Cord Cutting Ritual: Release Toxic Attachments (Step-by-Step)

Do you feel drained after interacting with certain people? Find yourself thinking obsessively about a past relationship? Feel like you can't move on from an old situation? You might have energetic cords—invisible energy connections that keep you bound to people, places, or situations long after the relationship has ended or become unhealthy. These cords drain your energy, keep you stuck in the past, and prevent you from fully stepping into your power.

Cord cutting is a powerful spiritual practice that severs these unhealthy energetic attachments, allowing you to reclaim your energy, establish healthy boundaries, and move forward freely. This isn't about cutting people out of your life or ending relationships—it's about releasing the energetic hooks that keep you bound in unhealthy ways. This complete guide explains what energetic cords are, when and why to cut them, and provides step-by-step rituals for releasing toxic attachments and reclaiming your power.

What Are Energetic Cords?

Understanding Energy Cords

Energetic cords are invisible energy connections that form between people through interaction, relationship, or intense emotional exchange. They're like energetic tubes or ropes that connect your energy field to another person's, allowing energy, emotions, and information to flow between you.

How Cords Form

Cords develop through:

• Intimate relationships: Romantic partners, family members, close friends
• Intense emotional experiences: Trauma, conflict, deep connection
• Sexual intimacy: Creates particularly strong cords
• Codependent relationships: Unhealthy attachment and enmeshment
• Unresolved issues: Unfinished business or unexpressed emotions
• Obsessive thinking: Constantly thinking about someone strengthens cords

Types of Cords

Healthy Cords

• What they are: Natural, balanced energy exchanges in healthy relationships
• Characteristics: Light, flexible, allow for independence and growth
• Examples: Loving parent-child bonds, healthy partnerships, supportive friendships
• Note: These cords are beneficial and should NOT be cut

Unhealthy Cords

• What they are: Draining, controlling, or toxic energy connections
• Characteristics: Heavy, dark, restrictive, one-sided energy drain
• Examples: Toxic ex-partners, narcissistic relationships, codependent bonds, energy vampires
• Note: These are the cords to cut

Where Cords Attach

Cords typically attach to chakras:

• Root chakra: Survival issues, family bonds, fear-based attachments
• Sacral chakra: Sexual connections, creative energy, emotional bonds
• Solar plexus: Power struggles, control, manipulation, codependency
• Heart chakra: Love, grief, heartbreak, emotional attachment
• Throat chakra: Communication issues, unexpressed words
• Third eye: Mental obsession, psychic connections
• Crown chakra: Spiritual manipulation or guru attachments

Signs You Have Unhealthy Cords

Emotional Signs

• Can't stop thinking about someone (especially an ex)
• Feel drained after interacting with certain people
• Experience their emotions as if they're your own
• Feel guilty, obligated, or controlled by someone
• Can't move on from a past relationship
• Feel anxious or uneasy when thinking about someone
• Experience sudden mood shifts when near certain people

Physical Signs

• Chronic fatigue or low energy
• Feeling heavy or weighed down
• Physical sensations in chakra areas (tightness, pain, pressure)
• Difficulty sleeping or nightmares about the person
• Unexplained physical symptoms that started during the relationship

Mental Signs

• Obsessive thoughts about someone
• Difficulty concentrating or focusing
• Feeling like you're not fully yourself
• Hearing their voice or opinions in your head
• Making decisions based on what they would think

Spiritual Signs

• Feeling spiritually blocked or stuck
• Difficulty manifesting or moving forward
• Sense of being energetically "hooked" or attached
• Feeling like part of your energy is elsewhere
• Inability to fully be present in current relationships

When to Cut Cords

Appropriate Times for Cord Cutting

• After a breakup: To release attachment and move on
• Ending toxic relationships: To reclaim your energy from narcissists, abusers, or energy vampires
• Healing from trauma: To release energetic ties to traumatic events or people
• Breaking codependency: To establish healthy boundaries
• Moving on from the past: To release old patterns and step into new chapters
• Feeling drained: When someone consistently depletes your energy
• Before major life transitions: To enter new phases unencumbered

When NOT to Cut Cords

• Healthy relationships: Don't cut cords with people you want to maintain healthy connections with
• Out of anger: Wait until you're calm and clear
• To avoid dealing with issues: Cord cutting isn't a substitute for communication or healing work
• Repeatedly with the same person: If you keep cutting cords with someone, examine why you keep forming them

Preparing for Cord Cutting

Mental and Emotional Preparation

Get Clear on Your Intention

• Why are you cutting this cord?
• What do you hope to gain?
• Are you ready to release this attachment?
• Can you do this with love and forgiveness, not anger?

