How to Do a Cord Cutting Ritual for Mental Health and Self-Healing
When most people hear the term cord cutting ritual, they think of breakups or cutting energetic ties with toxic people.
But here’s the truth: not all the cords that weigh you down are connected to someone else. Some of the most draining cords are the ones tied to your own habits, outdated beliefs, and past identities that no longer serve you. While some things are able to be tackled and integrated through shadow work rituals, others may be more stubborn and require more powerful symbolic release rituals.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to do a cord cutting ritual step-by-step- not just to release someone else’s energy, but to free yourself from patterns, self-sabotage, and thought loops that keep you feeling stuck.
Whether you identify as a witch, a spiritual practitioner, or someone simply looking for a powerful self-care tool, cord cutting rituals are a grounded, symbolic way to reclaim your mental and emotional wellness!
What Is a Cord Cutting Ritual?
A cord cutting ritual is a symbolic practice used to sever energetic, emotional, or spiritual ties. Traditionally, it’s been framed around cutting cords with other people — for example, releasing a toxic ex or breaking free from a draining friendship.
But you can also cut cords with:
Anxiety spirals or looping intrusive thoughts
Bad habits like doomscrolling or procrastination
Old versions of yourself you’ve outgrown
Self-sabotaging beliefs such as “I’m not enough” or “I have to earn my worth”
Addictive coping mechanisms that keep you numb
Think of it as a way to “break up” with the parts of you or your life that are holding you back.
Why Cord Cutting Supports Mental Health
Cord cutting rituals are deeply effective because they combine psychological science with symbolic magic.
Here’s why they work:
1. Ritual Bypasses Overthinking
Our brains respond to symbols and ritual as if they are real actions.
When you physically cut a cord, your subconscious mind receives a clear empowered signal: This is over. We are moving on now!
Studies in the Journal of Experimental Psychology show that even simple rituals help regulate emotions and reduce anxiety, regardless of belief systems.
2. It Creates Psychological Closure
When you’re stuck in a toxic loop with another person OR with your own thoughts- a ritual gives you a clear container for release, so your brain and body can process the transition.
3. It Strengthens Self-Empowerment
This practice literally puts the scissors in your hands! In fact, I advocate strongly for using scissors rather than doing the 2 candle burning the cords method- this leaves too much to chance! A cord-cutting should be an EMPOWERED ACTION. Unlike passive coping strategies, cord cutting makes you an active participant in your healing, which can boost self-esteem and mental resilience.
Important:
Cord cutting rituals are powerful, so they should always be approached with self-love and protection, not punishment or self-rejection!
Step-by-Step Guide to Performing a Cord Cutting Ritual
Here’s a safe, customizeable, and empowering way to perform a cord cutting ritual for yourself, focused on personal growth and mental wellness.
Step 1. Identify the Cord
Before you grab the scissors, get crystal clear about WHAT you’re releasing. Is a cord cutting the best “tool” for the job?
Ask yourself:
What thought, habit, or version of me am I ready to release?
How has this impacted my mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing?
Journal Prompt:
“This cord represents _________. It has affected me by _________. Releasing it will allow me to _________.”
Examples:
“This cord represents my pattern of over-giving to feel loved.”
“This cord represents my procrastination habits that keep me stuck.”
As a shadow worker, I tend to view these “negative” things as self-protective in disguise. For this reason I highly recommend finding the “hidden gold” or expressing gratitude for these things that no longer serve before you cut the cord.
Step 2. Gather Your Materials
You don’t need fancy tools, but having symbolic items strengthens the ritual.
Recommended items:
Two objects to represent the connection (candles, paper cutouts, small stones, sticks etc.)
A cord, string, or ribbon
Scissors or a ritual blade- symbolizing decisive action (I do NOT reccommend just lighting candles and letting the burn the cord)
Optional: protective herbs like rose, rosemary, or mugwort (particularly if you are doing a cord cutting for yourself)
A candle or incense to set the mood, cleanse, and signal sacred space
Pro Tip:
Cleanse your scissors or blade in a bowl of salt water infused with herbs. This ensures you’re cutting with love and clarity, not anger or self-criticism!
Step 3. Create a Safe, Intentional Space
This is a ritual of care and empowerment, not an angry or emotionally-charged act!
Light a candle or incense.
Take several deep breaths, visualizing a bubble of protective light around you.
Say aloud:
“I am safe, I am protected, and I am ready to release what no longer serves me.”
Step 4. The Ritual Action
Tie the cord between your two symbolic objects.
One object represents you now. ready to walk into an expansive future
The other represents the habit, belief, or identity you are releasing.
Hold the object representing the old pattern and say what it has been to you.
Example: “This represents my fear of being visible.”
Imagine life with the cord still attached- the heaviness, the anxiety. write it out if it helps!
Then, visualize life without the cord, feeling free and empowered (you can write this out as well).
With full intention, cut the cord and speak your release:
“I release this pattern now. It no longer defines me.”
Step 5. Integration and Closing
Don’t just walk away — give your psyche closure.
Dispose of the cut cord in a way that feels symbolic:
Bury it in soil if safe to do so (return to the earth)
Burn it safely (transform through fire)
Cast it into flowing water (release and flow forward)
WHATEVER YOU DO, MAKE IT ECO FRIENDLY!!
Journal or meditate on how you will embody this new chapter.
Close the ritual by thanking yourself:
“I honor the part of me that survived with this cord, and I honor the version of me who is free now.”
Cord Cutting Safety & Self-Love Tips
Cord cutting can be intense. Keep these guidelines in mind:
Avoid self-punishment. This ritual is about liberation, not shame.
Don’t rush the process. If deep trauma is involved, work alongside a therapist or counselor.
Cleanse yourself afterward. A warm bath, shower, or grounding walk helps reset your energy.
Follow up with nurturing practices. Fill the “empty space” left by the cord with compassion, creativity, or self-care.
Why This Ritual Matters for Mental Wellness
Cord cutting isn’t just a spiritual practice — it’s a psychological tool for transformation!
It works because it:
Provides closure where conversations or logic can’t
Speaks directly to your subconscious, bypassing overthinking
Reinforces your agency and self-worth
Helps you consciously step into a new identity
If you’ve been stuck in loops of anxiety, perfectionism, or self-sabotage, this ritual can act as a powerful reset button- one that reminds you you are not defined or chained to your past patterns!!
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Cord Cutting Ritual FAQs
Can I do a cord cutting ritual for myself?
Yes! Cord cutting isn’t only for cutting ties with other people. You can perform a ritual to release your own habits, beliefs, or BS inner narratives.
How often should I do a cord cutting ritual?
Most people benefit from doing it seasonally or during major life transitions.
If you’re working through deeper psychological issues or trauma, consult a therapist before repeated rituals!
Do I need to be spiritual or a witch to do this?
Nope- this practice works whether you view it as spiritual or purely symbolic.
Your intention and mindfulness are what matter most!
Final Thoughts: Cut the Cords That Hold You Back
Cord cutting rituals are more than “witchy” trends, they are powerful acts of self-care and personal empowerment!
By consciously releasing the patterns, beliefs, and old versions of yourself that no longer serve you, you make space for healing, growth, and a more liberated future.
When done with love and intention, this ritual becomes a bridge between where you’ve been and where you’re ready to go.
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