Fresh Qi, Clear Space – Blog #3

Transform stagnant energy, release the past, and welcome opportunities with auspicious Qi.

In our first two posts, we explored gentle energy-clearing tools like sage, salt bowls, and natural sprays. These are excellent for daily maintenance and maintaining good energy in your space.

But sometimes, you need something more powerful—something to reset the Qi after a major incident or change.  That’s where the ancient ritual of salt burning comes in.

Energetic Foundations

In Feng Shui, one of the primary goals of energy clearing is to remove Shā Qì (煞氣)—a disruptive force that disturbs harmony and well-being. By removing or neutralizing Shā Qi, we create space for Shēng Qì (生氣), the life-generating energy. As Shēng Qì flows more freely, it restores natural balance, inviting the return of Jí Qì (吉氣)—the auspicious energy of alignment, harmony, and prosperity.

What Is Salt Burning?

Salt burning is a traditional energy-clearing ritual that combines the Earth Element (salt) with the Fire Element (alcohol flame) to dissolve, burn away, and transform negative or chronically stagnant Qi.

This method has gained popularity in modern Feng Shui and is often practiced as a powerful energetic reset. Feng Shui Master Dana Claudat of The Tao of Dana refers to salt burning as her “signature space clearing” method, widely shared in her social media teachings on Instagram.

It’s especially useful:

• When moving into a new home or business environment
• After a loss, illness, or emotional trauma
• Following arguments or prolonged periods stress
• Clear energy left by former occupants
• As a spiritual reset before a new beginning

Your Part: Set the Intention

The salt burning ritual is not just a technique — it’s a deeply intentional, symbolic act of releasing stagnant or harmful energy and inviting renewal. This method is not for everyday use — it’s a ceremonial clearing for deep energetic cleansing. The ritual calls for your full presence: set your intention then remain centered, mindful, and engaged, allowing your awareness and intention to guide the process:

I release all stagnant, inauspicious, or negative energy from this space. May this salt and fire purify the energy around me, within me, and within this home. I invite clarity, vitality, and harmony to return.

How to Perform a Salt Burning Ritual

Safety First:
Always perform this ritual in a fire-safe bowl, on a heat-safe surface, away from flammable materials, pets, or children. Have water or a fire extinguisher nearby, just in case.

What You’ll Need:

• A disposable metal or ceramic fireproof bowl (a heavy disposable aluminum baking dish works well)
• Coarse sea salt or kosher salt. Note: Table salt can be used, but it’s not preferred due to additives like iodine and anti-caking agents that interfere with natural purity.
• High-proof alcohol (70% or higher)
• Long match or grill lighter
• Home fire extinguisher (good to have on hand)

Steps:

1. Place the fireproof disposable bowl on a nonflammable surface (e.g., inside a larger dish partially filled with water or on a stone tile).
2. Fill the bowl halfway with salt
3. Pour alcohol over the salt—just enough to saturate the top
4. Take a moment to center yourself and set your intention
5. Light the alcohol carefully and let it burn completely. Do not blow it out—let it finish naturally.

6. Allow the salt to cool completely, then dispose of it respectfully. Discard it in the trash and remove it as soon as possible. Do not bury it or reuse the container. The purpose is to remove any remnants entirely from your space.

Where to Perform the Ritual

• At the main front entrance – the "mouth of Qi"
• In rooms that experienced trauma, illness, or death
• In corners or areas that feel energetically “stuck” – These may benefit from a mini salt burning ritual using a smaller amount of salt and a few minutes of focused intention. Even a brief ceremony can help shift stagnant Qi and restore flow.
• Before moving into a new home or office or undertaking a life change

If someone has passed away in a room or if you’re releasing grief, stress, or emotional residue, performing a salt burning ritual can be particularly helpful.

After the Burn: Clear and Recharge

Once the flame is out and the room feels renewed:

• Open windows to bring in fresh air and Qi
• Follow up with a sound clearing (bell, chime, clapping)
• Spray your favorite energy mist
• Place fresh flowers
• Introduce a small crystal or houseplant to welcome new Qi

The salt burning has cleared, renewed, and created opportunities—what you welcome in now shapes the energy that follows.

References

• Dana Claudat (The Tao of Dana). Salt Burning: My signature space clearing ritual demonstrated in Instagram Reels such as “Salt Burning Home Magic.” Instagram Reel.
• Eva Wong, Feng-shui: The Ancient Wisdom of Harmonious Living for Modern Times. Shambhala Publications, 1996.

Wishing you The Three Blessings:

Good Fortune 福 (Fú), Prosperity 祿 (Lù), and Well-Being 壽 (Shòu),

– greg