Forgiveness Work

Cord cutting works best when done from a place of forgiveness and release, not anger or resentment:

• Forgive the other person (doesn't mean condoning their behavior)
• Forgive yourself for your part in the dynamic
• Release the need for revenge or justice
• Acknowledge the lessons learned

Gathering Your Tools

While cord cutting can be done with intention alone, ritual tools enhance the process:

• Candles: White (purification), black (protection), or purple (spiritual power)
• Sage or palo santo: For cleansing
• Crystals: Black tourmaline (protection), selenite (cleansing), obsidian (cutting cords)
• Salt: For protection and purification
• Scissors or athame: Symbolic cutting tool
• Paper and pen: For writing
• Bowl of water: For releasing
• Incense: Frankincense or myrrh for spiritual work

Cord Cutting Rituals: Step-by-Step

Method 1: Archangel Michael Cord Cutting

This powerful method calls on Archangel Michael, the angel of protection and truth, to cut cords with his flaming sword.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Create sacred space (5 minutes)
   • Find a quiet, private space
   • Light a white candle
   • Burn sage or palo santo to cleanse the space
   • Sit comfortably
2. Ground and protect (3 minutes)
   • Take deep breaths
   • Visualize roots growing from your feet into the earth
   • Surround yourself with white or golden protective light
3. Invoke Archangel Michael (2 minutes)
   • Say aloud or silently: "Archangel Michael, I call upon you now. Please surround me with your protective blue light and help me release all cords that no longer serve my highest good."
   • Feel or visualize his presence
4. Identify the cords (5 minutes)
   • Close your eyes and scan your body
   • Notice where you feel heaviness, tightness, or discomfort
   • Visualize the cords attached to these areas
   • See who or what is on the other end of each cord
   • Notice the color, thickness, and quality of each cord
5. Request the cutting (3 minutes)
   • Say: "Archangel Michael, I ask that you cut all cords between myself and [person's name or situation] that are not serving my highest good. Please cut these cords with your sword of light and truth."
   • Visualize Archangel Michael's flaming blue sword cutting through each cord
   • See the cords dissolving into light
   • Feel the release and freedom
6. Heal the attachment points (5 minutes)
   • Visualize golden healing light filling the spaces where cords were attached
   • See your aura sealing and becoming whole
   • Feel yourself becoming complete and sovereign
7. Send love and release (3 minutes)
   • Send love and light to the person or situation
   • Say: "I release you with love. I wish you well on your journey. We are both free."
   • Visualize them surrounded in light, moving away peacefully
8. Thank and close (2 minutes)
   • Thank Archangel Michael for his assistance
   • Ground yourself by touching the earth or eating something
   • Blow out the candle
   • Journal about your experience

Total time: 30 minutes

Method 2: Visualization and Scissors Ritual

A simple, powerful method using visualization and physical action.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Prepare your space
   • Light a candle
   • Have scissors or a knife nearby (for symbolic cutting)
   • Create a circle of salt around you (optional)
2. Write it out
   • On paper, write: "I release all energetic cords between myself and [name]"
   • Write what you're releasing and why
   • Write what you're calling in instead
3. Visualize the cords
   • Close your eyes
   • See the energetic cords connecting you to this person
   • Notice where they attach to your body
   • See their color, thickness, and quality
4. Cut the cords
   • Hold the scissors
   • Visualize cutting each cord while physically making cutting motions with the scissors
   • Say firmly: "I cut these cords now. I am free. You are free. We are both released."
   • See the cords dissolving
5. Burn the paper
   • Safely burn the paper in the candle flame (use a fireproof bowl)
   • As it burns, visualize the attachment burning away
   • Say: "It is done. I am free."
6. Seal your aura
   • Visualize golden light filling the spaces where cords were
   • See your aura becoming whole, bright, and sealed
   • Affirm: "I am whole, complete, and sovereign in my own energy."

