Sage and Salt Bowls for Cleansing, Clarity, and Flow.

In Feng Shui, we understand that everything is energy, qi (氣) the vital life force —and qi needs to move. Over time, our spaces absorb what we feel (e.g., stress, conflict, grief, and fatigue) and that energy can linger. Qi can also become stagnant in neglected or blocked areas, like dark corners, cluttered shelves, or long-unused rooms, where circulation is limited.

Energy clearing is the intentional practice of removing this stuck or negative energy so that qi—our vital life force—can circulate freely again. Just as we dust and sweep our homes, we must also refresh the energy to maintain harmony and well-being.

Feng Shui Tip: Stagnant qi often collects in places like:

• Dark or windowless corners
• Closets and storage areas
• Under beds or behind furniture
• Unused rooms or long-forgotten items
• Cluttered entryways or hallways

Here are two time-honored and effective methods to renew the qi and invite clarity, calm, and vitality back into your home.

Clearing these spaces can have a powerful effect on how the whole home feels.

Sage: Sacred Smoke or Candle Flame

Studies have shown that burning sage smoke can reduce airborne bacteria by up to 94% within one hour, and the purifying effect can last for 24 hours.[1] Sage has been used for centuries in Indigenous and Earth-based traditions to purify space and spirit.  It’s revered for its ability to:

• Dispel heavy or chaotic energy
• Purify the air by releasing negative ions
• Create a sacred, calming atmosphere

Smudging (Traditional Method)

Light a dried sage bundle until it smolders, and gently wave the smoke into corners, doorways, and energy-heavy areas. Use a fireproof dish and move mindfully with intention.

Sage Candle (Smoke-Free Option)

Prefer an easier method? Light a sage-scented candle and let it fill the room with a gentle aroma. Ideal for daily use, apartments, or public spaces where smoke isn’t welcome.

Intention Is Always the Key

Begin by setting the intention: “I release all stagnant and negative energy from this space. I invite peace, clarity, and free-flowing qi.” 

As the flame burns, visualize qi flowing through your space, like light filling a room at sunrise.

Salt Bowls: Quiet Energy Workers

Salt has long been used in Feng Shui, Taoist, and folk traditions to absorb negative energy and purify the environment. It’s simple, quiet, and very effective.

Plain Salt Bowl

A bowl of just salt is a gentle but powerful way to draw in and hold stagnant or heavy energy. It works well in bedrooms, meditation areas, or places where subtle grounding energy is needed.

• Fill a bowl with sea salt or Himalayan salt.
• Place it in an area that feels energetically heavy, stagnant, or emotionally charged.
•  Let it sit for a few days to a few weeks, then dispose of the salt (flush, compost, or bury it).

Can I Use Regular Table Salt for Energy Clearing?

Yes, but it’s not the most energetically ideal option.

• Table salt: typically, highly refined and often contains additives like iodine or anti-caking agents. While it will still absorb some energy
• Sea salt : minimally processed and rich in trace minerals
• Himalayan salt: grounding and energetically powerful

These natural salts are believed to retain more of the Earth’s vibrational qualities, making them more effective for clearing stagnant or negative energy.

If table salt is all you have, don’t hesitate to use it. Your intention is the most important ingredient. Place it with purpose, and it will still help improve the energy of your space.

Salt with Citrus (Lemon, Lime, or Orange)

Adding citrus makes the salt bowl more active and uplifting—bringing light, movement, and refreshment into the space.

• Cut a lemon, lime, or orange in half and place it cut-side up in a bowl of salt.
• This combination is especially helpful after arguments, illness, emotional stress, or when starting fresh.
• Replace when the fruit discolors or dries out, or when the salt clumps.

What Citrus Adds:

• Lemon: Bright, purifying, elevating
• Lime: Sharp, clarifying, emotionally cutting
• Orange: Warm, cheerful, inviting abundance

Use what you have and what feels right. The act of placing the bowl with conscious intention is what activates its power.

Which Is Better, Sage or Salt?

Use both:

These methods complement each other. Use sage to actively clear energy and salt bowls to maintain over time.

Feng Shui & Taoist Perspective

In Taoism, the Tao (道) is the natural flow of life.  When qi stagnates, the Tao is blocked. Energy clearing restores that flow, reconnecting us to harmony and alignment with the Tao.

In Feng Shui, each area. or qua (卦), of your space corresponds to an aspect of your life—wealth, health, relationships, creativity, and more. Clearing these areas creates space for new opportunities and reinforces your intentions.

Create a Home That Supports You

Whether you light a sage candle or quietly place a salt bowl in a corner, you’re taking a meaningful step toward aligning your environment with your goals and well-being.

Schedule a Feng Shui Consultation

Let’s create a home that reflects your values, supports your growth, and flows in harmony with the Tao.

[1] Mohagheghzadeh et al. (2006). Medicinal smoke reduces airborne bacteria. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 108(2), 161–184. Available via PubMed.