How to cleanse your home's energy

The new year is here, and so many of us are embracing the attitude of “out with the old, in with the new”. Closet purges, donation drop offs, clearing cupboards – this is the time of year when the focus shifts to cleaning and clearing our physical spaces. 

A more minimal space not only gives you a little more breathing room, it does the same for your home’s energy, opening up space for the good vibes to flow through and fill your  home. Tackling both the physical and energetic spaces can help usher in peace, harmony, abundance, and happiness (or whatever other intention you wish to set!), and is especially helpful if there have been a lot of big emotions or lots of people (and their own emotions) moving in and out of your space. 

So, where to begin? 

Set the Intentions

While we think of clearing and cleansing a space as a chance to get rid of old or stagnant energy, it’s important to remember that when we take something out, we need to replace it with something else. That’s where intentions come into play. 

Think of what is a priority for you, and what you want to call into your life. Perhaps it’s financial abundance, physical protection, or more loving relationships — whatever it may be, hold the intention in your mind as you go about your work, or even better, speak it out loud. Our thoughts and words are incredibly powerful, and “speaking them out” to the universe helps give them added oomph. 

Personally, as I am cleaning, mopping or organizing, I tend to say “I cleanse and clear this space of all that is negative, stagnant, dormant, and no longer for mine or my family’s greatest and highest good. I call in the energies of love, light, abundance, goodness, and grace, to bless this home and fill this space”. You can say this or whatever feels right to you as you go, but remember as we clear something out, we need to invite something in. 

You can also give your intentions a boost by lighting a candle as you start your tasks (remembering not to leave your candle unattended), diffusing essential oils, or laying out crystals that correspond with your intention. 

Declutter

If you subscribe to the belief that all things are comprised of energy, it naturally follows that the more things there are in your space, the heavier or “clunkier” the energy may feel. This is especially true if there is any messes blocking pathways or key areas in your home, such as the front door. Energy flows best in open areas, so don’t hesitate to create that environment by throwing out, donating, or passing along anything that might not feel essential to your life. For things that remain, do your best to either place them in their designated spot, or create a new “home” for them. 

Clean

Physically cleaning your space is another step to inviting in good energy. You know that feeling that hits just after you have cleaned your floors, washed a sink of dishes, opened a window to a cool breeze, or picked up a room? That sigh of relief and feeling of clarity? It’s not just in your head — with less distraction, it’s easier for us to think, move, or do whatever we may need to … and the same applies for energy in your home. 

In addition to the usual cleaning tasks, another important but often overlooked spot are your windows and mirrors. Cleaning away any gunk or dust from those surfaces also opens up space for positive energy to make its way into your home. 

Cleanse

With your home decluttered and cleaned, the final step is clearing the old energy out. Many people burn sage or cleansing sticks sometimes called “smudge” sticks; it’s important to note though that Smudging is a closed practice for indigenous peoples. Sage is very often one of the first plants people think of for cleansing energy, but burning or diffusing Cedar, Frankincense, Lavender, Palo Santo, and Rosemary are also excellent for cleansing and protection. You can easily find these in incense, in a candle, or as essential oil for diffusing. 

Worried about the smell, fire alarms, or aggravating health concerns with smoke cleansing? There are many other strategies you can turn to. Sound is just as effective in clearing spaces — you can use a Tibetan singing bowl, bang on pots  or pans, ring a set of bells or chimes, or even just clap your hands loudly as you make your way through the home. Other strategies for cleansing a space include burning a candle, creating a simmer pot, or leaving sliced or halved lemons, a bowl of water, or a bowl of salt in a room to absorb unwanted energy.

There are many schools of thought in terms of whether to cleanse with windows open or closed (and in turn opening the windows before or after you start the cleanse), or following a specific route through the home, but I’d recommend doing what feels right for you, your home, and your circumstances. 

Whether through sound or smoke, it’s important to remember things like closets, corners, or other areas that might be neglected. If you’re going with a smoke cleansing method, you can walk from room to room with your tool of choice (being careful to collect any ash or guard from any sparks dropping by carrying a plate underneath your tool), again stating your intent to clear out negative or stagnant energy and calling in the energy of choice for that space. You can use a specific prayer, or write your own personal blessing to use. 

Bless your Home 

Once you have cleansed your space, a small finishing touch you may wish to do is lighting a candle –  saying a prayer or stating your intent (i.e., I light this candle to bless and protect this space) – and let it burn until it is out. A simple white tea light will suffice, but if you wish to you can also use a candle in a colour that corresponds with your intention. This is not strictly necessary and again you can do whatever feels right to you and your situation.

How often should you cleanse your home?

The answer, as with so many things on a the seeker’s path, is “it depends”. You can repeat the process as frequently through the year as you wish to, or even focus on specific rooms or spaces (i.e., a home office for financial abundance, or areas of your home that align to an intention according to feng shui principles) to give it a continued “boost” through the year. Some people do a the full works on specific holidays or times of year. Pay attention to what is happening in your life and in your space. If there are lots of heightened emotions, tension, stress, or activity, then it might be a good idea to do a quick cleanse and clear whenever the time feels right. I try to take inspiration from a good friend who burns some palo santo through her home every Friday evening.  

The new year, with all its traditions and rich symbolism, is an excellent time to refresh the energy of your home and to call in whatever you are manifesting for the year ahead. Whether it’s peace, protection, financial abundance, or other personal hopes and goals, creating a space that supports and welcomes these intentions on an energetic level can give a “base” for these energies to spread throughout your daily life. 

I wish you the best of luck and goodness in the new year.