Method 3: Bath Ritual for Cord Cutting

A gentle, cleansing approach using water's purifying properties.

What You Need

• Epsom salt (2 cups)
• Sea salt (1 cup)
• Baking soda (1/2 cup)
• Essential oils: lavender, frankincense, or rosemary
• White or black candles
• Crystals: black tourmaline, obsidian, or selenite

The Ritual

1. Prepare the bath
   • Fill tub with warm water
   • Add salts and baking soda
   • Add 5-10 drops essential oil
   • Light candles around the tub
   • Place crystals around the tub or in the water (if water-safe)
2. Set intention
   • Before entering, state: "I enter this water to cleanse and release all cords that do not serve my highest good."
3. Soak and visualize (20-30 minutes)
   • Relax in the water
   • Visualize the cords dissolving in the water
   • See the salt pulling out the attachments
   • Feel yourself becoming lighter and freer
4. Release the water
   • When done, pull the plug
   • As water drains, visualize all cords and attachments draining away
   • Say: "I release all that does not serve me. I am cleansed and free."
5. Rinse and seal
   • Rinse with fresh water
   • Visualize golden light sealing your aura
   • Step out feeling renewed

After Cord Cutting: Integration and Protection

What to Expect After Cutting Cords

Immediate Effects

• Feeling lighter, freer, more energized
• Sense of relief or release
• Emotional release (crying, laughter)
• Physical sensations of energy shifting
• Clarity and peace

Days to Weeks After

• Less obsessive thinking about the person
• Increased energy and vitality
• Ability to move forward
• New opportunities appearing
• Feeling more like yourself
• Possible temporary sadness or grief (this is normal healing)

Preventing Cords from Reforming

• Maintain boundaries: Don't re-engage in unhealthy dynamics
• Stop obsessive thinking: When you think of them, redirect your thoughts
• Avoid contact if possible: Especially in the first few weeks
• Protect your energy: Use daily protection practices
• Fill the void: Replace the relationship with healthy activities and connections
• Do inner work: Heal the wounds that allowed the unhealthy cord to form

Daily Protection Practices

• Morning protection: Visualize yourself in a bubble of white light each morning
• Energy hygiene: Regular salt baths, smudging, or energy clearing
• Grounding: Daily grounding practices to stay centered in your own energy
• Boundary setting: Practice saying no and maintaining healthy boundaries
• Self-care: Prioritize activities that fill your cup

When to Repeat Cord Cutting

You may need to cut cords multiple times if:

• You're still in contact with the person (cords can reform)
• The relationship was very long or intense
• You notice the symptoms returning
• You're going through different layers of healing

How often: Wait at least a week between cord cuttings. If you're cutting cords with the same person repeatedly, examine why you keep forming them and do deeper healing work.

Important Reminders

Cord Cutting Is Not...

• A substitute for therapy: Deep trauma requires professional help
• A way to control others: You can only release your side of the attachment
• A magic fix: You still need to do the inner work and maintain boundaries
• Harmful to the other person: It's a loving release, not an attack
• Permanent if you don't change: Cords can reform if you re-engage in the same patterns

Cord Cutting IS...

• An act of self-love: Reclaiming your energy and sovereignty
• A boundary practice: Establishing energetic boundaries
• A release ritual: Letting go of what no longer serves you
• Empowering: Taking back your power from unhealthy dynamics
• Healing: Creating space for new, healthy connections

Final Thoughts

Cord cutting is a powerful act of self-love and sovereignty. By releasing unhealthy energetic attachments, you reclaim your energy, establish healthy boundaries, and create space for relationships and experiences that truly serve your highest good.

Remember: cutting cords doesn't mean you hate the person or wish them ill. It means you love yourself enough to release attachments that drain you, control you, or keep you stuck. It's a loving release that frees both of you to move forward on your respective paths.

Approach cord cutting with intention, respect, and love. Do the ritual when you're ready—not out of anger, but from a place of clarity and self-care. And after cutting cords, do the inner work to heal the wounds that allowed the unhealthy attachment to form in the first place.

You deserve to be free. You deserve to have your energy fully present in your own life. You deserve healthy, balanced relationships. Cord cutting is one powerful tool to help you reclaim your power and step fully into your sovereignty.

Cut the cords. Reclaim your energy. Set yourself free.