Cleansing crystals during a full moon is a practice rooted in spiritual and metaphysical traditions. The full moon is often considered a powerful time for charging and purifying crystals due to the heightened energy associated with this lunar phase. While the moon itself is not inherently magical in a supernatural sense, it holds significant symbolic and mystical value for many people. Let’s learn all there is to know about full moon cleansing.
Moon Symbolism
The moon has been a symbol of mystery, intuition, femininity, and cyclical renewal in numerous cultures. Its phases, waxing and waning, are often associated with the cycles of life, death, and rebirth. The moon’s influence on Earth’s tides and its prominent presence in the night sky have inspired a sense of wonder and reverence. People have observed and admired the moon for centuries, attributing it with special qualities.
In many mythologies and religions, the moon is associated with deities or divine beings. For example, various goddesses in different cultures are linked to the moon, such as Artemis in Greek mythology or Chang’e in Chinese mythology. Some spiritual and esoteric traditions believe that the moon holds unique energies and powers that can be harnessed for rituals, meditation, and spiritual practices.
The changing phases of the moon are often seen as symbolic representations of different aspects of life and personal growth. For example, the full moon is associated with completeness and abundance, while the new moon is linked to new beginnings and intentions. Moon-related rituals and practices, such as moon gazing, moonlit ceremonies, and moon magic, have been passed down through generations in various cultures.
Moon Phases
The moon goes through a series of phases as it orbits the Earth, transitioning from one shape to another. The primary moon phases are as follows:
New Moon
The moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, with the side illuminated by the Sun facing away from Earth. This results in the moon appearing completely dark or invisible from Earth.
Some crystal practitioners choose the new moon for cleansing and charging, associating it with new beginnings and a fresh start. The new moon is characterized by its darkened appearance, and it’s considered a time for setting intentions.
Waxing Crescent
A small, illuminated crescent on the right side becomes visible as the moon begins to move away from the new moon phase.
First Quarter (Waxing Quarter)
Exactly half of the moon is illuminated, resembling a half-moon shape. This phase occurs when the moon is at a 90-degree angle with the Earth and the Sun.
Waxing Gibbous
More than half of the moon is illuminated, but it’s not fully illuminated yet. It is a phase between the first quarter and the full moon.
Full Moon
The entire side of the moon facing Earth is fully illuminated by the Sun, making it appear as a complete circle.
Most crystal practitioners believe that the full moon is the most potent time for charging crystals. The full moon is associated with completeness and abundance, making it an ideal time to amplify the energy within crystals.
Waning Gibbous
The illuminated portion of the moon decreases after the full moon but is still more than half.
Last Quarter (Waning Quarter)
Exactly half of the moon is illuminated, but this time the left side is lit. This phase occurs when the moon is at a 90-degree angle with the Earth and the Sun on the opposite side.
Waning Crescent
A small, illuminated crescent on the left side becomes visible as the moon moves towards the new moon phase.
The moon’s phases are a result of its changing position relative to the Earth and the Sun. The entire cycle, from new moon to new moon, is approximately 29.5 days, which is known as a lunar month or synodic month.
Crystals And The Full Moon
Because moonlight is often associated with various spiritual and metaphysical practices, it can be assumed that exposing crystals to moonlight may have specific effects.
Cleansing and Charging: Moonlight is believed by some to have purifying properties, and exposing crystals to the moon’s light is thought to cleanse them of any negative energies they may have absorbed. Additionally, moonlight is considered a source of gentle energy that can recharge and enhance the crystal’s own energy.
Amplification of Properties: The moon is associated with intuition, emotions, and feminine energy. Some people believe that placing crystals in moonlight can amplify their metaphysical properties, making them more effective for purposes such as healing, meditation, or manifestation.
Connection to Lunar Cycles: Some practitioners choose specific phases of the moon for charging their crystals, aligning the process with the lunar cycle. For example, the full moon is often considered a powerful time for cleansing and charging crystals, as it is believed to enhance the energy-absorbing and amplifying qualities of the crystals.
Spiritual Cleansing: Moonlight is seen as a natural and gentle way to cleanse crystals without potentially overwhelming them with other forms of energy, such as sunlight.
How To Cleanse Your Crystals Under a Full Moon
Choose The Right Crystals
Some crystals are believed to be particularly receptive to the energy of the full moon. Clear quartz, selenite, moonstone, amethyst, and citrine are often recommended for this purpose. Selenite, in particular, is believed to be highly influenced by the moon and is often then used for cleansing and charging other crystals. However, you can cleanse and charge almost any crystal during a full moon.
Check The Weather
Before placing your crystals outside, consider the weather conditions. If it’s raining or overly humid, you might want to choose an alternative method to avoid potential damage to the crystals.
Set Intentions
Begin by setting positive intentions for the cleansing process. Focus on the specific energies you want your crystals to absorb or release.
Create A Sacred Space
Choose a clean and sacred space for your crystals. This could be a windowsill, a table, or a safe outdoor area where your crystals can be exposed to the moonlight.
Place Crystals Under the Moonlight
On the night of the full moon, arrange your crystals in a way that they are directly exposed to the moonlight. This can be done indoors by placing them on a windowsill or outdoors on a clean surface.
There is no strict rule regarding how long crystals should be exposed to moonlight. Some people prefer to leave them out overnight during a full moon, while others believe a few hours are sufficient. It ultimately depends on personal preferences and practices.
Express Gratitude
Before leaving your crystals to charge, express gratitude for the cleansing process. You can do this through a simple prayer, meditation, or by stating your intentions out loud.
Retrieve Crystals in the Morning
If you have left your crystals in the moonlight overnight, retrieve them in the morning. This is especially important for crystals that may fade in the sunlight. The exposure to the full moon’s energy is believed to have cleansed and charged the crystals, enhancing their metaphysical properties.
Trust Your Intuition
Remember that your personal beliefs and experiences play a significant role in the effectiveness of these practices. Trust your intuition and feelings about the process.
Alternative Methods
If leaving your crystals outside is not feasible, you can also place them on a windowsill where the moonlight can still reach them. Alternatively, you can use a clear quartz or selenite crystal to cleanse other crystals by placing them together.
Or, use one of the many other crystal cleansing techniques discussed here: Purify And Shine: The Ultimate Guide To Crystal Cleansing.
It’s essential to approach crystal cleansing with an open mind and understand that these practices are rooted in spiritual and metaphysical beliefs rather than scientific evidence. Many people find the full moon cleansing ritual to be a meaningful and positive experience for their crystals.
While the moon itself is a natural celestial body governed by scientific principles, its perceived magic is largely a matter of cultural, spiritual, and personal interpretation. Many people find inspiration, guidance, and a sense of connection to something greater through their beliefs and practices related to the moon.
Whether you see it as a symbolic ritual or a way to connect with nature, the key is to approach crystal care with intention and respect for your own beliefs and practices.
Have you used the power of the full moon to please your crystals? We’d love to hear about your practices. Comment below!