Space Clearing in Feng Shui - Why and how?
- Vivian Tay
- Jul 19
- 6 min read
Space Clearing in Feng Shui: Energise Your Home through Palo Santo
In the heart of Feng Shui lies the powerful concept of chi—the vital life force that flows through our environment and affects our health, mood, relationships, and success. While many focus on arranging furniture or applying the Bagua map, few realise that the very foundation of good Feng Shui begins with space clearing.
Whether you're moving into a new home, starting a new chapter in life, or preparing for the annual Flying Star Feng Shui updates, space clearing is an essential practice for refreshing and resetting the energetic blueprint of a space.
This guide explores the principles, signs, techniques, and timing of space clearing, with a special focus on the use of Palo Santo, a sacred and effective tool for energetic cleansing to welcome positive energy.
Why Space Clearing is Crucial in Feng Shui
Over time, every space accumulates energetic residue from past experiences—arguments, illnesses, stress, or simply neglect. This stagnant energy can create invisible blockages that affect how you feel, think, and behave. In Feng Shui, this disrupts the smooth flow of chi, leading to imbalance.
Space clearing is especially recommended:
During the activation of Feng Shui for one’s residence or commercial premises
After major life transitions (breakups, job changes, illness).
When moving into a new space.
As part of seasonal or monthly energetic upkeep.
A clean and energetically refreshed space provides a strong foundation to support any Feng Shui enhancements.
Common Signs That Your Space Needs Clearing
Pay attention to these telltale signs:
Heavy or stale atmosphere – The air feels dense or the space feels “off.”
Unexplained fatigue or unease – You feel emotionally or mentally drained in the space.
Conflicts or disruptions – Increased arguments or accidents in the home or office.
Mental blockages – Difficulty focusing, setting goals, or feeling inspired.
Post-traumatic energy – A lingering sense of negativity after stressful events.
The Benefits of Space Clearing Practices
When done with intention, space clearing can bring about transformative results:
Improved chi flow and energy balance
Enhanced mental clarity and focus
Emotional release and inner peace
Harmonised relationships and smoother communication
A more supportive and uplifting environment
Greater alignment with personal and spiritual goals
Powerful Techniques for Space Clearing Ceremony
There are many ways to clear space energetically. Choose the method(s) that best resonate with your style, belief system, and needs:
1. Decluttering (Clutter Clearing)
Physical clutter creates energetic blockages. Remove items that no longer serve you. Clean and tidy spaces allow energy to move freely. That is also one of the reasons why having a neat outlook is a prerequisite for good Feng Shui.
2. Smudging with Palo Santo
Palo Santo—“Holy Wood”—originates from South America (the best quality seemingly comes from Peru) and is known for its soothing, calming aroma. When burned, its smoke helps clear dense energies while inviting in blessings. Use it to:
Cleanse corners, doorways, and stagnant areas. You may also focus on areas that seem to have accumulated 晦气. Do be mindful about the order of smudging as it matters from a Feng Shui Standpoint (先后次序)
Part of the Feng Shui activation process is space clearing. As part of our Residential Feng Shui activation process, we prefer smudging with Palo Santo for space clearing.
Set sacred space for meditation or intention-setting.
Creating a sacred space with Feng Shui is a critical aspect of a consultation. It not only rids negative energy but also promotes the circulation of chi (气) and energy in a home.
3. Sound Clearing
Have you ever bought crystals or Traditional Feng Shui items at Fu Lu Shou Complex or the Bencoolen area? You will not be unfamiliar with the sight (or sound) of Singing bowls. Usually, when buying Feng Shui items, shop owners will place the item in a Singing bowl and purify it through Sound Clearing. This is done because it is believed that this item may have negative energies attached to it.
The sacred sound vibrations from Singing bowls (Tibetan singing bowls are a popular choice) are believed to create frequencies that are useful in resetting energy fields. This applies to both items and the environment.
For Commercial Feng Shui or areas where smudging is not possible (due to the risk of triggering fire alarms), we prefer using sound clearing instead.
4. Salt Purification
Salt absorbs negativity. Sprinkle it in corners or use bowls of salt in troubled areas. Some Feng Shui masters and religious rituals also incorporate salt purification in today’s context.
