Energies that naturally nourish and sustain us are available to us in infinite supply from the "vertical universe", the cosmos above and the Earth below. Environments that are enlivening typically host some element or elements that actively mediate the vertical flow between the cosmos and Earth. For example, mountains, oceans, dolphins, fairies, trees and ancient stone monoliths.

Nature naturally synthesizes the horizontal and vertical flows. Where Nature is absent or minimized, the horizontal energies tend to build up debris and stagnate. Traditional spiritual approaches to facilitating the cleansing of horizontal energies and infusion of fresh cosmic and Earth energies are candles, incense, smudge, plants, animals, children, flowers, feathers, fountains, people who consciously work energy, and crystals!

Crystals channel, amplify and reflect pure cosmic and Earth energies as light. Stones have a denser lattice and capture these energies in slower moving frequencies. Crystals are formed within the flesh of our Earth. The native vibration of a crystal and stone is influenced by the matrix, mineral type, family, formation and geographic origin. Some stones, for example moqui marbles, however a stone found along a wilderness trail may also offer this, resonate with the heartbeat of the Earth, inviting you to connect and commune with Earth through this rhythm.

Light passing through the crystal picks up and carries the energies encountered into the body of the stone. Within the crystal matrix, the energy is transformed. Left to its own devices crystals and stones will eventually cleanse and recharge. However this takes time. If a crystal or stone is used on a regular basis to manage, absorb, transform, or cleanse energies, without sufficient intervals to cleanse itself naturally, it will build up psychic debris. Over a period of continued use, without cleansing, the stone will become saturated.

If a stone is "contaminated", light and energy passing through it will carry this contaminant into the very same flow you intended this crystal or stone to cleanse and enlighten. For this reason, it is important to cleanse and recharge companion crystals, crystals you use to hold space in a room, crystals you work with in meditation and self-healing, and crystals used in the healing of others, on a periodic basis.

Minerals may be tuned to enhance their vibration, or programmed to introduce a vibration, to benefit the purpose the stone is intended to serve. The same natural dynamic, of energy passing through the molecular lattice of the crystal or stone, will carry this resonance into the surrounding environment or into the energy field of the person working with or receiving a healing from the stone.

The crystals in your care are ready to be cleansed when:

• This is a new crystal you just brought home.
• The luster of a crystal or gemstone has dulled.
• You are suddenly repelled by a stone.
• A crystal or gemstone cracks spontaneously (be sure to recharge this stone after cleansing).
• Following healing and laying-on sessions, any type of group channeling, or handling by other people.
• Exposure to heavy or undesirable energy, such as illness, worry, depression or conflict.
• After your family visits for the holidays (or any extended gathering where energy built up).
• You can't remember the last time you cleansed it!

If your crystal is a devic temple or fairy crystal, you may wish to consult with the beings in the crystal first and together select the cleansing technique.

As you utilize the techniques for activation, engage your ability to visualize the pathways of energy flowing into your crystal, then, with you intention focused on activation, see existing channels increase in capacity and new channels appear. If you have techniques that you use in meditation or higher-dimensional entities that you contact, call upon these to activate your crystal.

Awareness is the key. Visualize the idea of "love, light, and for the good of all" as part of your activation. Doing so will neutralize any subconscious vibrations that could influence this process.

Focus on the positive as you bond with your crystal. For example, "I affirm abundance and prosperity for myself and all beings." Or "I am ever protected by the Light. Good comes to me and good comes from me."

Adapt your affirmation for dedicating a crystal for an altar, space, communal area, garden or home. For example, "This home is ever protected by the Light. Good comes to our home and good comes from our home".