Alie's New Year Enchantments!

As the new year approaches, I wanted to spend some time tending to my home and opening a fresh page for the coming year. Cleaning is a beautiful and meaningful activity for this purpose. Just as I recharge my devices, I believe it’s important to occasionally recharge the energy of my living spaces, so they contribute to my peace and well-being.

In my daily life, I frequently use certain areas of my home, while others serve merely as storage or are visited only during cleaning. I’ve noticed that the energy in these less-used spaces feels different from the ones I engage with regularly.

For this, Alie has a wonderful recipe that harnesses the energy of winter plants. However, since this is a ritual, it requires dedicating a portion of your day to it.

Ideally, this cleaning should be done when the moon is in its waning phase, any day after the last quarter. This timing is perfect for clearing out old energies and making space for the new.

Step 1: Preparing the Space

We start by tidying up the cluttered corners of our home. This physical change in our living environment also supports a similar shift in our minds. It’s important to choose a day when you feel good about dedicating time to this process. Focus on enjoying the details rather than rushing through, it helps guide the flow of energy in a positive direction.

After tidying up, we clean as per our usual routine, setting the stage for the magical part of the ritual. This is a three-step home-cleansing ritual, and it begins with creating a special cleaning lotion.

Cleaning Lotion and Air Spray

This will be a blend we simmer on the stove, then cool down for use. You’ll need a large pot and a handful of plants, fresh or dried, either works. For this ritual, we’ll choose masculine plants to bring swift, strong, and active effects. I used chamomile, a few branches from a fresh and thriving pine tree I found during a walk, and some lemon grass.

Start by filling your pot with water and heating it gently. While the water warms, take the herbs and purify them with sage smoke to neutralize any lingering energy. Then, focus your intentions and touch the plants as you concentrate on your goals—peace, clarity, and purification.

Once your water is warm (but not boiling—it should just start to steam), add the herbs. Do not boil and burn your herbs. This is a ritual, so every action can carry intention. As you place the herbs in the pot, you might whisper your intentions or quietly affirm them.

Since this is a purification process, stir the mixture counterclockwise while focusing on your intentions. Let the herbs steep for about 15-20 minutes, then allow the mixture to cool.

Once cooled, strain the liquid and add 5-6 drops of lavender oil and 5-6 drops of orange oil. Use this mixture to wipe down surfaces and mop the floors. You can also pour some into a spray bottle to mist the air in your home. Divide the plant water as needed to cover every corner of your space, true cleansing means no area is left out.

Finally, instead of throwing away the used herbs, bury them in the soil. Returning them to the earth completes the natural cycle and honours the energy they’ve given.

Step 2: Cleansing Yourself

Now that your home is cleansed, it’s time to focus on yourself. Before moving to the final step, it’s essential to align both your body and your home to a positive frequency.

One of my favorite rituals for this is a bath tea. The aroma alone is uplifting! If you have a bathtub, fill it up to soak, but this can also be done in the shower. Make sure this step follows your usual bathing routine, as you won’t be using soap afterward.

You’ll need a large sachet or pouch about the size of your fist. Fill it with dried lavender, basil, and lemon grass. Once the pouch is ready, secure it tightly and either hang it under the showerhead or drop it into your bathwater. If you’re soaking, stir the water counterclockwise to let the herbs steep.

As you bathe, focus on releasing negative emotions and drawing in positive energy from the herbs. Feel the water wash away anything heavy or stagnant. To enhance the experience, let your hands trace over your face, neck, hair, and every part of your body. Say affirmations like, “This is my face,” or, “These are my hands,” claiming and honouring every part of yourself. Your body is your most vital vessel, and this ritual is about feeling its presence and power. That’s why to express it by saying “my” is essential. 

Once you’re done, bury the used herbs in the soil to show your respect and gratitude. Now, you’re ready for the final step!

Step 3: Recharging Your Space

The cleaning is complete, but it’s time to make one last sweep to banish any lingering negativity and fill the home with positive energy.

Start by opening all windows, doors, and cabinets—anything with a cover or lid. Then, using a positive energy source like incense, walk through your home to fill it with warmth and light. Cedarwood, calendula, juniper, or a combination of these work wonderfully.

Move through your space from east to west (or from back to front), letting the incense smoke flow into every corner. This step is about blessing your home, so focus on intentions of joy, love, peace and renewal. Once the entire space is filled, allow the smoke to circulate and flow out through the open windows, carrying away any lingering heaviness.

And that’s it! With these three steps, your home will be beautifully cleansed and recharged, ready to welcome the new year with open arms.

May the new year bring nothing but beauty and blessings!