Everything that we encounter on this planet, plane of existence, and reality is energy at its very core. It is because of this that we must practice good spiritual and energetic hygiene. It is of the utmost importance that when dealing with things, such as spiritual tools (tarot cards, oracle cards, crystals, runes, pendulums, protection trinkets and medals, or anything that aids us in energetic work), that we be sure we are working with not only energetically charged tools, but clear non-bias tools. While many of these tools help to amplify energy, they also help to funnel energy. When something funnels energy, it often has the potential to absorb energy and (intentionally or unintentionally) hold onto energy that is non-native to itself. In other words that isn’t original to that thing (outside energy of others). Now this outside energy could be the users (you), or it could be a completely different outside energy (maybe the person you last used the item, or the person a reading was given for, or someone’s random energetic field that this item came into contact with). Regardless, for the item to be a non-bais channel or tools for both you and spirit it needs to be neutral. Which means it needs to be clean and cleared from outside energy of all kinds, so that it is not being driven by any one energy, thus making it inaccurate or biased. But it also needs to be cleansed in order to gain the title of “clear”.
Cleansed is a term you will hear a lot in mainstream spirituality. It simply means to be purified. The idea of purification can mean a lot of things to a multitude of different cultures and religions. However, for the sake of community we will use purified as being cleaned and emptied of any non-natural to the item, energy. Non-natural meaning any Unoriginal or Inorganic energy that does not naturally radiate from the item being cleansed. In simpler terms cleared of all outside energy and forces.
There are many ways to cleanse and clear items of “outside” energy. In this article we will talk about the basics of cleansing and clear with the 4 natural elements, in addition to, the Sun and the Moon.
The Earth Element: The Earth, Gaia, or Mother Earth is a massive energetic well of not only energy and wisdom, but has tremendous healing benefits. Because the ground and Earth is a massive part of the interconnectedness of our planet, it is one of the largest transmuters that we naturally have at our disposal. That natural transmutation is what we can use to cleanse and clear energy from our tools. We are not only “releasing” energy back into the Earth to be redistributed where needed, but we are also doing so without excess energy or time expended from ourselves.
To cleanse with the Element of the Earth you can place your item, in need of cleansing and clearing, in the ground. Some will choose to put it directly in the ground and leave it for a few hours, others will choose to rub it in dirt until satisfied. Either way is okay. But be careful of what material the items are made out of, as some metals and fibers may deteriorate or degrade in dirt. If this is the case, you may want to choose a different element.
The Fire Element: The Element of Fire is a very sacred element to many cultures and tribes around the world. It is often seen as our inner flame or spark and can be viewed in direct connection to many God(s) and Deity(es). It is often seen as a cleansing element due to its long-standing history of being a destructive force that often clears and cleans the land entirely, but often forces a “new beginning” or “rebirth” on many levels.
To cleanse with the Element of Fire and still have your item intact, we often recommend lighting a candle. I typically allow my wicks, when using fire for the purpose of cleaning, to go untrimmed. I do this because it allows the flame to be larger and allows the fire to better coat and cover a larger surface area. As always use fire safety and never leave any flame unattended and always keep away from small children or pets, placing the candle on a clear and level surface. Light the candle and with the intention of cleaning and clearing your item you can pass your items slowly through the flame. Being careful not to burn yourself or the item being cleansed. The more flammable the item the faster you pass it through the flame. This method is not always best for every item, so please use your discernment. Since the flame must touch the item, it can sometimes be harmful to the item. If this is the case, you can choose a different cleansing method.
The Water Element: Water is a very ancient and beautiful element to use to cleanse. Many people when they start working with the water element will realize that it is a non-harsh, fluid element that many people's physical bodies respond well to. Because our bodies are made up of more than 75% water this is not a surprising idea. Because water can be taken physically inward, in the way of consumption and applied outward, in a soaking or covering effect it is often one of the most fully in-cumbassing of the four elements you can use for this practice.
