Cord Cutting Ritual: Releasing Energetic Ties for Good
A cord cutting ritual is a practice for releasing energetic ties that are keeping you bound to a person, relationship, situation, or version of yourself that is no longer serving your growth. These ties are not metaphorical. Many people find that after a relationship ends, an old friendship dissolves, or a pattern is finally recognised, they still feel an almost physical pull toward the old dynamic. A cord cutting ritual names that tie and consciously releases it.
What you need
- Obsidian or black tourmaline (for protection and severance)
- Selenite (for clearing the space after)
- A candle: black for release, or white for clarity
- Optional: a piece of string or cord, scissors, a journal
When to do it
The waning moon (from full to new) is the traditional time for release work. The waning moon supports the letting go of what is ready to leave. The night before the new moon (the dark moon) is particularly potent for cord cutting.
Create a protected space
Place black tourmaline at the corners of your space or in your hands. Light your candle. Take three deep breaths. State: 'I perform this ritual with care, for my own wellbeing and freedom. I harm no one and ask for harm from none.'
Name the cord
Speak clearly what you are cutting. 'I am releasing my tie to [name/situation/pattern].' Be specific. Vague intentions produce vague results.
Feel the cord
This sounds unusual, but sit with the feeling of the tie for a moment before releasing it. Where do you feel it in your body? Chest, gut, throat? Simply noticing it is the first step toward being free of it.
The cutting
If you are using physical cord: hold one end and name what it represents, then cut it with scissors and place both pieces away from you. If you are working purely energetically: hold your obsidian and make a slow, deliberate cutting gesture across the area of your body where you feel the tie. Say: 'I release this. The cord is cut. I reclaim my energy.'
Clear the space
Pass selenite through the area where you feel the cord was attached. Breathe slowly. Visualise light filling the space where the tie was.
Close the ritual
Thank yourself for the courage to release what you are releasing. Extinguish the candle. Drink a glass of water. Step outside briefly if possible, or open a window. The ritual is complete.
Repeat if needed
Cord cutting is not always a single event. Long or deep ties may require several rituals over several waning moons. Notice if the pull returns and repeat the practice patiently.
Pieces to work with
Keep reading
Shop obsidian, selenite, and cord cutting ritual tools at The Quiet Moon.
Shop ritual tools