If you’ve been trying to release yourself from a person, place, or situation but you just can’t seem to escape, then it’s likely you have an energetic cord keeping you stuck.
It’s really important to cut spiritual cords. But it’s not the kind of work that’s commonly practiced in our modern Western world. Yet cord-cutting is absolutely vital if we’re able to release ourselves from old ties, let go of the past, and move on.
Cord-cutting rituals can take many forms, but they all involve the intention to release and let go of the ties and attachments that no longer serve you.
If this is all new information to you, let’s break cord-cutting down, and start from the very beginning…
What are energetic cords of attachment?
Energetic cords of attachment refer to the invisible energetic connections that can form between people on a subtle or energetic level. These cords can exist between friends, lovers, family members, people we have romantic relationships with, and people we have difficult relationships with.
Those who believe in the concept of past lives believe that energetic cords are maintained between lifetimes, and these can be some of the hardest cords to cut.
Some key things to know about energetic cords:
- They develop as a result of strong emotional bonds and exchanges between people, such as in close relationships, codependency, trauma bonding, etc.
- Cords transfer subtle energies back and forth between individuals, which can influence their emotions, thoughts and energy levels.
- Common cords include cords of blame, guilt, shame, obligation, and caretaking. Unhealthy cords can drain your energy.
- They persist energetically even after physical separation or the end of the relationship that created them.
- We all have natural energetic connections to those we’re close to, but cords become problematic when they’re one-sided, unhealthy, or from past relationships still affecting the present.
Not every energetic tie is a negative thing. Positive cords can provide support, encouragement, and inspiration. Yet negative cords can drain our energy, cause emotional distress, and limit our personal growth if not addressed.
What is cord cutting?
Cord cutting is a spiritual practice that’s been gaining popularity in recent years. It’s a ritual that involves severing the energetic cords that bind you to negative energy, toxic relationships, and unhealthy attachments.
By cord-cutting, you can release the negative emotions and influences that are holding you back and preventing you from moving forward.
Why do we need to cut cords?
One of the most important reasons to perform a cord-cutting ritual is to release yourself from negative energy. Negative energy can come from many sources including toxic relationships, unhealthy energetic ties, and negative thoughts and emotions that aren’t processed.
When you are surrounded by negative energy, it has SUCH a profound impact on your mental and physical health, yet even when you do physically remove yourself from situations, the energetic cords remain. By cutting these cords, you can release this negativity and free yourself from its hold.
Here are 10 more reasons to practice energetic cord-cutting rituals:
- Releasing emotional attachments that are draining your energy or holding you back.
- Gaining closure and free yourself from lingering feelings about past relationships, traumas, or limiting beliefs.
- Clearing space for new opportunities and relationships to enter your life.
- Reducing stress, anxiety and negative thoughts that may be stemming from old energetic ties.
- Taking back your personal power and stop unconsciously absorbing other people’s energies.
- Lightening your subtle energy body and aura by removing unnecessary cords.
- Improving your ability to set boundaries in relationships going forward.
- Accelerating the healing process from past wounds, breakups or other difficult life experiences.
- Feeling more empowered, independent, and in control of your own energy.
- Welcoming positive change on an energetic level to support your growth and transformation.
How to perform a cord-cutting ritual
Cord-cutting rituals are a form of energy work. This means you are working on the spiritual plane, using visualization and meditation techniques.
What do you need for a cord cord-cutting ritual?
YOu don’t need many things to perform your cord-cutting ritual. Some cleansing herbs or essential oils are ideal, to prepare your space. And a couple of candles and candle holders (a white or black candle is ideal) to symbolize the meeting of the material and spiritual planes.
Some spiritual practitioners may choose to use a crystal wand to cut cords, though this isn’t necessary.
Here are the steps you need to take to create your own cord-cutting spell, or ritual, at home:
- Set your intention
- Create sacred space
- Center and ground
- Turn your attention to your energy field
- Cut cords
- Use cord cutting affirmations
- Rest and give gratitude
1. Set your intention
The first step in preparing for a cord-cutting ritual is to set your intention. This means deciding what you want to let go of and what you want to bring into your life. Take some time to think about what cords you want to cut and what positive energy you want to attract.
Write down your intentions on a piece of paper and keep it with you during the ritual.
2. Create sacred space
To create a sacred space, find a quiet and comfortable place where you won’t be disturbed. Cleanse the area using a rattle, or chime, or burn sage of some other (ethically harvested) cleansing herbs, such as sweetgrass, cedar, or mugwort. This will help clear the space of any dense energy and prepare it for the ritual.
Light your candle and take a moment to acknowledge the connection you have to the spiritual plain.
3. Center and ground
Take a deep breath and focus your awareness on your physical body. It’s important to ground into your body before doing any kind of energetic cord-clearing work.
4. Turn your attention to your energy field
Close your eyes and feel into your energy field.
Visualize an energetic cord extending outwards from your heart, and in your mind’s eye, follow it, with the intention of discovering where it connects to someone or something else.
Be very careful to tend to your emotional state during this part of the ritual. You may notice anger, resentment, jealousy, or a whole host of other emotional reactions rising up within. But let’s be clear – the cord-cutting ceremony isn’t this time to enter into these emotions. Stay neutral and focus on the spiritual work.
5. Cut cords
Now you know where this attachment leads, it’s time to cut the cord.
