We all have energetic cords connecting us to people, places, and experiences. Some of these connections uplift and inspire us, while others drain our energy and keep us tied to the past. If you’ve ever struggled to move on from a relationship, a painful memory, or a toxic situation, cord cutting might be the ritual you need to truly let go.
What Is Cord Cutting?
Cord cutting is a spiritual practice used to release energetic ties that no longer serve us. These cords can form between you and another person, a past version of yourself, or even unhealthy habits and thought patterns. Cutting these cords doesn’t mean erasing memories or relationships—it simply means freeing yourself from any lingering attachments that weigh you down.
Signs You Need a Cord Cutting Ritual
- You can’t stop thinking about someone, even when you don’t want to
- You feel emotionally drained after interacting with certain people
- You experience recurring dreams or intrusive thoughts about the past
- You sense that an old relationship or experience is preventing new growth
- You feel tied to an unhealthy habit or pattern that no longer serves you
If any of these resonate, a cord cutting ritual can help you reclaim your energy and move forward with clarity and strength.
✨Bad witch tip: If you don’t want to perform the full ritual, this cord cutting meditation video is one I turn to time and time again as sort of a “quickie” cord cutting. ✨
How to Perform a Cord Cutting Ritual
1. Set Your Intention
Before you begin, get clear on what you’re releasing. You might say:
- “I release all energy cords that no longer serve my highest good.”
- “I let go of attachments that drain me and welcome in freedom and peace.”
- “I sever ties with the past so I can fully step into my future.”
2. Gather Your Tools
You don’t need elaborate tools, but these can enhance your ritual:
- A white candle (for purification)
- A black candle (for protection and release)
- A piece of string or ribbon (to represent the energetic cord)
- Scissors (to physically cut the cord)
- Sage, palo santo, or incense (for energetic cleansing)
3. Create a Sacred Space
Find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed. Light your candles and take a few deep breaths. Imagine yourself surrounded by a protective white light.
4. Visualize the Cord
Close your eyes and picture the energetic cord connecting you to the person, memory, or habit you wish to release. Notice its color, thickness, and where it attaches to your body.
5. Cut the Cord
Hold the string in your hands and say a statement of release, such as:
- “I release this connection with love and gratitude.” <– I want to add, I know in the past I have struggled with releasing a connection with love and gratitude when what I may be tempted to feel is anger and pain. This podcast, “Send them love anyway” was really helpful for me. Send them love. They need it the most. When someone hurts you, it can be easy to hate them – but what I’ve learned is that healing works from the inside out by becoming an energetic vessel of LOVE. You may have hurt me, but I send you nothing but love. You were doing the best you could.
- “I free myself from this bond and call my energy back to me.”
Then, using the scissors, cut the string while visualizing the cord dissolving.
6. Cleanse and Seal Your Energy
After cutting the cord, cleanse your space with sage or incense. Imagine filling the area where the cord was with golden light, sealing your energy and preventing any lingering attachments from returning.
7. Express Gratitude and Move Forward
End your ritual by thanking yourself for taking this step. Acknowledge your strength and affirm your new, unburdened path.
What Happens After Cord Cutting?
You may feel an immediate sense of relief, lightness, or even exhaustion. Give yourself time to integrate this release by practicing self-care, journaling your experience, and staying open to new beginnings.
How to Get Closure from Someone
(Even if They Aren’t Speaking to You)
Cord cutting is a helpful ritual for releasing ties. But if you are feeling like you could benefit from a conversation with someone to get closure and properly move on, pause for a second. I believe a lot of times we go into those conversations seeking closure with an underlying motive of wanting that person to change our minds–to talk us out of closing the door and stay in our lives.
But what if you don’t get the chance to get this closure from someone? For example, what if you got ghosted and you’re just left here with a big question mark for where things went wrong?
In Dare to Detach, I learned about the closure technique, which I’ve already used more than once (and it works!). With the closure technique:
- Visualize yourself stepping into the person’s body and communicate from his or her point out of view.
- Say out loud what you wish they would’ve said to you.
- Have the conversation as if you are speaking to them from their perspective.
- Example conversation: “I am sorry for the pain I caused you. I am sorry for what happened. I wish you the best. It’s okay to let go now. I love you and I want nothing but amazing things to happen for you.”
Final Thoughts
Letting go isn’t always easy, but it’s necessary for growth. Cord cutting is a powerful way to reclaim your energy and move forward with clarity and purpose. ✨
