
Feeling energetically drained by a toxic person in your life? Whether it’s the lingering connection with an ex, a difficult family dynamic or a colleague’s persistent negativity , these invisible ties can weigh us down.
Often, despite our best efforts, these energetic bonds remain, impacting our well-being and hindering our ability to move forward.
In this article, we’ll shed light on cord cutting rituals, a spiritual practice designed to sever unhealthy attachments, reclaim your energy and pave the way for healing and growth. Discover what energetic cord cutting is and how you can perform this transformative ritual yourself.
What Is An Energetic Cord Cutting Ritual?
Cord cutting is a popular spiritual practice used to untether yourself from situations and specific people shrouded in negativity.
This practice is particularly beneficial when the relationship itself has become toxic, even if the individuals involved aren’t inherently problematic. This toxicity can, unfortunately, develop in various connections, including romantic partnerships, friendships, and family relationships.
A cord cutting ceremony can help you release old attachments, overcome persistent resentments, and ultimately focus on personal development and self-love.
The ritual is relatively simple, typically involving meditation, visualisation, and the symbolic cutting or burning of a string. Importantly, the power of the ceremony lies in your intention, meaning elaborate tools or witchcraft supplies aren’t necessary.
How To Perform A Cord Cutting Ritual: Step-By-Step Guide
Let’s take a look at how to perform your own cord cutting ceremony to create space for healing and positive growth.
- Start with meditation: Begin your ritual by meditating and grounding yourself to ensure you’re in the right mindset.
- Set your intention: Set your intention for the ritual. For example, if you want to cut ties with an ex-partner, your intention could be: “I no longer want to feel an attachment towards this person. I want to set myself free and sever any negative ties.“
- Visualise the cord: Spend some time visualising the cord between you and the person in question. Imagine a red string connecting the two of you and holding your shared energy or aura (the light surrounding you).
- Sever the cord: When it comes to severing the cord, you have two options. You can sever the cord through visualisation or through a physical representation. Many people like to tie a piece of string in a figure eight around two candles and let the candles burn the string.
- Fill the void with positive energy: Once you have cut the cord, you may feel a void in your life. It’s essential that you fill this void with positive relationships and energy to ensure the unhealthy cord doesn’t repair itself.
- Cleanse your space: It’s also a good idea to cleanse your space after the ritual to remove any lingering negative energy. You can do this by burning sage or incense (also known as smudging) or using a cleansing spell.
What To Say During The Cord Cutting Ritual
As the ‘cord’ is being cut, you may want to say an affirmation out loud. Some examples include:
- “I am grateful for the lessons you have taught me, but the time has come to release you.”
- “The past no longer has a hold on me. I am unattached, and my energy is completely my own.”
- “I’m saying goodbye to anything that no longer serves me so that I can grow into the best version of myself.”
- “Setting healthy boundaries is my priority. This ritual is symbolic of cutting any negative energetic cords.”
- “Once these cords are cut, I say farewell to toxicity and welcome positive energy.”
When To Perform A Cord Cutting Ceremony
There are plenty of instances that call for cutting emotional ties with someone in your life, including:
When someone in your life is draining you emotionally
Have you ever heard of the term ‘energy vampire‘? According to Verywell Mind, these people “sap your emotional energy, either intentionally or unconsciously“. They “feed on your care and attention and can leave you feeling stressed, drained, exhausted, and overwhelmed“.
Thankfully, with a cord cutting ritual, you can sever these toxic energetic bonds so you’re no longer negatively affected by their behaviour.
At the end of a relationship
No matter the nature of your connection, the end of a relationship can be difficult, leaving you struggling to move forward.
If you want to let go of the past and any lingering emotional ties, a cord cutting ritual could help you close this particular chapter in your life.
When certain people are hindering your personal growth
Throughout life, some people are only meant to stay with us for a particular season before it’s time for us to move on. Sometimes, these people may be toxic; other times, they simply no longer align with our values and vision for the future.
By cutting the cord between you, you’re freeing yourself to focus on your personal development and reach the next stage in your story.
At the beginning of a major life transition
Are you embarking on a new relationship, emigrating to a new country, or beginning a new job? This is the perfect time to let go of what no longer serves you. Express your gratitude for the lessons learned and release yourself of excess baggage before you start your new chapter.
Side note: You can still perform a cord cutting ritual with someone you still have to interact with. Cord cutting doesn’t mean you have to go ‘no contact’ (although this is often advised); it just means that their energy will no longer affect you as much, if at all.
How Do I Know If I Have An Unhealthy Cord With Someone In My Life?
It’s easy for us to be blinded by the love and empathy we have for those around us. However, it’s important to be aware of the signs of unhealthy cords, including:
- You feel exhausted whenever you spend time with a particular individual.
- You find yourself obsessing over the other person.
- Your immune system is low and you’re often getting ill.
- You experience feelings of anxiety and depression before or after seeing them.
- You speak about them in a negative light.
If you relate to one or more of the above points, it could be time to cut cords.
FAQs
Are cord cutting ceremonies associated with any particular religion or spiritual group?
While cord cutting has roots in Shamanism, it can be performed by anyone from any religion (or non-religion) who wants to cut negative emotional ties with someone in their life.
What are the benefits of cutting energetic cords?
Some of the benefits you can look forward to when cutting cords include:
- Experiencing closure from past experiences and relationships
- Recovery from painful emotional wounds
- Personal growth
- More positive energy in your life
What to expect after cord cutting spiritually?
While spiritual experiences can vary greatly from person to person, some common experiences after cutting energetic ties include:
- A sense of lightness and freedom
- Increased energy levels
- Emotional release
- Energy healing
- A sense of closure, calm and peace
- Reduced thoughts and obsessions of the other person
- Increased self-love and focus
- Stronger boundaries
What colour candles should you use for cord cutting?
Black candles are most often used for cord cutting as they symbolise releasing and banishing, severing connections, and protection. However, you can also use white candles, which represent purity and clarity, new beginnings, and understanding.
Final Musings
Are you feeling weighed down by someone’s negative energy, whether it’s an ex-partner, family member or colleague? A cord cutting ceremony can offer a powerful way to release these negative ties.
Before starting the ritual, remember to ground yourself with a cord cutting meditation and clearly define your intentions. It’s also helpful to know that experiencing the full positive benefits of this practice may take a few attempts, especially if you’re new to energy work.















