Clearing

Clearing with a bundle of dried sage.

Everything in life is energy and energy can get stuck, stagnant and stale- leaving us feeling depleted, lethargic and even turning into disease in the body. This stagnant, sometimes negative, energy can hang out in our homes, bodies and even in and around objects. Clearing or cleansing this undesirable energy can be performed in a number of ways, including; smudging, bells, bathing in water or sunlight and body work/energy work. You can also think of clearing as a "blessing" for the person, place or object involved.

Bless This Home
I recommend clearing a home once a week, or as it feels needed. How do you know if it "feels" needed? Well, think back to the last time you had an argument at home and how the space felt heavy afterwards. Have you had a visitor that exuded negativity in your home?  How about house guests that you may have hosted and entertained for days? Do you have a teenager who just slammed a door in your face? Those are a few visible examples. How about the invisible kind? We have spirits around us all of the time- souls of those who have passed. The best way I've heard it explained is that they are always around us- not hanging out in the imagined clouds of Heaven. It's like they are living in the same house, but in a different room. These entities could be loved ones or unknown entities. Send any negative energies and negative entities packing.

I Have to Clear My Crystals
Clearing objects such as crystals, jewelry, clothing, photos, artwork, mirrors, new furniture, antiques, any second-hand item, or something that may hold a negative association from your past or former relationship is best done as soon as you bring the item into your space. Can you imagine all of the people who have handled your possessions prior to the object coming into your possession? This is the same reason we bless our food before a meal.

Calgon, Take Me Away
"The traffic! The boss! The baby! The dog!" Calgon, take me away!' It's the infamous 80s commercials during daytime television. "...lose your cares in the luxury of a Calgon bath. Calgon softens the water to leave skin feeling silky smooth as it lifts your spirits."  Never underestimate the power of a bubble bath. Cleanliness is next to Godliness. Bathing is the obvious way to wash away the dirt and grime to "lift your spirits", but you may need to step it up with body work such as yoga and massage therapy and energy work such as pranayama and Reiki to move stuck energy.

Clearing with the vibration of bells.

Clearing with Bells
Sometimes the best method of clearing calls for vibration with sound. Bells are a great alternative when you can't burn something or cleanse with water. The sound/vibration of the bell breaks up lower energies.

Clearing with Smudging
This one is a fan favorite. Smudging is a ceremonial act in which you burn sacred plants and waft the smoke for purifying or cleaning of a person, object or space. The plants can be burned in a dried bundle like white sage tied with string or loose in a fireproof container.

• The four elements are represented by the following:
• The container, typically an abalone shell, represents the water element.
• The plant, typically sage, cedar, sweet grass, juniper, lavender, copal and tobacco, represents the earth element.
• The fire from igniting the plant represents the fire element.
• The smoke from burning, represents the air element.

Smudging fans are used to waft the smoke from the plant into the space/object/body.
Handmade and available for sale under the "Smudge Fans" tab.

Clearing with Water
Every new crystal or stick I bring home, I first cleanse with water and then smudge with sage. Hold the object under running water or hold in a source of running water such as a stream, creek or river. Water can also be infused with crystal healing properties by creating crystal elixirs to drink or drop/rub into the skin. Not all crystals are safe for crystal elixirs. Please do your research.

Clearing with Body Work & Energy Work
There are several modalities to help you clear any stuck energy in the body. Disruption of the life force (life force also called: chi, qi, ki, prana) causes illness and disease in the body. The following modalities help keep the flow of life force in the body, creating a healthy condition:

• Yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Gung: Physical movement of the body with emphasis on the breath.
• Pranayama: Prana = life force. Yama = control. Pranayama = Breath control.
• Massage Therapy: The manual manipulation of soft-tissue in the body to enhance a person's well-being.
• Reiki: Rei = Higher Intelligence, Ki = Life force. Reiki is a non-physical healing technique made up of life force energy that is guided by higher intelligence. Often following the chakra system, the guide places hands on the body or hovers hands over the body- sending healing energy to remove blocks of Ki. The source of health comes from the Ki running unobstructed in the body.

*Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are my own. I make no representation as to the acuracy, suitability or validity, and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or for any losses, injuries or damages arising from its use. The information provided is not intended to diagnose, prevent, treat or cure any disease and does not replace healthcare. Please consult a healthcare professional before beginning or changing any health routines. For mental health emergencies, please call the crisis line at 844-494-8255. For life threatening instances, please call 911.