Front Door Cleansing
Being intentional with your home's energies is important to the spiritual and energetic health of your home and all its occupants.
Your home is a sacred space - one of rest, recovery, connection, love, and safety.
Any energies that mess with that have got to go!
One way to care for the energies allowed into your space is through cleansing and clearing, and what better place to start than the front door?
The threshold of your home acts as a first impression, not only for the people you allow in, but for energies and spirit as well.
Setting your intentions at the threshold sets the tone for all that enters, stays, and occurs within your home.
Sanctuary looks and feels different for us all, and it's critical for our mental, emotional, and spiritual health that our havens are just that: sacred spaces where we can heal what the outside world may have broken.
I set out to learn about different aspects of cleansing thresholds in my personal library, and have compiled some of my findings below! I will also provide links to cited sources so you can add to your own libraries!
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Firstly,
I refer to this as a cleansing
The primary difference between "cleaning" and "cleansing" is that the former is completed like a chore, while the latter is done with intention, purpose, and care.
Rather than entertaining the mindset of "this is dirty, what a pain, I need to cross this off the to-do list," shifting to a mindset of "I deserve to live in a clean, beautiful space and I love myself enough to give myself this gift" goes a long way towards conquering that to-do list!
To set our intentions for what is allowed beyond our threshold, I've broken this Front Door Cleansing into four parts:
1. Physically Cleansing the Space
2. Greenery & Herbs
3. Crystals
4. Protection Ritual/Prayer
Part 1:
Physically Cleansing the Space
The front stoop is dirty. There are scuffs on the door, dirt on the stairs, and cobwebs in the rafters. It needs to be cleaned. Huffing and puffing and grabbing the sponge will result in a clean porch, but how will you feel once that chore is done?
When I approach activities from a perspective of obligation, the satisfaction I feel upon completing them is always more hollow than if I seek ways to actively engage in more meaningful ways.
Let's romanticize this a bit and add a little whimsy and a little woowoo to really kick things up a notch!
First,
Physically clean the area in whatever way works best for you: magic eraser, soap & water, whatever. But take the chore out of it by talking to your home while you do it! I like to talk to my home about what's happened since the last cleansing, future goals that I have for our home, and how I'd like to feel within the walls of my domain.
"As this soap washes away the dirt and grime, it takes with it any negativity in whatever form it may take. I release my home of sadness, anger, and hurt (or whatever you need to release)."
Removing these energies will leave a hole in your energetic space the same way that physically removing a piece of furniture would leave a hole in your living room. It's just as important to replace positive energy as it is to displace negative energy.
Once the dirt and grime is gone, a cleansing spritz can be sprayed all over the entryway to give it that last little bit of mojo.
"Only energies that exist in holy white light may exist in my space. This is a home of love, connection, and safety."
I made mine with the following ingredients:
Water - You can get as fancy with this as you like! Use moon water or sun water to give it an added punch
Sage essential oil - mood enhancing, supportive, reassuring (Essential Guide to Oils, 207)
Lemongrass essential oil - zesty, fresh, invigorating (Essential Guide to Oils, 105)
Lavender essential oil - soothing, calming, reassuring (Essential Guide to Oils, 135)
Bonus!
Add protective sigils of your choice to the threshold by painting them on with the cleansing spritz, drawing them with a piece of selenite, or simply tracing them with your finger.
"May these protective markings defend all that dwell here, and repel all that is unwelcome."
The magic is in YOU, and whatever feels right for you will be right for your space*
Part 2:
Greenery and Herbs
"When you page through herbal books, magical or otherwise, you will find that most plants are associated with protection and/or love in some way. There is a very simple reason for this: herbs and green things are reflections of the natural world, and these common associations are also two things most desired by humankind, knowingly or unknowingly." (The House Witch, 201-202)
To tend and care for a living thing is one of the most primal forms of protection and love magic.
Caring for our magical gardens strengthen and deepen the protective magic we weave around our homes.
It is an intentional love that is cultivated over time through effort and care; consistently putting our energy into growing and nurturing life invites and encourages those energies to stay because we've made it clear that we want them!
When choosing plants for your garden, it can be helpful to do some research to choose plants that resonate with your specific wishes.
If there's a lot of disruption in the home, choose plants that facilitate harmony; if you have trouble feeling safe or at-ease in the home, plants of protection may be in order.
Many witch gardens include herbs because of their place in spellwork, but I truly don't believe there is a right or wrong way to have a garden.
It's YOURS.
Fill it with whatever brings you joy.
