Every space holds energy. Even though you can’t see it, you’ve probably sensed it… For example, you may have walked into a room that looked beautiful, but somehow just didn’t feel right. Or perhaps you’ve been in a space that was decorated poorly or not to your taste, but you immediately felt good and comfortable. In both instances, you were probably tuning into the energy of the space. Have you ever referred to the need to “clear the air,” or said something has a “good vibe,” or after an argument stated “you could cut the tension in the room with a knife?” Or perhaps you’ve even simply said that a place had “good energy.” Many commonly used expressions indicate that we intuitively understand that buildings and places can have a certain vibration or feel.

 

Rooms can hold the energy of all the events, emotions, people, and activities that have taken place in the space—in order to have a fresh start, and create more harmony and peace in our surroundings, it can be helpful to clear the energy. Most people would agree that a common and essential aspect of caring for our homes is cleaning away dust and dirt. No one would argue that letting dirt accumulate over time negatively affects our health and dampens our spirits. But also detrimental to a healthy home is built-up, stagnant energy. Stagnant energy can prevent us from reaching our full potential by holding past issues, emotions, and old patterns that no longer serve us. A good time to clear energy is before moving into a new space, after a construction project is complete, after an illness or argument, during or after any major life event, anytime you feel stuck or down, or when your space simply doesn’t feel right. You can also perform an energy cleansing when you are trying to usher in more positive energy.

 

Although this practice may seem strange or unfamiliar, many cultures recognize that spaces hold energy and perform rituals such as burning incense and smudge sticks, sprinkling water and salt, or ringing bells and striking gongs to cleanse or bless a space. It really doesn’t matter which tool you use—so tune in to yourself and see what tool calls to you. As, or more, important than the tool you choose is your intention as you clear your space. In fact, you can even clear energy just using your intention. 

 

Clearing the energy with intention:

 

1) Open your front door and as many windows as possible and imagine a wave of light or gentle wind moving or blowing through your home. The light and wind can start in the back of your home and then move through all the areas of your home towards the front door, pushing all the stagnant energy out the front door. Then visualize and welcome fresh air, sunshine, and light.

2) After you cleanse the energy you can seal the positive energy in your home. Imagine wrapping your home in light. Visualize a string of white golden light and wrap your home like a package with a bow on top. You may also close the rays of light as a shield if you feel a need to strengthen boundaries. Affirm that only peace and love will enter your home.

 

Energy Clearing Ritual:

 

In this example we use sage, but you can choose any tool, such as sound (clapping your hands, ringing a bell) or water with a few drops of essential oils such as lemon, lavender or eucalyptus.

1.     This ceremony is best done on a sunny day, after your home has been physically cleaned.  

2.     Close windows and outside doors.

3.     You may wish to ask for assistance from Spirit or your Higher Self.

4.     Light Sage stick. The sage stick only needs to produce a steady stream of smoke- it does not need to flame! You may wish to carry a fireproof or ceramic dish to catch any ashes or embers.

5.     Set an intention to clear out any stagnant energy that may be present.  Ask to let go of anything that does not serve you for your highest good or that is not in alignment with the truth of who you are.  You may wish to set specific intentions, i.e. “I am now letting go of any fear or negativity that may be present.”

6.     Wave the sage stick and allow the smoke to travel around the perimeter of each room.  Open drawers, closets, cabinets, etc.  (anything that closes.)  Allow the smoke to go inside these enclosed areas.  Pay attention to corners, baseboards, and doorframes, making sure the smoke passes over these areas.  As you move through the space you may wish to repeat your intention, especially as you enter a new room.

7.     When you have finished walking through your entire home, place the sage stick in the kitchen sink and allow it to keep burning.

8.     Go through you home and open up all the windows.  Affirm that the energy that is no longer serving you goes out the window as you open it and in its place welcome in light and love.  You may ask that your space now be filled with light, love, joy, peace, harmony, abundance, optimal health, creativity or any other quality you desire in your life.  Usher in these qualities as you open the windows.

9.     Put out the sage stick and know that it is done. Give thanks for your home.

 

*This ritual should not be done if children, or anyone living in the house is sensitive or allergic to smoke or sage. 

*Watch for embers and plan to stay in the house after to check for embers.

*Take care not to set off sprinkler and/or smoke alarms.

For more information on space clearing we recommend the book Sacred Space by Denise Linn.