Cleansing our magical tools and extensions

a brief discussion about getting ride of magical build up that can resided in tools, charms, etc. Just in time for the full moon!

Recently, someone asked me how to cleanse their crystals. For context, the crystals were kept by the bedside and used to help absorb energy while the person slept. This is a great way to use crystals, but the crystals by your bed must be cleaned more often because of the energy we put off and produce when we sleep. The crystals are no different than filters used to clean our air and duct systems. This question made me think about the methods of cleansing that could be used, and I realized there was more than just simple advice to be said. Which led me to write this piece.

Why do we cleanse?

As we practice, the tools we use collect leftover energy. It is almost like a stain, except a stain implies permanence. The leftover energy is less of a stain and is more relatable to decaying matter. Similar to leftover scraps on your dinner plate. What happens to those bits of food? Usually, we scrape those off and throw them into the garbage when we finish our dinners. With energy, the remnants have to be released. Each time energy is raised for a spell or ritual, the tools on the altar collect that energy. While most of it gets sent out during the working, a small amount of charged energy does get left behind. Over time, that amount grows and begins to build up.

If that build-up is not released in one form or another, the residual energy can cause issues with future workings. As mentioned, the leftover energy can be considered decayed matter; using tools or magical extensions that have build up in them is the same as putting mold spores on a freshly cooked dinner. You would not contaminate new food with a fungus. Why contaminate further spellwork with echoes of previous workings? Cleansing those tools facilitates that release. Using one of the various methods, we can clear out the build-up of charged energy and replace that with neutral energy that restores the tool’s natural balance.

This is true for all magical extensions. The lever or frequency of use usually determines how often an item or magical extension should be cleansed. Items worn daily or used in areas of the home where they absorb large amounts of energy should be cleansed weekly, if not more.

Items such as ritual tools will not need to be cleansed as often. Instead, those extensions should be cleansed as they are used, meaning after rituals are completed. Because they are used for specific purposes, it is wise to cleanse them as they are put away so they remain in their natural state until their subsequent use.

Methods of cleansing.

Several methods of cleansing can be used for tools and magical extensions. You can use salt to purify space and incense to purify air, space, and objects such as tarot cards, rune stones, altar items, etc. Salt water can be used similarly, and you can also wash tools and extensions in salt water so long as the salt will not damage the item. Moonlight is a purifying method you can use. Moonlight is an excellent method for stones and crystals. Eggs can cleanse personal aura and energy fields if you know how to read them.

My point is that you have options. When it comes to various methods of cleansing, aside from damaging items by using a method that isn’t good for them, it's about personal choice. The methods that resonate with you are the ones that will perform the most efficiently for you. They speak to you, which enhances your intentions of cleansing space or objects, further amplifying the effects of the cleansing.

Be mindful of which crystals in your collection are safe to put in water. I just put mine in the moonlight with each moon cycle. It's better to be safe than sorry. I know some are not cheap to acquire, but I would never want anyone to ruin anything in their magical collection.

I only want to warn you about the smoke different brands can produce incense. The space where incense will be used should be well-ventilated as some products produce smoke that, in concentrated amounts, can leave stains on your walls or furniture. I’ve had dragon’s blood incense do this once to me. Lesson learned.

Cleansing is always an excellent choice to make. It restores balance to your magical extensions and your ritual tools. Keeping the energy states in them balanced and ready to provide peak performance. This is the maintenance life of the magically inclined. I wish you well on your journey to finding the methods that work for you and speak to you at a deeper level than just their primary function. There can be such a connection in a cleansing rite between you and everything pure.