Spring Cleaning: Physically & Energetically

I find, like many people who follow the wheel of the year, the Spring Equinox feels like the true beginning of the new year.

As we approach the Spring Equinox on the 20th March this year, now is a good time to cleanse and clean not just physically but energetically.

As we know, there’s a natural pull to clean and refresh at this time of year. It’s instinctive, just as the birds are building their nests and the season of fertility begins, so we feel the same pull to clear out the old and welcome the new.

A physical spring clean is also an energetic one and we can enhance the energy cleansing aspect by consciously choosing natural, herbal cleaning items with properties that include attributes of cleansing, protecting, healing and balancing.

Thyme is an amazing herb. It contains the compound ‘thymol’ that has anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

In folklore, which I always find reflects its medicinal and later proven scientific value of the herb, thyme is used for cleansing, purifying and protecting against negativity. It was burnt in temples and sick rooms in Ancient Greece to purify the air. It is also said to improve clairvoyance, but if it had anti-viral etc properties it could naturally clear the head and aid clarity too.

Creating a natural cleaner with Thyme is a great way of ritually cleansing the energy of a space as well as physically.

There are various recipes that include, simmering fresh (or dry) thyme in water and leaving to steep before straining – distilled water is best as it stores for longer.

Then add either white vinegar or a few tablespoons of isopropyl alcohol and a tsp of Castille soap to create the natural multi-purpose cleaner and store in a glass spray bottle. You can also add a few additional drops of essential oil for a stronger scent.

The spray can be made with dried thyme if necessary and then just white vinegar. Another recipe is infusing dried thyme overnight in half a cup of isopropyl alcohol, then topping up with distilled water and and optionally, adding few teaspoons of liquid Castille soap.

Rosemary is also known for its cleansing and protective properties and fresh and dried rosemary can be used in the same way at the thyme or combined with.

Burning homegrown dried rosemary, thyme, pine and lavender around the home is a lovely way to cleanse energy. (Always be careful if you have pets as herbal smoke can be harmful,) You could go from room to room burning the herbs and wafting the smoke towards open window.

In the Japanese Shinto and also western Wiccan traditions, placing small bowls or cones of salt around the home, especially at the threshold of cycles such as Spring, is said to absorb negative energy. Salt does have drawing and absorbing properties and a can be placed in a room to absorb odours. It’s also a good natural cleaner if you need something more abrasive.

For my Spring clean I’m making a fresh thyme and rosemary room and surface spray by steeping bunches of the herbs in boiling local spring water. I’ll be adding alcohol to just less than half the amber bottle, to both preserve (it should be good for at least few month’s use) and then I’ll be using it as a cleaner and room spray. I have a bottle of pure white vinegar too that I can spray at the same time when I want to use it as a surface spray with extra natural cleaning power!

What ways will you be energetically cleansing your home this spring?