Using Alcohol To Cleanse Stones

I use regular vodka to cleanse all candles prior to use. I read this method in a book (I think by Aleister Crowley, but not sure) and it has worked well. I feel that the candles I have stored in my supply box collect "debris" as they wait to be used, losing their potency in magickal rites. When I cleanse them with vodka, their colour becomes more vibrant and I am more confident in their use.

A thought has recently occurred to me - what about using vodka to cleanse stones? Obviously there will be some stones that will dissolve and lose their power being submerged in any alcohol, or wiped down. What about the harder stones, such as diamond, ruby, sapphire, or even quartz or amethyst?

Just a thought. I have severe doubts considering I have never heard of this method of cleansing. Even if this would work, a more natural approach would still be much more efficient, such as soaking in sunlight or moonlight, or burying in the earth, or a basic cleansing ritual using the four basic elements.

[Adrienne]

Originally Posted by Phantasmic Fox

A thought has recently occurred to me - what about using vodka to cleanse stones?

no telling what kind of dreams one might have when putting those tipsy crystals under the pillow !!

on second thought, try it and let us know, I am curious

Originally Posted by Dream Angel

no telling what kind of dreams one might have when putting those tipsy crystals under the pillow !!

on second thought, try it and let us know, I am curious

I think I might test this out using amethyst tonight. I'll dip it in vodka for a few seconds and wipe it down before placing it underneath my pillow. I've looked into it and this shouldn't harm the stone. It has been done before to wash the dirt away from jewellery with stones such as those I mentioned. I will post my findings here.

Should be interesting considering the anti-drunken nature of the stone.

[Adrienne]

thank you, good choice on the stone

anti-drunken nature ? now that is interesting .....

I did not experience a tangible difference in using alcohol and amethyst.

This is what I did: immediately before going to bed, I filled a bowl with triple distiller vodka. I placed my amethyst in the vodka for approximately 5 seconds, fully submerged. After retrieving it from the vodka, I wiped it down gently with a white cloth and placed it underneath my pillow. On a whim, I did consume the vodka (approx 6 FL oz) before crawling into bed for the night. This could have hindered its effects.

Upon waking I was holding the stone in my right hand. My body heat had warmed it and it felt hot. I thought this was strange. I don't usually move any stone placed underneath my pillow in my sleep. I did not notice anything strange about the nature of my dreams, expect for easier dream recall as you would expect from amethyst.

Overall, I think it had little effect. I noticed that, immediately after dipping the stone in vodka, it appeared to be shinier and brighter like you would expect, but as for metaphysical properties, there was no tangible difference. It's possible the stone was slightly strengthened by observing it as being brighter, but for the most part I think this practise is a wasteful act. There are easier, cheaper ways to treat your stones. If your stone is greasy or dirty, then by all means use a little bit of vodka or other light-scented alcohol as long as it's hardness it 7 or greater (I only say 7 because it's the hardness of amethyst). I don't know how soft a stone must be to dissolve in 40 percent alcohol as I used.

Interesting Phantasmic Fox...

This full moon did my usual; although its almost winter, we have had gorgeous, sunny days for a good crystal clearing. Then with some I haven't cleansed in awhile; rock salt and blessed water after a smudging ceremony. Topped off with a full charge in the full moon light.

I love new moons though.

[Adrienne]

Hello Fox, thanks for sharing your amethyst/vodka dream experience.

Interesting though the vodka didn't seem to have an effect on the dreams, the mention that amethyst helped you with the dream recall caught my attention. Have you noticed this before with amethyst helping with dream recall ?

I recently place 2 Herkemer diamonds under my pillow (not previously bathed in vodka ) and I didn't really notice anything in regards to enhancing or remembering my dreams. Maybe I should try with an amethyst ? what do you think ?