in-her-broomcloset:

cosmic-witch:

I believe that many of the methods used to cleanse items can also be used to charge them – the difference lies within your intention. 

To cleanse, visualize negative energy actually leaving the object. To charge, visualize the object being filled with the energy from your chosen source.

Cleansing & Charging Methods:

• Visualization – imagine a ball of energy forming around the item to either cleanse it or give it power (the color of the ball could correspond to your intent, i.e. white or blue for cleansing, red for power, etc.)
• Earth – bury the object in soil or sand – a potted plant will also work
• Water – submerge the item in running water 
• Salt Water – anoint or submerge the item in a salt water solution 
• Gem Water – anoint or submerge the item in a corresponding crystal elixir 
• Herbal & Floral Water – anoint or submerge the item in a solution of corresponding herbs or flowers 
• Sea Salt – sprinkle sea salt over/around the item or submerge it in a container of sea salt 
• Essential & Infused Oils – anoint item with corresponding oil 
• Smoke – pass the item through incense smoke 
• Fire – pass the item through an open flame 
• Storms – leave item outside during a thunderstorm
• Wind & Breath – leave item outside when it’s windy or use your breath to essentially breathe your intent into the item
• Crystals/Crystal Grid – surround the item with crystals of corresponding intent (can be arranged in a pattern to form a crystal grid and enhance energy) or simply pass the crystal over the item
• Dried/Fresh Herbs & Flowers – sprinkle mixture over/around item or submerge the item in a mixture of herbs and/or flower petals 
• Sound – use a bell, whistle, or something similar to clear the space and associated items of negativity; alternatively, you can place the item near a set of speakers to absorb the energy from music and other sounds 
• Sigils – craft and use sigils that correspond with your intent (you can set the item on top of the sigil, draw the sigil on the item, etc.)
• Technology – set the item near your phone/tablet/etc while it’s charging 
• Moonlight & Starlight – leave item in the path of these natural lights, either outside or in a windowsill overnight 
• Sunlight – leave item in the path of sunlight for a few hours during the day (before sunset, of course), either outside or in a windowsill 
• Divination – pair the item with a rune or tarot/oracle card that matches your intent in a small container 
• Incantations – create an incantation that states your intent and speak it aloud while holding the item
• Physical Energy – engage in physical activity of some sort (exercise, dancing, sex, etc.) and direct that energy into the item
• Actual cleaning – physically and literally clean any items with an appropriate solution (soap, alcohol, etc.); the energy put into cleaning can also be used to charge the item

Caution: some items, especially crystals, are not suitable for exposure to sunlight, water, or salt. 

Cleansing is: removing negative* energy from an item or space

Charging is: instilling energy into an item with specific intentions

(*Note: cleansing will remove all attached energy from an object unless it is a talisman that possesses power naturally on its own, such as a crystal or herb. A talisman’s natural energy will remain in tact after a cleansing but any prior chargings, blessings, enchantments, etc. will be removed along with any negative energy)