Return your awareness to your own heart, to the root of this cord, and visualize the cord releasing from your heart completely. You may perceive it as tendrils unhooking, or roots lifting and unraveling.
You can also visualize tiny points of white light surrounding the base of the cord, helping to release its grip, and leaving healing energy in its place
***Some people like to make an energetic “cut”, but I don’t recommend this method of ‘cutting the cord’. In my experience, to fully release the attachment, the cord itself needs to be “uprooted”. Without doing this, it’s still anchored in your heart, so will be seeking to connect to something else.
As you see it letting go, like tendrils letting go, say “I completely and fully release you from my life, on all dimensions of reality”.
6. Use cord-cutting affirmations
When performing a cord-cutting, it can help to repeat affirmations at the same time. Here are a few examples of cord-cutting affirmations:
- I release you with love and gratitude for the lessons learned.
- I am free and unattached to the past. My energy is my own.
- I let go of what no longer serves me to make room for new growth.
- I am light and unburdened as these cords disintegrate forever.
- I am empowered in my ability to create healthy boundaries.
- I embrace change and trust the universe to guide my future.
- As I cut these cords, I welcome healing, clarity and closure.
- I am whole within myself and no longer dependent on others’ energy.
- I am strong, independent, and in control of my own destiny.
- I close this chapter with gratitude, and open new doors of opportunity.
Repeating affirmations during a cord-cutting ritual can help reinforce your intentions on a subtle energetic level to fully release unhealthy attachments
7. Rest and give gratitude
Finally, spend time in stillness, allowing your system to recalibrate.
After performing a cord-cutting ritual it’s really important to give your entire body enough time to adjust to having these energetic cords removed. Cutting cords is a big deal! Take some deep breaths and take it easy.
You may want to journal about your experience or have a heart-to-heart conversation with a trusted friend or loved one.
Variations on the cord-cutting ritual
The cord-cutting spell described above is a simple, step-by-step formula you can follow yourself. But there are many variations to this, and you may encounter different kinds of energetic bonds that need different treatment.
As always, trust your own intuition first. Here are a few extra details…
Cutting multiple cords
It’s possible you’ll come across more than one cord, relating to different people or situations that all need cutting ties. In this case, tackle them one by one.
You may find that dealing with one cord, with one particular person, feels like it’s enough for one cord-cutting ritual. If this is the case, simply do another ritual the following day, or as soon after as you can manage. In the meantime, try not to let it worry you.
Cutting cords in complex relationships
Each connection we have to another person is unique, so the way you perform your cord-cutting rituals may depend on the nature of each relationship.
It’s vital to detach your energy from someone through cord-cutting, even if it feels like it may be complex.
For example, if you’re cutting a cord with a friend, you might want to focus on preserving the friendship while severing any negative energy. If you’re cutting a cord with a romantic partner, you might want to focus on releasing the romantic connection while preserving any positive aspects of the relationship.
Using a physical representation
Some people need a physical representation of their attachment, as this helps them in cutting the cord effectively.
If it helps, you can have a piece of ribbon, thread, or rope close by, and then cut it with a pair of scissors as a symbolic act, to complete your ritual.
What is the cord-cutting candle ritual?
There’s another cord-cutting spell known as the cord-cutting candle spell (or ritual), which has a different format from this one, but the intention and outcome are similar. It involves burning tied candles, to represent the transformation of an attachment into a clean release, through the symbolism of fire’s transmutational.
Here are the steps for a cord-cutting candle ritual:
- Place two candles of the same size in a fire-safe container. They can be both white candles or one white and one black
- (Optional) Carve or write your name on one candle, and the name of the person you want to cut cords with on the other.
- (Optional) Dress your candles with essential oils, or other magically charged oils.
- Tie them together with thread, string, or cord.
- Light the candles and state your intention to sever ties and release attachments.
- As the candles burn down, the candle flame of one of them will cause the thread to catch fire. It will start to burn through the thread. As it does, this marks the symbolic ending of the negative influences you are bound by.
- Once the candles are completely burnt, untie/cut any remaining string binding the candles. Bury or dispose of the candles and string remnants to complete the release on an energetic level.
What to do after your cord-cutting rituals and spells
Remember that cord-cutting is a process. While you may have completely released the unhealthy energy and negative emotions that were holding you back at this time, it’s possible that you may need to perform the ritual again in the future.
This is because we all slip back into patterns, and it can take some time to fully release a connection on all levels of our being. If you are letting go of an intense past relationship, or need to cut ties with a toxic family member, be prepared for it to take some time.
It’s important to recognize that a limiting belief can be deeply ingrained in our psyche. Cord cutting is a powerful tool for releasing these beliefs, but it’s important to continue to work on them in order to completely release them.
Remember to set healthy boundaries moving forward. This means spending time with people who support your well being, and avoiding a strong connection with those who drain your energy.
Don’t underestimate the power of forgiveness. Forgiving someone doesn’t mean you are forgetting or condoning any past transgressions. Forgiveness is to release the emotional hold something or someone has over you.
Cord-cutting rituals are a great starting point for this as they work at the root level of our emotional ties, but it’s vital that you continue to do the work in ordinary reality.
Finally, have a heart-to-heart conversation with yourself about the positive changes you want to make in your life and the steps you actually need to take to make them happen.
Use the cord-cutting ritual as a spiritual exercise to help you move forward with a clear and positive mindset.
