Leaving Behind What No Longer Serves Us as We Step into 2026
As the year draws to a close many of us naturally find ourselves reflecting on what has been, the lessons learned, the challenges faced and the growth that has quietly taken place along the way. The end of the year holds a powerful energetic pause point, inviting us to let go of what we no longer need to carry forward and to step into the new year feeling lighter, clearer and more aligned.
While New Year intentions are often seen as something we set just once a year, it’s worth remembering that we are offered opportunities for release and renewal every single month through the moon cycles. Each New Moon invites intention and each Full Moon offers release. However the turning of the year holds a unique collective energy, a natural threshold between the old and the new and is a time when there is a lot of discussion around resolutions and reflecting on another year gone by.
One of the most powerful practices for this time of year is cord cutting and energy clearing.
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What Is Cord Cutting?
Cord cutting is an energetic practice used to release unhealthy attachments, emotional ties or energetic links that no longer serve our highest good. These cords can form through relationships, past experiences, work situations, old beliefs or even versions of ourselves that we have outgrown.
This is not about severing love, compassion, or healthy connection. Instead, it is about releasing energetic drain, emotional weight and patterns that keep us tied to the past. When done with intention and care, cord cutting can bring a profound sense of relief, clarity and emotional freedom, allowing us to move forward in a more aligned way. Releasing old cords and stagnant energy also leaves a void for new, more aligned energy to enter.
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Working with Archangel Michael
Archangel Michael is often called upon during cord cutting practices due to his strong, protective energy. He is traditionally associated with a sword of light, used to cut cords cleanly and compassionately, without harm or fear.
Calling upon Archangel Michael during cord cutting can help you feel supported, protected, and grounded throughout the process. You might visualise him gently but firmly cutting cords that no longer serve you, allowing them to dissolve safely and be transmuted into light.
For those who enjoy working with physical tools, selenite swords are a beautiful and powerful aid for this practice. Selenite carries a high, cleansing vibration and is known for its ability to clear stagnant energy and restore balance. Using a selenite sword can help anchor your intention into the physical world, making the ritual feel more tangible and focused.
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Guided Meditations for Energy Release
Guided meditation is one of the most effective ways to support cord cutting and energy clearing. Meditation allows the mind to soften, the body to relax and the energetic field to open safely. There are many guided meditations available on you-tube that can assist with this practice.
During a cord cutting meditation, you may be guided to:
• Visualise cords gently releasing from your body or aura
• Invite Archangel Michael or your guides to assist
• Fill the space left behind with light, peace and grounding energy
These meditations can be deeply emotional, but also incredibly freeing. They help to release what the conscious mind may struggle to let go of on its own.
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Cleansing Your Space – Saging & Smoke Clearing
Just as we clear our energy, it’s equally important to cleanse our physical environment. Our homes hold memories, emotions and energetic imprints from daily life.
Saging or smoke cleansing is an ancient practice used to clear stagnant or heavy energy from a space. As you move through your home, set a clear intention for what you are releasing and what you are welcoming in. Opening windows afterwards allows old energy to leave and fresh energy to flow in.
You can enhance this practice by:
• Setting a verbal intention, affirmation or prayer
• Using sound, such as bells or singing bowls
• Placing cleansing crystals around your home
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Supporting Crystals for Clearing & Letting Go
Crystals can be powerful allies during times of transition. Some particularly supportive stones for cord cutting and end-of-year clearing include:
- Selenite – cleansing, protective and high-vibration
- Smokey Quartz – grounding and releasing heavy emotional energy
- Black Obsidian – cutting energetic ties and revealing truth
- Amethyst – spiritual clarity, releasing mental ties and gentle emotional healing
- Labradorite – protection during transformation and change
- Clear Quartz - master healer, aids clarity and boosting the power of your intention and other crystals
- Lepidolite - to aid in change, transition and letting go
- Rose Quartz - letting go with love
Working with crystals during meditation, placing them around your home or carrying them with intention can help support the energetic shifts you are making.
Crystal packs available here.
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Stepping into 2026 with Clarity
Cord cutting and energy clearing are not about forcing change, they are about creating space. Space for clarity, peace and new intentions to take root. As we prepare to step into 2026, this practice allows us to honour what has been, release what is complete and move forward with intention rather than emotional baggage.
Whether you choose to work with the moon cycles, guided meditation, Archangel Michael, crystals or home cleansing rituals, the most important element is intention. Trust that by consciously letting go, you are making room for what is truly meant for you.
Sometimes the greatest gift we can give ourselves at the end of the year is not another goal, but a lighter energy to carry forward ✨💖🙏