Hey witches! I had someone ask how to cleanse the other day and it comes up periodically. Most witches know how but some who are newer may not or may not know just how many different ways you can cleanse. Smoke cleansing is probably the most well known but you can also use moon or sun water. There is also sound and intent cleansing by using your personal energy. Let’s not forget using the energy of the sun and moon directly!

What Is Cleansing and Why Do You Do It?

Cleansing has been practiced for centuries all over the world much like anything in witchcraft. It has evolved much the same in every culture especially smoke cleansing. The rituals might be different but the reasons the same. The reason being to remove energy and to purify a person, object or space. Some believe it removes spirits also but that’s questionable and in some hauntings it has made situations worse. I always suggest treating a spirit like the person they once were and just be polite instead of trying to push them from their homes. Probably a whole different post!

If you search online you can also find many articles where science has proven the effectiveness of smoke cleansing, it can clear your mind, lift your mood and kill unwanted diseases and bacteria. Even spritzing the air with water and essential oils will do this. Clearing your mind and spirit can be essential to learning to just be, to meditate, healing and ascending.

As with anything herb related Know Your Herbs! Some are dangerous to ingest and breathe and can harm pets as well.

Smoke Cleansing

Smoke cleansing is probably the most well known and popular method. It’s easy to do and the sight of the smoke hanging in the air and the fragrance are very powerful in helping your intent. Some call it smudging but the practice of smudging is a Native American ritual preformed in a specific way so if you do say smudging just know you are not actually smudging. You can read more about that in my post Smudging and Smoke Cleansing.

Cleansing With Moon or Sun Water

You can wipe down crystals, tools and wash in your moon or sun water. People also use sprays infused with herbs. Not all crystals are safe in water as they can give off toxic chemicals or become fragile when they get wet. A good rule of thumb is if it ends in “ite” keep it dry but there are others as well. Make sure to do your research before using water. You can use oils the same way.

Cleansing With Sound

Personally I love sound cleansing. You can use bells, frequencies, singing, instruments, singing bowls, etc. The vibrations in sound and music can be extremely powerful. Just imagine how you feel when you blast your favorite song. Music is magick. Frequencies are also a wonderful alternative to meditation and I highly suggest them if you struggle with meditation. Ringing a bell is often used to end spells as well or to call spirits and aid from your ancestors.

Using Your Intent

To use your intent for cleansing you hold the object in your hands or envision the space or room in your mind. You use your energy to travel from one end to the opposite to push out any energy that may be in an object or area. For a room or house it’s best to start opposite a doorway and push unwanted energy out the door. This might be harder for those just starting or not used to sustained concentration and using intuition. You will feel when it’s done.

Cleansing With the Moon and Sun

Most likely every witch knows to put their tools and crystals (or themselves!) out under the moon light for cleansing and recharging but you can also use the sun. Some use the phase of the moon for specific meaning or only the full moon. That’s a personal choice but the more you can add layers to your crafting that build on your intent the better. As with water some crystals are light sensitive and should be kept out of the sun.

With all things witchy your craft is your own and you can cleanse however feels right to you. Some don’t cleanse much at all as they don’t feel they need to. However you choose to do it, or not, will be right. If you’re unsure do some experimenting! You are the alchemist of your own craft after all!

Happy Crafting!