By: Shawn Phillips
As a Realtor, I am in other people’s homes up to 50 times a week. Behind every front door is a private world. Sometimes it is a sad, desperate world, and sensitive people tell me they feel the negative energies as if house itself has absorbed them. A couple of times I would agree that something seemed off, only to find out later that members of the previous family suffered from substance abuse, cruelty or a horribly dysfunctional relationship. It wasn’t just my imagination. All I can say is the home could be wonderful in every material manner, but I could not get out of there fast enough.
Conversely, I am convinced there are “happy family” homes. These homes seem to exude love and joy. I began to wonder if there were ways to rid the home of the bad feelings so they could be infused with peace and gladness.
Don’t buy into all of this? Whether or not one feels the need to cleanse a home of these energies, buyers frequently have rituals that make their new home their own. For instance, many homeowners wash the inside of all cabinets even if they appear spotless. Others want to immediately paint even if it is only the front door. Adding plants outside and inside is another common change. I love to use essential oils or burn scented candles.
Cultures throughout the world and through time have found ways to make a new home their own. Here are some common ones I’ve seen used:
- Smudging with sage: Taken from Native American cultures, this consists of burning sage and wafting the smoke in all corners and crevices of the inside of the home. The smell of sage seems to clarify the mind, aid in relaxing and it has been used to create sacred space.
- Fresh air: An age-old way is to open all the windows and doors. Let fresh air and sunlight in.
- Salt water: Some of my Catholic friends make their own version of holy water. They put sea salt in water and pray over the saline solution then spray a mist in the air all over the house. Salt water is a long-used cleanser.
- Essential oils: Others fill their saline spray with essential oils such as lemon, lavender, sage, rosemary, rose or sweet orange. These scents have antibacterial and antiviral qualities and are known to clear the air and the energy of the home while delighting the senses.
- Saffron and incense: Tibetans believe the scent of saffron wards away evil spirits, and incense made of frankincense, myrrh and benzoin have been used for centuries to purify space.
- Salt lamp: Salt lamps are known to clear air and are also said to clean negativity from a space.
- Sound: Some people chant or sing, while others believe in clapping; many have a favorite music piece.
- Living indoor plants: Again, traditional in many cultures, plants such as lucky bamboo, rosemary, aloe vera, money plant, sage, holy basis, orchid, peace lily and jasmine add beauty, freshen the air and boost positivity.
- Crystals: People often place crystals in the middle of a room to repel negativity outward. Crystals such as black tourmaline, hematite, black onyx, amethyst, apache tear and smoky quartz are used by many, but I believe you can also choose something that appeals to you.
- Feng shui: This is a Chinese system of generating harmony in a home by creating a spatial arrangement that improves energy. It is complicated, but it embodies many elements, such as decluttering the space; opening the rooms to air and sunshine; defining the best areas for money, love, spiritual health and physical health; and always being mindful of the quality of energy in your home.
For the sake of brevity, I have not gone into detail about any of these methods. Each can be explored extensively. I encourage you to try out those that appeal to you, and let me know if you feel the energy of your home improves!
Shawn Phillips says her goal in life is to be healthy, happy, and help others. Like most women, she wears many hats – realtor, small business owner, restaurant owner, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She loves to spend time with people, read, cook, garden, contemplate the meaning of life, and laugh. Call or Text: 843-471-7315 – Email: ShawnPhillipsSellsCharleston@gmail.com – Or Visit Online: www.ShawnPhillips.valuedagent.com