For years, I worked as an interior designer. After moving furniture around or arranging bookshelves, I often noticed that my arms would ache, and I would feel unusually tired. One of my herbal teachers suggested that I try using a homemade essential oil “clearing” spray on my arms and hands as soon as I got into my car. Surprisingly, this alleviated all of my symptoms.
I started bringing the spray into my clients’ homes and using it before I moved anything. I often left a bottle for them, which led to the development of my first product, now called “Lighten Up” essential oil spray, a bestseller at the shop!
As time went on, I began exploring other herbal clearing techniques in my own home. As an interior designer, I had spent so much time focusing on the physical aspects of a space that I never formally knew how to address its spiritual side, especially when something felt off or heavy. By working with various plants, I learned how to shift the energy in a space. Depending on which plant I used, I could bring in a specific feeling or vibration that I wanted. It was truly transformational.
Digging deeper, I discovered that fragrant plants have been used since the beginning of civilization to clear spaces, heal the sick, and promote spiritual connection. Now, science confirms that burning plant material purifies the air of bacteria, germs, viruses, and unpleasant odors. It’s a winning combination.
Simple Space Clearing Steps:
- Begin with a Grounding Exercise: Stand firmly with your feet planted on the ground. Imagine roots growing from your tailbone, reaching down into the earth.
- Visualize Your Roots: Picture your roots intertwining with those of trees. See them extending deeper and deeper through layers of soil until they reach the Earth's center. Once connected, take several deep breaths, drawing Earth energy up into your body.
- Observe Your Feelings: Notice how this connection makes you feel.
- Pull Energy into Your Heart Center: Bring that Earth energy up into your heart space. Take note of how it softens and expands your heart area.
- Express Gratitude: Offer thanks for the tools you will use to clear your space. Additionally, ask for help, support, or guidance from your spiritual guides or allies.
- Set Your Intention: Decide why you want to clear your space. Your intention can be as simple as, "I wish to clear all stagnant or negative energies from my body or environment."
Working with Burnables
Light the end of your burnable bundle over a small bowl or plate (earthenware is recommended here). Blow out the flame and use the smoke as your clearing tool. It is common to have to relight the wand several times if passing around a circle or clearing an entire home. Alternatively, you can use a charcoal round placed on a heatproof plate, bowl, or even a small coffee cup. Keep in mind that the bottom of the dish will likely get hot, and the charcoal can leave stains, so choose your container accordingly. To use the charcoal, light it with a lighter; it will spark and gradually turn white as it heats up. Once the charcoal is ready, place your burning mixture or resins on top, adding more as needed.
Clearing Yourself
For personal cleansing, lightly breathe in the smoke. Begin by clearing the area above your head, then move down and around your body until you reach the ground. Consider placing your dish on a solid surface to "pull off" any heavy energy, allowing it to be transmuted into the smoke. Continue this process until you feel clear. You can use the same technique to clear another person.
Clearing your Space
To clear your living space, consider opening at least one window or throw wide open many windows, if the weather allows.
Walk around each room with the smoke while reciting a wish, prayer, or blessing; it can be as simple as "cleanse and bless." Pay special attention to doors, windows, dark corners, and stagnant closets. Follow your intuition and pay attention to your feelings during this process. There is no “right” way to do this - these are just guidelines, so make it enjoyable and try to perceive the shift in energy.
Once your space is cleared, invite in the energy you desire for each area. You can choose the same energy for the entire space, or select different energies for specific rooms. For example, in your eating area, you might want to focus on nourishment, joy, or connectedness. In your sleeping space, consider inviting in rest, rejuvenation, and peace. Your bathroom could represent purification or letting go. Call in the energies that resonate with you for each space. After you have completed this process for your home, if you haven't already, take a moment to clear your physical body as well. You may want to drink some water and eat something grounding if you feel a bit jittery after the process.
I recommend clearing your space at least once a month. I prefer to do this when I have the house to myself. A good indicator that it's time to clear your space is if things start to feel heavy, or if people around you are bickering or feeling cranky. Gather your clearing tools, which may include a smudge stick and a bowl, a candle, or a spray, and see if you can shift the energy in your home! The results can be truly amazing.
Jewelweed offers a selection of sprays and burnable botanical bundles for clearing. You can shop and explore them here.