In some very specific areas, a salt purification set up may be used to cleanse that area.
5. Crystals
Crystals are believed to contain a special frequency that allows them to be used for space clearing. Some commonly used crystals include:
Selenite – Cleansing and high vibrational.
Black Tourmaline – Grounding and protective.
Clear Quartz – Amplifies intentions and purifies the mind.
Place them near entrances, electronics, or corners to maintain a smooth and energetic flow. For the same reason, Feng Shui Masters also recommend certain crystals in specific areas. Please note that the pricing of the crystals is often affected by their aesthetic appeal. The outlook of a crystal does not affect its functionality.
6. Mantras and Affirmations
Words carry vibration. Speak positive affirmations aloud or silently during your clearing to shift the space’s frequency. It is common for practitioners to use prayer beads in conjunction with affirmations. From a Chinese Metaphysics context, this is commonly practiced as part of a larger ritual.
Step-by-Step Guide to Space Clearing
Here is a simple yet powerful process to follow:
Set Your Intention
Start by deciding what you want to achieve (e.g. peace, healing, abundance). Hold this clearly in your heart and mind.
Physically Prepare the Space
Clean, dust, vacuum, and declutter. Physical tidiness sets the foundation for energetic cleansing.
Select Your Tools
Choose Palo Santo, sound tools, salt, oils, or a combination depending on the space and situation.
Begin at the Entrance
Work clockwise through the home, paying attention to corners, closets, and any areas that seem stagnant.
Maintain Regularly
Repeat monthly or at key times (new moons, seasonal changes, or after events) to keep energy fresh.
Space Clearing by Area: Tailor Your Approach
Different areas have different energetic needs:
Living Room – A social energy hub; keep it light and welcoming.
Bedroom – Promote intimacy and rest by using calming scents and soft lighting.
Kitchen – Heart of the home; declutter and brighten to support nourishment.
Home Office – Boost focus and ambition; clear distractions and add uplifting aromas.
Entryway – “Mouth of chi”; ensure it's clean, well-lit, and unobstructed.
When to Perform Space Clearing
While you can clear space anytime, the following moments are especially potent:
At the start of each season
Before the Chinese New Year or new Feng Shui activations
After adverse events such as illness, stress, or a period of bad patch
During new beginnings (new job, relationship, home)
Monthly for maintenance
The Heart of Space Clearing: Your Intention
Above all, it’s your intention that makes space clearing powerful. Without it, even the most elaborate rituals become empty gestures. Set a heartfelt purpose—invite peace, harmony, prosperity, or health—and let it guide your actions. Speak it aloud, write it down, or visualise it as you cleanse.
Conclusion: The Transformative Power of Space Clearing
Sacred Space clearing practices are more than an energetic chore—it’s a sacred practice of alignment, mindfulness, and renewal. While a common practice in both Residential Feng Shui and Commercial Feng Shui, its importance is easily overlooked by many clients.
Whether you use Palo Santo, sound, salt, or other methods, the essence of space clearing is to begin afresh and rid the space of all negativities. With new and positive energy flowing into one’s environment, it will likely lift a person’s general luck and overall well-being. Make space clearing a regular ritual, and you will witness your environment—and your life—begin to shift in powerful, positive ways.
If you’re in Singapore and ready to transform your space with personalised Feng Shui consultation, do contact us to find out more. Whether it's home Feng Shui or a Feng Shui audit for your business, each consultation and activation will include a space clearing process.
For those who are located in the United States, the UK & Europe, we do offer online Feng Shui consultations and advice on space clearing practices to raise mental, emotional, and spiritual levels.
Reach out to us to find out more.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional Feng Shui advice. Feng Shui practices and interpretations can vary, and their effectiveness may differ based on individual circumstances and specific locations. For personalized guidance, it is strongly recommended to consult with a qualified Feng Shui Master or professional consultant who can assess your unique situation. The author and company are not responsible for any outcomes resulting from the application of Feng Shui principles described in this article. Always use caution and discretion when implementing any Feng Shui methods.
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