How to Perform a Cleaning Ritual

Co-authored by Taya Wright, NAPO, RESA

Last Updated: March 3, 2023 References Approved

It's a good idea to cleanse the psychic energy of your living space when you first move to a new place and a few times throughout the year. If you or someone you know is having difficulty in some area of their life, or had a traumatic or unsettling incident occur in their home, a cleansing can also be beneficial.

Steps

1
If you have just moved to a new home that has a bad aura or a very negative feel, wash any wood surfaces and floors with mild witch hazel diluted with water 10 to 1 mix.^{[1]
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2
Move in a circular motion through your home. Now that you've gotten rid of your clutter, it should be easier to clean the floors -- always a good starting point for a thorough housecleaning. You may choose to move in either a clockwise (deosil) or counter-clockwise (widdershins) direction through your home. If you move clockwise, concentrate on bringing in lightness, peace, clarity, serenity, prosperity, or whatever positive energy you wish for into your home: the emphasis for this direction is on invoking, or inviting in. If you move counterclockwise, concentrate on banishing dirt, old memories, dustiness, mustiness, and blocked energy: the emphasis is on banishing, or pushing out.^{[2]
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3
Put one of the following into the soapy water you use to mop your floors. If you have carpets, consider making a small mixture and sprinkling or spraying it on the floors after vacuuming. Just a few drops of the essential oils will suffice: Salt (purifying and grounding); Sage essential oil (purifying); Lemon essential oil (gives energy and a clean smell); Patchouli (brings prosperity -- go extra light on this); Pine (brings prosperity and love).^{[3]
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- Don't forget to wipe down surfaces, clean mirrors, and de-clutter your bureau and desk. If necessary, get a box and place all your old mail and bills in it. You can go through your papers later, but looking at them night and day can be a constant source of stress.
- Once you've gotten rid of all the dust and clutter and your floors and surfaces are shining and clean, you should already be feeling better. Use one or more of the following methods to clean out any lingering stagnant energy:* Burn white sage and waft the smoke around your house in a counterclockwise motion, banishing old, stuck energy from your home. Always burn herbs with a fire-safe container! Ring a bell or a rattle through your home, again in counterclockwise motion. Yell, clap your hands, stamp your feet, and laugh.
- When you feel that your home has been thoroughly cleansed, say in a strong, clear voice, "My home is cleared of all negative energy. Let it be a place of peace, serenity, love, and prosperity."
4
Seal your home against negative energies by doing one or more of the following:^{[4]
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- Using a wand, sketch a pentacle in the invoking direction at each of your home's entrances (windows, doors, etc). Don't forget the door to the basement or garage!
- Sprinkle salt water around the outside walls of your home.
- Place a penny (right side up) in each of the outside corners of your home.
- Place a protective symbol--such as a mirror, a household god, or a broom - at or near your front and back doors. It's best to use the symbol most closely aligned with your own ethnic heritage.
5
Get rid of clutter. Clutter is one of the major offenders when it comes to blocked or sluggish energy in your home. Recycle that collection of old newspapers and magazines (and consider canceling subscriptions), clean out your closets and drawers (get rid of anything you haven't worn or used for more than a year), and weed through your collection of books, music, and other media.^{[5]
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6
Clean the place thoroughly. Dust and dirt have an effect on the psyche. Break out the vacuum cleaner, the broom, the dustpan, and the mop!^{[6]
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7
Make sure to sweep the doorways and steps of your front and back entrances.

Community Q&A

Question

Why does this exsist?

Jade Brody

Community Answer

Pagan cleansing rituals exist to help, obviously, cleanse things. Pagans like to cleanse the energy of things before using them, lest bad energy corrupt them.
Question

How much oil do I use?

Community Answer

The right amount of oil varies, but 2 cups is a good estimate for most rituals.
Question

What if I can't burn white sage?

Community Answer

If you need to cleanse a place from evil influences or even a spirit without burning sage, you have several options. If you have sage but you can't burn it, you can rub it on the item or place you wish to cleanse. If not, you can do the rice and salt ritual. First, and this step is only if there is an influence waiting to feed on your feelings, you should "feed the ghosts" by throwing rice like you were feeding hens. Then, go out and leave it for a few hours. When you are back, banish the sated spirit by throwing salt, not like you are feeding, it but rather like you're throwing stones at it. Say that you banish it, and work from the bottom to the entry door to push it out.

Warnings

Believe, or visualise, a calm and peaceful home. If you focus on strife and negativity, that is what you will receive.

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Fear will hinder your ability to have a positive outlook on life. Try to focus on the positive, rather than feed the fears you may have in your life. Take calming breaths and remind yourself that fear has no hold over you.

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