By Elise Tabin
Both shamans and healers alike have long believed that smudging a room — aka ritualistically burning sage or another sacred plant to purify the air — can quickly ward off negative energy and usher new, positive energy into space. Cleanse your home by lighting a sacred plant, such as sage, sweetgrass or juniper, and follow the four-direction ceremony — where you call upon each direction (North, South, East, West) for guidance — whenever you need to shift the current energy.
Many healers believe that different crystals hold different energies — so placing certain ones throughout your home can help combat unfavorable energy throughout your space. Set a few protective crystals, such as Black Tourmaline, Blue Kyanite, or Spirit Quartz, in high-traffic areas of your home (like your coffee table, nightstand or entryway) to keep bad vibes at bay while ushering in some positivity.
Originally used in Ojibwe culture, dream catchers — a willow hoop, often with feathers, designed to look like a spider web — have long been employed as protective charms that can catch bad spirits and protect those who sleep under one from negativity and nightmares. So, simply hang a dream catcher above your bedto ward off bad energy and thoughts while you sleep. Some legends say to avoid touching the web, as your nightmares are trapped there.
Composed of salt crystals mined from the Himalayan Mountains, Himalayan salt lamps offer both decorative and environmental benefits. They are packed with negative ions that naturally detoxify the air and are believed to absorb negative energies — so employ one on your nightstand for a more mindful bedside lighting source.
Feng shui (ancient Chinese art of living) enthusiasts have long argued that certain furniture layouts can seriously mess with the energy of your home if the flow of chi (energy) is off or cluttered. Ensure that the energy of your place stays peaceful by arranging your living room furniture in a rectangle or a square — rather than an irregular or polygonal spatial pattern — since feng shui experts say this layout will improve your luck and usher positive energy into your home.
Scent is one of the most powerful senses humans possess. No surprise then that wellness experts believe in the healing and protective benefits of aromatherapy. Spritz some lavender essential oil spray around your home to neutralize bad frequencies in your space, use sandalwood to dispel fears and negative energies, or try a restorative pillow spray to assist in sleep.
Looking for an all-natural way to purify the air in your home and boost your spirits at the same time? Houseplants are scientifically proven to clean the air, deter illness and boost healing — so keeping at least one houseplant in every room will help ensure that the air and the energy of your place stay nice and toxin-free.
Ask any feng shui expert and they will tell you the same: Broken objects harbor bad vibes. Not only will hanging on to unfixable items prevent you from living in a clean and clutter-free space, but it also demonstrates (to yourself and visitors) that you can’t let go of the past — even when it is counterproductive. Help rid your place of negativity by immediately throwing out any furnishings, electronics and décor accents that no longer serve a purpose and see how much better you feel afterwards.
If you weren’t already hip to the healing powers of bells, then now is the time to smarten up. Because of the soothing, vibratory sound bells produce, it is believed that ringing them can ward off negativity and bad vibes. Try ringing a bell a handful of times in a room that feels heavy, or simply hang some by your front door to renew the energy of your home every time someone enters or leaves.
According to some music theorists, the universe vibrates at a 432-hertz frequency. That is why they say if you listen to a sound — or music — at 432 hertz, it can boost positive energy in yourself and your immediate surroundings. Drown out negative energy from your home by listening to your favorite album or playlist at 432 hertz, and keep your ears and space in sync with the “heartbeat of the Earth.”
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