Cord Cutting Ritual
A cord cutting ritual is an excellent way to sever energetic ties and move forward on your path.
From time to time, we encounter people, places, or situations (even our own thought patterns) that we need to remove from our energetic sphere. A cord cutting ritual is an excellent way to sever energetic ties and move forward on your path. This can be a lovely ritual to honor the ending of a year or other milestone in your life.
Ingredients & Tools
Black & white candles
Fire-safe bowl
Pen or sharp object to carve into the candles
String
Matches or lighter
Salt
Optional - herbs, oils
Cord-Cutting Ritual
01 Begin by clearing your space and yourself with sound, smoke, or water. Cast a circle and/or call the in the directions and elements if that’s part of your practice.
02 Prepare the candles by carving the names, situations, or word associations with what you want to release into the black candle. Carve your name into the white candle. If using herbs and oils, take this time to dress your candle. Apply oil from bottom to top and then roll in any herbs that you’re using.
03 Gently tie the string around each candle so they’re tethered together. As you tie the string, visualize the energetic cord that connects you with what you’re severing from your life. Take a few moments to fully picture what the cord looks like. How is it connecting the two of you? Head to head? Heart to heart? What color is it?
04 Use a match or lighter to warm the bottom of the candles one at a time and stick them to your fire-safe bowl a couple inches apart, so that the cord is taught. I usually sprinkle a circle of salt around the candles at this point, and add a bit of water to the bowl.
05 Recite one of the spells below or one of your own out loud as you light each of the candles. Meditate and focus your intentions of release, forgiveness, freedom as you watch the candles and eventually the cord burning.
06 After your candles have burnt out completely and the ties has been severed, thank your guides/God/higher self, open up your circle, and dispose of the remnants immediately outside of your home - completely off your property if possible.
For additional insights: Track how long the candles burned; did one burn down faster than the other? Note how the cord burned; did it quickly go up in flames? Or did it hold on for dear life? You can also read the flames and the remaining wax before discarding. The most important insights will come from your own intuition, but I’ve included a few flame meanings below, too.
Spells & Incantations
This is a nice, general spell or affirmation to use with your cord-cutting spellwork.
I effortlessly release old patterns, emotions, and energies to clear space for new healthy, loving, and limitless ways of existence.
This one is better for severing ties with a specific person when it’s time to kick them to the energetic curb. Best said aloud over your workings.
I, [Your Name], break my connection to
[Their Name], and their connection to me.
They no longer have acces to me or my energy.
I banish them physically, mentally,
emotionally, spiritually, and energetically.
I forgive them and myself.
Leaving this experience
in the past along with them.
I call back my power and energy.
From this attachment, I am free.
Candle Magic - Flame Meanings & Interpretations
Tall, Strong Flame: Your goals, intentions, and workings are strong and powerful enough to overcome obstacles.
Low Flame: More work may need to be done for your desired results. There may not be enough energy for the spell to work.
Short, Weak Flame: Your intentions may be a bit off, or it may not be the right time to complete the spell work.
Steady Flame: Your spell is working in your favor with a stable, consistent energy.
Meet the High Witch
Erin Harker
I'm Erin Harker, a practitioner of ancestral magic and student of Druidry whose path weaves together Irish, Scottish, and German heritage with modern spiritual practice. My journey began in childhood with candlelit spells and family traditions, growing into a devotion to sacred hospitality and community care. Today, I serve as a bridge between worlds—helping others reconnect with their own magic through Magick Makers community, workshops, and spiritual guidance. Whether you're just beginning your journey or returning to a practice long forgotten, you'll find a welcoming space here where ancient wisdom meets modern needs.
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