That being said, I did choose to start my new garden off with potted herbs for a few reasons:
1. Herbs tend to be hearty.
Living in LA I haven't had the luxury of in-ground gardens, so I needed plants that would thrive in small containers. I also wanted plants that I might not be able to kill so easily with my lack of gardening experience.
2. Herbs serve many purposes.
I intend to use them not only in spellwork, but in cooking as well. Using these herbs for both purposes will allow me to bring that protection and love magic into the food we eat, allowing us to literally consume love and protection.
3. Herbs make me happy.
Herbs are very aromatic, and I just love their smell. Each time I pass by I can't help but run a hand over them just to smell them!
I chose to plant the following herbs, and have included research about each one in their descriptions.
Basil
"Basil is a symbol of love and happiness. It cultivates strength and has protective properties as well. " (Modern Witchcraft Guide to Magickal Herbs, 82)
"'Where basil has been, evil cannot be' is a well-known folk saying" (Clearing Spaces, 45)
Lavender
"Its name is derived from the Latin *lavare*, which translates as 'to wash'...Its purple blossoms resonate with the crown chakra, making this herb auspicious for spiritual attunement.” (Modern Witchcraft Guide to Magickal Herbs, 118)
"Lavender is a relaxing nervine that eases tension and anxiety. It is a specific for high-strung, nervous, self-absorbed people who need to relax. It lifts mood and is mildly antidepressant. Lavender has a mild analgesic effect and can ease headaches and migraines when taken soon after onset, The essential oil of lavender is antifungal and is a great remedy for burns." (Modern Herbal Dispensatory, 258)
Peppermint
"[Mint] fertility, money drawing, success" (30) "Summer; Litha & Lughnasadh; culmination & manifesting" (Modern Witchcraft Guide to Magickal Herbs, 62)
"Peppermint is a soothing aromatic with primary effects on the nervous system, stomach, and colon. It is an excellent ingredient in formulas for acute ailments. It settles the stomach, expels gas, and has a mild pallative effect on colds, fevers, and headaches." (Modern Herbal Dispensatory, 283)
Rosemary
"Rosemary was sacred to the Spanish, who cited rosemary as being associated with the Virgin Mother, who sought shelter under its branches. Rosemary is strongly associated with fidelity and memory..." (Modern Witchcraft Guide to Magickal Herbs, 132). "Memory, wisdom, protection, healing" (32) "Autumn; Mabon & Samhain; harvest & reaping" (Modern Witchcraft Guide to Magickal Herbs, 62)
"Protective of the mind and of a woman's authority within the home" (Clearing Spaces, 45)
"This herb is considered a tonic for elderly people and may help improve circulation to the brain. In Germany, rosemary is approved by Commission E for use in treating indegsetion, joint ailments, and stomach problems. Rosemary also has antioxidant properties that protect the brain and blood vessels." (Modern Herbal Dispensatory, 296)
Sage
"Its name means 'salvation.' Sage is used for cleansing magickal tools and spaces. It is useful for invoking spiritual purity and for grounding and centering before any magickal endeavor. Sage is also used by modern witches in fertility magick and for invoking luck and prosperity" (Modern Witchcraft Guide to Magickal Herbs, 134). "Purification, protection, clearing, wisdom, invocation" (32) "Autumn; Mabon & Samhain; harvest & reaping" (Modern Witchcraft Guide to Magickal Herbs, 62)
"Sage, commonly in the form of smudge sticks, is by far the most popular tool used by laypersons, spiritual seekers, and knowledgeable practitioners alike to cleanse a space of distracting, harmful, and oppressive energies and is often treated like a cure-all for lack of harmony within an environment" (Clearing Spaces, 21). "Beloved for its ability to clear away stagnant energies and refresh an environment" (Clearing Spaces, 23)
Thyme
"Thyme is a symbol of bravery, love, and attraction. It is also used in protective magick and is sacred to the dead. When burned as incense, thyme brings courage. It is also associated with the faerie realm" (Modern Witchcraft Guide to Magickal Herbs, 140). "Autumn; Mabon & Samhain; harvest & reaping" (62)
"Aids in the protection of finances" (Clearing Spaces, 45)
"Thyme is a very powerful remedy for infections of all kinds, especially in the lungs and digestive tract. It is indicated for spasmodic conditions of the respiratory and urinary tracts with infectious symptoms. It is a good anti-fungal and can be used to treat gut dysbiosis. The combination of fenugreek and thyme is excellent for clearing sinus congestion. Applied topically, it helps with insect bites, stings, and minor pain." (Modern Herbal Dispensatory, 311)
The Modern Witchcraft Guide to Magickal Herbs
The Modern Herbal Dispensatory: A Medicine-Making Guide
Clearing Spaces: Inspirational Techniques to Heal Your Home
Part 3:
Crystals
Crystals and stones carry the energy of the earth. Formed in the earth over milennia, their energetic frequencies resonate with our own, and can be used to facilitate healing. Choosing crystals to protect your home is deeply personal, and should be done so with care.