To use water, you can either fill a bowl, large enough to fit your item, and submerge the items in water for a period of time. Or you can hold the object in your hands and allow water to flow over the item. I typically prefer the water to be in a flow state, so even when I am using the submerging method, I am usually leaving the faucet on and allowing the bowl to continuously be overflowing. It is my belief that I want to give the water a place to move the energy to. If I leave the item in the bowl with standing water, the item to me never feels completely cleared, because the energy is pulled into the water, and it bounces back and forth to the item since I am giving the energy only two options and no “exit” point away from the object.
Because some items, especially certain crystals and paper-based products, may not tolerate wet or moisture well, you need to be mindful of what the item is you are cleaning and cleansing. If you have an item that should get wet like selenite and tarot cards, you should seek other forms of cleansing.
**Note for those who want to cleanse tarot cards with water. You can soak or dampen a rag and wipe the front and back of each card gently and dry it immediately. When you do this often people have taken the time to use some form of blessed or charged water. (Florida water, Moon or Sun Water, Holy Water, or a Home-Made herbal concoction)**
The Air Element: The element of air can be a tricky but very effective element to cleansing with. Often people cleanse with this element without realizing they are doing it, but it is often the most used element for cleansing and clearing. That is because we often represent this element through the use of smoke. Smoke cleansing and clearing is often the first form of cleansing and clearing many spiritual people not only see being utilized, but are taught to use themselves. While this is not the only way we can use air, it is the most common form when people think of cleansing and clearing.
You can physically use the wind to cleanse items, by placing or holding the item outside in natural wind and picture energy leaving the item and focusing intention into it. You can do something similar with your Life-Force Breath. While both of these are more of a layered clearing technique, they can be very effective, however, this and Energy clearing I will save for the more advanced people, so we won’t be going into those 3 here.
For cleansing with smoke, you can light Sage or your herb of choice and pass your item through the smoke. You can hold the item over the smoke and allow it to be engulfed and cleared by the smoke. People sometimes choose to use incense sticks for this as opposed to loose herbs and bundles, that is okay too as long as you have smoke you can utilize this practice. This is often the easiest and fastest method with cards and crystals alike. Unlike the fire element, we do not want a flame to be the source of cleansing but rather the smoke.
The Moon and Sun: The Moon and Sun, while they are very different in not only their metaphysical properties, but in their functions, they both can be used to cleanse and clear items. The Sun can be utilized daily and often people will tell you it is best to use the Moon during a major phase (Full, New, Lunar Eclipse), but while these phases can amplify and detract energetic strength of the moon, it is important to note that you can place an item outside any night and receive energy clearing and cleansing from the moon, the strength is what will vary. Strength from both the Sun and the Moon is a large factor that can determine the length the item needs to remain under their (light / energy) in order to reach the desired effect. While this is the most passive of all of the forms of clearing, it is also the longest form, as it works slowly throughout the day or night. This is best when you feel an item needs a full reset or if it feels “burnt out” or “overloaded”. Often this is the method I use when I feel cleansing with one of the four natural elements has not yielded my desired results. I consider placing my item in the Sun or Moon respectively for several hours and sometimes days depending on what it is I am cleansing and how much I utilize that item daily.
**It is my belief that you can place your item in a bag or clear container, if you choose not to place it outside for fear of damage or curious crows. The energetic rays can penetrate through things like this. However, the more barriers the longer it will take, so minimal barriers are best. You can place it on a windowsill that faces or receives Sunlight/Moonlight as well if you don’t wish to put it outside. Just as long as the Sun/ Moon can be seen from that window you should be okay. **
Cleaning and clearing with the above natural Elements (Earth, Air, Fire, Water) and the Sun and Moon is a simple, yet very effective way to keep your spiritual tools working at their best for you. While this is in no way the limit to how one can clean and clear items, this is a starting point for any beginner or seasoned practitioner. Happy Cleansing!