
natural unpolished quartz crystal
Last time we covered cleansing and charging. We talked about discussing clearing and programming next. However, because programming is a bit more detailed, we’ll save that for a post all on its own. This time we’ll talk about choosing your crystal and clearing. Then we will be ready to learn about programming.
CHOOSING YOUR CRYSTAL
The first step is deciding what kind of assistance you would like from your crystal friend. The next step is choosing which crystal wants to partner with you toward that end. So how do you choose?
I would start with intuition and see where you are guided. You may have a lot of crystals from which to choose or may have only one. If you have only one, then your choice is easy. If you have several crystals, lay them out and ask, “I need help with _______. Who would like to help me?” Then stop and listen! Don’t just grab one. Feel them with your energy (or listen, or see, depending on how you connect). Determine to which one you are being pulled.
If you aren’t getting a clear answer (or aren’t able to decipher the crystals’ answers for certain), then look at the different characteristics. This is comparable to selecting a human teacher in a particular subject. For example, if you want to learn math, find a math teacher. In an example from the crystal realm, for assistance with astral travel, seek out a Faden crystal. To connect with your partner, seek a Soul Mate crystal. To boost optimism and hope, seek a Rainbow crystal. They can help you in other ways as well, but these areas are their specialty. So if you don’t feel as though you are receiving a clear response, then seek out a “specialist” known to be skilled in the area in which you need help.
So now you have chosen your crystal. What’s next?

clearing your quartz crystal point
CLEARING YOUR CRYSTAL
Clearing is erasing prior programming. I would compare clearing to deleting files from your computer. Your computer still functions just as it did. As you know, deleting a file isn’t the same as deleting the operating system. You are just erasing the files you or someone else saved to the disc. When you’re done with this particular file (which in crystal-speak is a program), then you erase and start new.
Focused intent is the main ingredient and is even more important when clearing than when cleansing. Remember, when you cleanse a crystal, it is comparable to general energy washing. However, when you clear a crystal, it is comparable to focused, intense erasing. You let the crystal know that your intent is to program it with something new and ask it to please clear itself of any prior programming.
This is an important point which bears repeating. I have compared the cleansing and clearing to files on a computer, but only as a basis for understanding. Always keep in mind the sentience of your crystal friend and that this is a shared endeavor not an employer/employee relationship in which you tell the crystal what to do and it does it. We discussed that often crystals are compared to inanimate tools. They are tools, but comparably, our human friends and teachers are tools as well. It isn’t a requirement that the Crystal People help us. They choose to help us. That needs to remain in the forefront of our minds.
Clearing is as easy or intricate as you choose it to be. I prefer straightforward and easy. As a reminder, here are just a few methods from which you may choose:
- running water (remember to be sure and match the temperature of the water to the temperature of your crystal)
- passing your crystal friend through incense or sage smoke
- energy such as Reiki
To clear, you start the same way as when you cleanse and add focus and specific intent. Because clearing requires more focus, I would choose a method that doesn’t involve overnight basking. You can even skip the water or smoke methods and clear a crystal energetically which is what I do. Simply connect with the crystal and with your intent and energy, ask that it clear itself of prior programs. It doesn’t have to take a long time. It is as quick as a thought if you are fully present and focused.
I know these are the same methods we discussed when cleansing a crystal. Whichever method you choose, request that your crystal release its prior programming in preparation for a new program.
CLEANSING VERSUS CLEARING
CLEANSING is used when your crystal is in need of an energy washing but you want to keep the programming. A crystal which is worked with frequently will need cleansing to disburse discordant energies.
CLEARING is used when you want to prepare your crystal for a new program. Use your preferred method for cleansing and add intent focused toward erasing.
While you are working with a particular program, a crystal may need to be CLEANSED countless times. A crystal will need to be CLEARED only once prior to each new program.
We’ll talk about programming in the next blog post. In preparation for that, follow these steps;
- Select the crystal with which you would like to work (or let the crystal choose you).
- Cleanse it of prior energetic signatures (this is general).
- Clear it to prepare for programming (this is specific).
- Charge it in the moonlight (this gives a tired crystal a refreshing boost of energy).
- Spend time becoming acquainted with your new friend.
See you next time and we’ll discuss programming!
Does the crystal that your working with have to be in physical contact with the person. In other words do you hold it at a specific time set for affirmations or do you wear it constantly or carry it?
Hey Ognjen! Thanks for your question! There isn’t really a prescribed (right/wrong) way to work with crystal. It is best to do what resonates with you. Some people prefer to sit with the crystal at a certain time and meditate, others prefer to have the crystal in contact all the time as jewelry or in a pocket. Others like to keep them in a grid in which the energy runs but the person really doesn’t have physical contact with each crystal. All are wonderful and valid methods. The most important aspect of any of those methods is to keep an energetic contact with your crystal. Once you have set your intention and let the crystal know that is what you are aiming toward, the crystal and you can work together toward the same goal. In this way, it isn’t as necessary to physically hold the crystal as it is to hold it in your mind. Done in this way, holding the crystal in your mind is every bit as powerful as holding it in your hand. That being said, since we are 3 dimensional beings, we usually find that having physical contact is easier for us to process the energy/make the connection. To sum up, the best way is to do whichever of these methods feels strongest to you and that will be the best way to work with your crystal. Thanks for taking the time to ask. It was a great question!
Thankyou for this information Genn. Love and light from Australia
You’re welcome, Wil! Thanks for the love and light!
What if you think this crystal stuff sounds demonic?
Hey Nadine! I think a lot of religions have demonized things that may not fit into their current dogma and as followers of said religions, we internalize those deeply ingrained teachings often from a very young age. However, that being said, if something doesn’t resonate with you personally (for whatever reason!) that modality may not be the one for you. There are many paths to the top of the mountain! Much love! Genn 🙂
THANKS YOU SO MUCH GENN FOR THIS INFORMATION. FINALLY I UNDERSTAND CLEANSING, CLEANING AND PROGRAMMING.
CHRIS
You’re welcome, Chris! I’m glad it helped 😀 !
Thanks, Genn! That was very helpful & respectful. I chose one of my Genn crystals today to dump some work negativity. It worked like a charm (ha!) and within seconds it cleared those emotions from my heart chakra. Sweet!
wonderful Mari!! Thanks for sharing 🙂