I like to think of the stones in my crystal protection satchet like sentries at the gate of my castle. I poured my intentions into them, and gave them very clear instructions of the jobs I'd like them do to.
"I cleanse and release you of any energtic ties you may still carry. I ask that you protect my home from negativity and evil in any form it may take."
Walking under them I can feel a charge, like striding through an invisible curtain of light that filters out any unwelcome energies before I pass the threshold.
Many crystals are great for these purposes, and I've included a few from my research, below!
Amethyst
"Amethyst is an extremely powerful and protective stone with a high spiritual vibration. It guards against psychic attack, transmuting the energy into love. A natural tranquilizer, Amethyst blocks geopathic stress and negative environmental energies." (The Crystal Bible, 54)
Apache Tear
"Apache tear is a form of Black Obsidian but is much gentler in its effect. It still brings up negativity but does so slowly so that it can be transmuted." (The Crystal Bible, 202 )
Aventurine
"Aventurine is a very positive stone of prosperity. It has a strong connection to the devic kingdom and is used to grid gardens or houses against geopathic stress... aventurine absorbs electromagnetic smog and protects against environmental pollution... It promotes compassion and empathy and encourages perseverance." (The Crystal Bible, 73)
Hematite
"Hematite is particularly effective at grounding and protecting. It harmonizes the mind, body, and spirit... It dissolves negativity and prevents negative energies from entering the aura, restoring peace and harmony to the body." (The Crystal Bible, 140)
Clear Quartz
"Quartz is the most powerful healing and energy amplifier on the planet because of its unique helical spiral crystalline form. Found worldwide, it absorbs, stores, releases, and regulates energy and is excellent for unblocking it... At a spiritual level, this crystal raises energy to the highest possible level. Containing every color possible, Clear Quartz works on all levels of being." (The Crystal Bible, 225)
Rose Quartz
"Rose Quartz is the stone of unconditional love and infinite peace. It is the most important crystal for the heart and heart chakra, teaching the essence of true love... Rose Quartz gently draws off negative energy and replaces it with loving vibes." (The Crystal Bible, 235-236)
Tiger's Eye
"Tiger's Eye combines the earth energy with the energies of the sun to create a high vibrational state this nevertheless grounded, drawing the spiritual energies to earth." (The Crystal Bible, 288)
Part 4:
Ritual
Spiritual rituals can be potent and meaningful, regardless of your faith or belief system, and should be enacted with care.
This is not the step in the cleansing process to let your mind wander, or your resolve diminish. Invoking higher powers is a big deal, and should always be treated as such.
While there are plenty of suggested activities floating around out there, whatever sort of prayer or ritual feels right to you at the time will always be appropriate; there's no need to force ourselves to conform to spiritual practices that may not feel authentic to us, simply because we saw them on Pinterest enough times.
I like to call on my own guides, angels, and ancestors to protect my home.
I'm not currently comfortable calling on outside energies (ie. gods, goddesses, archangels, etc) because I don't feel like I know enough about them to give them unlimited access to my personal space. I know that MY people on the other side only ever act in my very highest interest, and would never allow funky energy into my space.
But that's MY practice because that feels authentic and safe to ME.
You do YOU, booboo.
A simple ritual I found includes making a protection powder and sprinkling it outside, accompanied by whatever prayer or invocation feels right for you.
If you practice Catholicism or Christianity you may wish to recite the Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel or the Our Father; pagans may wish to invoke deities of their choice; or you may choose to pray to the Universe/Spirit and send your intentions and wishes into the cosmos.
Again, whatever feels right for YOU is the way to go.
Protection Powder:
Salt
Sage
Rose
Rosemary
“I charge this sacred powder to cleanse and purify the energy of the space in which it is sprinkled.”
With that, we’ve set and acted upon our intentions for what is allowed beyond the threshold into our homes, and have tended multiple aspects of cleansing our home’s energy through:
Physically Cleansing the Space
Greenery & Herbs
Crystals
Protection Ritual/Prayer
By turning the chore of cleaning the front door into a practice of cleansing the threshold, we call back our own power and bring that much more magic into our lives!
