It’s that time of year when "spring cleaning" becomes the buzz word we constantly hear.

This year we may be even more inclined to take stock of our home living quarters and make a few adjustments that support our immune system and staying healthy.

The tradition of spring cleaning is really about doing a thorough inspection of your dwelling space and cleaning and clearing stagnant energy from your home.

A thorough cleanup includes cleaning areas you don’t usually clean, i.e. dusting beneath furniture and those top cupboards, as well as cleaning the oven and stove top burners. Clearing cobwebs from the ceiling and around windows is also in order. Perhaps window cleaning and decluttering your closets and throwing away, or recycling, unused items is also in order.

Though you can do a ‘spring cleaning’ anytime during the year, traditionally spring cleaning has been associated with the season of spring. We usually feel the urge to spring clean sometime between the first of March and end of April.

Why is Scent Considered Spiritual?

It’s a customary belief in the Jewish faith that, “The soul enjoys the sense of smell and it is spiritual.”

Inhaling scent reaches deep inside of you. It can trigger profound emotions and memories. It is thought that the soul, revitalized by scent, renews and restores our life force energy.

Unlike the other 4 senses your sense of smell can touch the very essence of your being. When we want to get to the truth of a matter we use terms like, ”sniffing things out" or “something smells fishy.”

Research has shown that, unlike any of your other 4 senses, the sense of smell enters directly into the brain and triggers its neuro-receptors. There are no filters to interpret scent like our other senses.

Smells are actually “felt” by the brain's neuro-receptors. This felt signal is then sent along the nerve pathway and triggers a cascade of chemical responses throughout your body.

Favorite Household Cleaning Oils - Power of Astringent

An astringent oil is a powerful medium for cleaning all the surface areas of your home. The word astringent comes from the Latin adstringere, which means "to bind fast.” Nothing can stick when an astringent oil is used. Think of chewing gum, or the built-up greasy grime that may be lurking on kitchen shelves in your home.

Each of these plant aromatics is well-known and some have been used since ancient times for their powerful astringent properties to clear, clean and detoxify. 

Each of these oils are also effective for clearing negative or stagnant energy that may be present in areas of your home. Think of storage areas, basements, the garage. Where does energy need to circulate in your home? Freeing up energy can really boost your prosperity and attraction quotient.

Cinnamon leaf (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) - The scent is sweet, warm, spicy and radiant. 

Cinnamon leaf has numerous traditional and esoteric uses. Psycho-emotionally its warming, aphrodisiac and stimulating properties make it useful for overcoming stagnation and congested conditions.

Cypress - (Cupressus sempervirens) - Fresh, sweet, spicy and balsamic aroma. 

Considered a symbol for life after death, Cypress has been used since ancient times for ritual cleansing and to promote health. Cypress essential oil’s effect upon our human energy system is decidedly Yang. It has an ability to stabilize and give direction and purpose during times of confusion. It's said to be the wood of a cypress tree that was used to fashion Jesus's cross.

Lemon (Citrus limonum) -  The scent is fresh, clean, sweet, citrusy and fruity, Smells like fresh lemon. 

Lemon oil is an excellent cleanser, detoxifier and bodymind tonic. Its powerful astringent properties help not only to cut through grease and grime, but also obsessive, repetitive thought patterns. Take a whiff of lemon oil to promote fresh thoughts, lighten your spirit and the energy in your home.

Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) - A mellow aroma with sweet, balsamic, resinous, warm and spicy notes.

Traditionally used to enhance spiritual practice, the scent of Myrrh oil imparts a spiritual atmosphere in your home. Myrrh oil’s grounding presence also promotes a sense of emotional well-being. 

Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) - The scent is fresh, minty and sweet. Reminiscent of peppermint candy. 

Helpful for relieving tension and stress, Peppermint oil is one of the most powerful astringent oils in aromatherapy. Its rejuvenating essence is excellent for clearing and cooling hot fiery emotions like anger and frustration that may be leftover and still lingering in your home.

Sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) - Fresh, sweet, citrusy and fruity.

A rejuvenating and uplifting tonic that is cleansing and energizing, sweet orange oil promotes feelings of happiness and helps ease tension and stress.

Household Cleaning Formula

The essential oils in this household cleaning formula are a potent combination of astringent “ancient holy” oils, as well as oils with the highest astringent properties in aromatherapy.

Lemon (Citrus limon) - 60 drops
Sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) - 60
Cypress (Cupressus sempevirens) - 60 drops
Cinnamon leaf (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) - 60 drops
Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) - 30 drops
Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) - 30 drops

Add drops of essential oil to a 15ml bottle (approximately 300 drops). Cap bottle tightly and shake vigorously to blend oils. Allow to synergize for 8-12 hours before using.

Directions for Making Spring Cleaning Waters
Here are the general guidelines for making your household cleaning waters. 

What you will need:

• Cleaning bowl or spray bottle - 1 quart
• EO Household Cleaning Formula - 15ml bottle
• Liquid unscented natural soap - 2 TBsp
• Vinegar - 1/4 cup
• Sea salt -  2 TBsp
• Pure water (warmed slightly)

Instructions

• Half fill your bowl or spray bottle with pure, fresh water that’s been slightly warmed (helps salt melt in water)
• Mix EO Cleaning Formula in unscented natural soap. Blend thoroughly together
• Add EO soap mixture to water and blend ingredients together
• Add vinegar to scented soap and water solution. Blend ingredients thoroughly together
• Add sea salts and mix thoroughly together
• Fill bowl or spray bottle with pure fresh water
• Stir ingredients together in bowl or insert spray top and shake bottle to blend ingredients together
• Use as needed for household cleaning

Spring Cleaning Ritual

What you will need:

• A white candle
• Spring Cleaning waters

Before beginning to clean light your white candle and gaze into the flame and  connect with your inner spirit.

Make a clear decision about what you want to clean in each area of your home before starting each area. Reflect on how you want your home to feel after you’re finished cleaning.

Notice if you feel any emotional attachments or negative emotions surfacing while you’re cleaning and release them with your breath. The scent of the cleaning waters will also help you release any tension you may feel during cleaning.

When you’re complete with your spring cleaning be sure to flush any dirty cleaning waters down the toilet to complete the energy clearing of your home.