The shaman slowly reaches forward to light the incense. As smoke fills the air, he begins a sonorous chant. The rising and falling of his voice seems to undulate throughout the room. Wave after wave of low humming tones flow from him, resonating in every niche and corner of the space. The soft beating of a drum accompanies his chant as he stands to face each of the four directions, asking for blessings for the home and all its occupants. In each direction he prays to the Creator for good health, prosperity, and love for all. The smoke settles. The drumming subsides. Everyone smiles. Good fortune will reign in this home.
For thousands of years, in ancient civilizations and cultures throughout the world, sacred ceremonies have been performed to instill beneficial energy in living spaces. Although many of these traditions have withered in the climate of our modern, technology-driven world, arising from the deep wisdom of the earth comes the rebirth of space clearing. Forgotten ceremonies that once brought vitality to human structures generations ago are now more commonly known and used to establish peace and equilibrium in today’s homes and businesses with remarkable results. Homes that felt sluggish or depressing become vibrant and uplifting after a space clearing. Stores and offices that have been cleared often report an increase in sales and morale. A room that is cleansed feels at once lighter and brighter—and even people not sensitive to energy remark how great they feel.
Space clearing today can provide keys to inviting the natural world into our homes. It can reveal the spiritual possibilities lying dormant in our surroundings, dispel negative energy, and call Spirit and love into our homes and businesses. A home that has been purified not only feels better but sometimes, in seemingly mystical ways, we find that health improves, relationships deepen, and prosperity expands. Ancient people understood the power of cleansing and blessing their homes and living structures, and this is why space clearing was such an important part of their everyday life.
The journey to understanding space clearing (and learning how it can make a difference in your home) lies in the realm of energy. Our homes are not just inanimate physical structures. They are receptacles for vibrating unseen energy fields that respond to human thought and intention. In this book I have sought to unravel some of the mysteries of energy and space clearing to show you how, when it has been cleared, the house becomes an environment of spiritual revival and inner poise.
Space clearing can be done at any time, yet there are particular instances when it is especially important to clear and bless your environment. The type of clearing you do will depend on the history of the space and what has occurred there.
For example, after a sickness or death of a loved one, the energy of a home often becomes sluggish and heavy, or yin in nature. To dispel the listless energy and restore balance in the area, clearing techniques that are vibrant and quick moving are required—these are yang (active) in nature. Drums and gongs are excellent tools to use in such a case.
On the other hand, if the energy of your space feels continually agitated, to create an oasis of peace you might choose to use techniques and tools of a yin quality. The use of a crystal singing bowl or softly chanted mantras can create tranquility and calm.
In ancient traditions, it was considered a sacrilege to begin the construction of a building before clearing and consecrating the land. Anecdotal evidence supports the validity of this belief, as homes built on battle sites or hallowed ground have often been plagued by continuous problems. Simply taking the time to connect and communicate with the earth, clear the land of residual energy, and offer blessings can make an enormous difference in the fortunes of all the occupants of a home. Blessings for the land forge a symbolic link between the house and the life-giving earth it rests upon. The occupants of this home will reap the benefits of living in this location.
In many cultures it was unthinkable to move into a home that hadn’t been space cleared and blessed. Homes that have not been freed of residual energies will sometimes continue to foster patterns of behavior related to the emotions of the previous occupants. If there was a lot of anger experienced by previous owners, this can create an energy echo called residual energy. Residual anger in a home can make it easier for the current residents to have anger issues.
Also, it is not uncommon for a business to go bankrupt in a building that has seen previous bankruptcy. Although this could be attributed to a bad location, it is more likely that the negative energy created by the previous misfortune created a template for failure; this is called predecessor energy.
Even if the previous homeowners were healthy and happy, it is still advantageous to clear the space so you’re free to create your own traditions and space there. You’ll then be surrounded by your own energy rather than someone else’s.
It’s absolutely essential after illness, divorce, death, or misfortune that you space clear your home. Doing this facilitates the timely release of pain, suffering, sorrow, and discomfort, so that you can begin anew. It will literally help to “clear the air” of stagnant, unhealthy, negative, or unhappy energy. Also, space clear your home after arguments, home accidents, or the departure of an unpleasant visitor.
You can also do space clearing anytime you need a lift in life. Have you been feeling sluggish or lackluster? If so, this would be an excellent time to perform a space clearing ceremony. Although a complete clearing involves an entire home or office, even the simple act of lighting a candle, misting a room, or ringing a bell will have a positive effect on how you feel, if it is done with the intent of transforming the energy in your environment.
You may want to do a light space clearing every morning to start your day with crisp, clear energy. Simply walking around each major room in your home ringing a bell, lighting incense at an altar, or wafting the smoke of an herbal bundle with a feather in the morning hours can set a template of clarity for the rest of the day.
Space clearing before bringing a new baby home, the arrival of an honored guest, or a rite of passage such as a marriage ceremony in the home sets a template of clarity and light. It creates a perfect environment for generating fresh new beginnings.
It is valuable to cleanse and purify the energy of your home at least once a year. This will “set” the energy for the coming year. Ideally, this complete clearing is done either at the winter solstice or in very early spring. Both times are auspicious for new beginnings.
In the springtime, as new life abounds, clarify your goals and dreams for that coming year, then thoroughly purify your home and office, top to bottom, to create a powerful template for the coming year. Your space clearing ritual creates an energy that will continue to feed and nourish your home for the coming year.
Space clearing can be done at any time of day or night; however, the early morning hours (especially after a waxing full moon the night before) offer the freshest and most potent energy. Opening windows and allowing morning sunshine to stream in during a clearing can invite beneficial vibrant energy into a dwelling.
In some Eastern European traditions, space clearings are often done at night during the dark of the moon. In these countries, it is believed that disturbing or negative home energy is at an ebb at that time, so in theory it is easier to set a new energy in place. However, the best time to do a clearing is when it feels right to you.
