Ways to purify: putting your room and yourself in order
Purification (jōka) means resetting stale air and tired feelings and getting back to a clear state. In feng shui and the spiritual world, it is the first step to putting your luck in order.
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1.The basics: cleaning and airing
More important than any method is cleaning and airing.
- Open the windows in the morning to let fresh air in
- Wipe the floor and dust
- Let go of things you don’t use
Just as shrines sweep their grounds clean every morning, in Japan “purifying” has long been tied to settling the mind.
2.Purifying a room
| Method | How |
|---|---|
| Salt | Put morijio at the entrance or in the corners of a room. Some households add a pinch to the water for wiping the floor |
| Incense and sage | Waft the smoke from the back of the home towards the entrance, and out of a window |
| Sound | Bells, a tuning fork or clapping are said to clear stagnation |
| Light | Open the curtains to let sunlight in; brighten dark spots with lighting |
| Plants | Keep living plants. → Feng shui and houseplants |
3.Purifying yourself
- Bathing: soak in the bath to wash away the day’s tiredness. A “salt bath” with a pinch of natural salt is popular too (skip it if it doesn’t agree with your skin).
- Touch nature: walk in a forest, by the sea or in the grounds of a shrine. → Power spots and shrine etiquette
- Deep breathing and meditation: focus on breathing all the way out, slowly.
- Write it down: writing what is on your mind on paper clears your head.
4.Purifying power stones
Methods include moonlight, a quartz cluster, incense and sound. Some stones don’t like water, sunlight or salt, so see power stones: meanings and how to choose for details. A moonlight bath on the night of the full moon is also introduced in the new moon and full moon.
5.When to purify
- At the new moon or full moon
- At the turn of the seasons (such as the Doyō periods before Risshun, Rikka, Risshū and Rittō)
- After moving house or rearranging a room
- When you feel down
Purification is less about “chasing away something bad” than a habit for bringing yourself and your home back to a comfortable state. If low spirits go on for a long time, don’t push yourself; talk to a professional too.
6.FAQ
How often should I purify?
There is no rule. Common guides are to clean and air your room every day, do a thorough cleanse once a month (at the new or full moon, for example), and also when you feel low or after a big event.
What should I watch out for when burning incense or sage?
Mind the fire and the smoke: don’t leave it unattended, don’t burn it near anything flammable, ventilate the room, and avoid it in rooms with pets or small children.
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