An Empath’s Guide to Energy Clearing
I’ve spent years trying to understand why my moods can oscillate wildly, and why I feel so intensely. I used to think I was just overly sensitive. While that is true, I’ve learned I’m also an empath. Empaths are people who pick up on or even feel the emotions and energy of those around them. Most empaths also tend to hold onto the energy of others long after an interaction has ended. It is this holding onto energy that can make you feel exhausted, agitated, wired, or anxious after the interaction has passed.
If you think you’re an empath, then you may recognize this typical situation. You’re having a decent day, but then you have an interaction with someone who makes your mood change. You suddenly feel agitated or off. You may just assume this is part of who you are without even considering that you may have picked up energy from someone else.
Another telltale sign of being an empath is when people tell you that you’re a good listener, and that they always feel better after talking with you. Strangers are included! If you find that strangers or even casual acquaintances share things with you that are deeply private or heavy, you are probably an empath.
Empaths can have difficulty in public, too, especially in crowds. It’s as though you can’t help but notice all the different moods around you. And until you learn to protect your energy, you may be completely overwhelmed in big groups or avoid them altogether.
One of my favorite signs of being an empath is that creatures love you, and you them. Stray cats, every dog within sight, even bees want to be near you. You may even see more wild animals up close and in person than the typical person.
Knowing that you are an empath helps you to navigate your life more easily. Even more importantly, when you understand how to filter, protect, and recognize energy within you and those around you, it’s easier to keep your own energy in and unwanted energy out. Once I learned energy clearing and protection practices, I was better able to maintain equilibrium. I’m also able to go into more charged situations, like festivals and airports, without exhausting myself.
Here are a few of my favorite energy practices. These can be used by everyone, not just empaths. And you don’t have to do all of them every day. Pick the ones that resonate and give them a try. Also, remember to record how you feel in your journal so you can tell what’s working for you.
Wash your hands as soon as you come home. We pick up a lot of energy along with the germs from the outside world. Washing hands cleans and clears the energy so it doesn’t spread to your sacred spaces.
Visualize a white bubble of light around you. This can be used before sleep, when you’re in the car, or anytime you need a buffer from someone.
Cut the cords. Using imaginary scissors, or a sword, cut all around your body, especially at your heart chakra. Ask internally or out loud that all energetic ties that bind are released now. Then call all your energy back to yourself.
Use the shower as a portal of energetic clearing. Imagine the water helping to wash away anything that is not yours, and helping you to become grounded as the water moves from your crown to your feet. Add a salt scrub if you need extra release. Salt is a powerful energy cleaner.
Use protection stones or jewelry. Certain crystals hold certain energies. You can wear them or carry them in your pocket. Always set the intention of what you’d like the jewelry to do as you put it on. For example, as I put on my crystal necklace, I ask it to protect me from unwanted or negative energies.
Use smoke in your space and over your body. Smoke from incense or herbs is a well-known energy clearer and charger. Make sure you burn them safely in a fireproof container. And if you’re using smoke to recharge a space, crack a window to allow the negative energy to exit.
If you found this helpful, and want a deeper dive into energy shifting, then consider joining me for my upcoming workshop, Choose Love: Shifting Your Energy to Change Your Life. In the workshop we’ll be creating a daily ritual to help you return to love, so you stay balanced. It’s happening live on Zoom on November 11, 2026. And the replay is available if you can’t make it live. Details are on my homepage.