overloaded, depleted or clogged up by all the negative energy they are absorbing or deflecting, resulting in them being unable to work at peak capacity if they don’t get a break and the chance to recharge every now and then. And that’s where the moon comes in.
How does the moon recharge crystals?
It’s long been held that the moon holds a distinctly feminine power. Ancient cultures, along with astrological beliefs have often associated the moon with attributes such as emotions, intuition and instinct - all qualities society has (rightly or wrongly) traditionally associated with women.
Night time, and by association the moon, is a time for for rest and relaxation; for recharging and recalibrating. And as resting is a type of nurturing and women are traditionally seen as nurturers, it’s easy to see where the association came from and why it endures.
The moon charges crystals through lunar energy. The act of placing your crystals in direct moonlight, either in the garden, on a balcony, or a windowsill allows them to soak up moonlight, imbuing them with the moon's feminine and intuitive energy. Doing so restores the crystal’s vibrational frequency, allowing them to recharge.
Do the moon phases affect how crystals recharge?
You can charge your crystals as often as you like. Heavy use, such as with a crystal practitioner using their stones for healing may require more frequent charging than someone who use their crystals for personal meditation, but it’s down to personal choice. It is common to charge crystals during a full moon for powerful replenishment.
The new moon is another favoured time to recharge, bringing with it a sense of renewal and optimism, which can add to the vibrational power of your stones and your connection with them. It’s up to you how long you leave them to charge and some may prefer to do a moonlight charge followed by a sunlight phase. You will know when your crystals are back to their full potential by holding them in your hand for a moment to gauge.
What is the difference between recharging and cleansing crystals?
Again, this is one of those personal preferences that is down to the individual. For many, cleansing is about preparing the crystal for recharging by removing any unseen barriers. This usually involves washing in salt or running water, then cleansing over sage smoke or incense. Others may place their crystal on a Selenite tray or in a bowl of brown rice in addition to charging in moonlight.
As you get to understand and more deeply connect with your stones, you will know when they’re feeling a little sluggish or clogged and in need of recharging simply by holding onto them. But an overnight soak in some lunar energy should have them back to their powerful best in no time.