The Red Ribbon Ritual: A Powerful Cord-Cutting Ceremony
There comes a time when we must release the energetic ties that no longer serve us. Whether it’s an ex-partner, a toxic family member, or an old friend whose energy still lingers, these connections can continue to impact our body, our mental health, our emotions and our future relationships, long after the relationship has ended. The Red Ribbon Ritual is a powerful practice for severing these energetic bonds, reclaiming your sovereignty, and making space for new beginnings.
What You’ll Need
A black candle (symbolizing protection and release)
A red ribbon or thread (representing the energetic cord)
A lighter or matches
A safe space to burn the ribbon (a metal or ceramic bowl, fireproof dish, or an outdoor setting)
Sage or palo santo (to smudge to clear the space)
Optional: Incense and Music to set the mood – I recommend the playlist Tatu Ceremony by Rachel Christensen on Spotify
Preparing for the Ritual
Find a quiet, sacred space where you will not be disturbed. Dim the lights, light the black candle, and play soft music if it helps you connect more deeply to the ritual. Take a few deep belly breaths and center yourself, bringing your focus to your heart centre and your Spirit.
The Ritual: Cutting the Energetic Cord
Hold the red ribbon in your hands and bring the person you are releasing to your mind.
As you tie knots in the ribbon, speak the following words from your heart and Spirit:
“I (your name) break and dissolve all energetic ties, threads, attachments, contracts, bindings, and agreements, whether hidden, veiled, conscious, or unconscious, from this life and all lives, on all levels and all dimensions, with (their name). I wish no ill fate. May we be free. And so it is. And so it is. And so it is.”
Continue tying knots until you feel confident that all lingering attachments and memories are stored within the ribbon. This includes all the ways this person has impacted your emotions, thoughts and life.
When you feel complete, hold the ribbon over your fireproof dish and set it alight. Watch as the flames consume the physical representation of your energetic ties.
As the ribbon burns, visualize the connection dissolving completely. Feel a sense of release, freedom, and lightness.
Blow out your black candle with the firm belief that it is done (I even like to say this out loud as an affirmation).
Sage your space to clear out all remnant energy.
Important Note: Post-Ritual Contact
It is very common for the person you are cutting away to attempt to reach out afterward—this does not mean the ritual failed. It means their energy field felt the severance and is trying to reattach. This is where your boundaries are crucial. Hold firm. Trust in your heart that the ties have been cut and do not re-engage. Stay strong in your decision and let the energy fully clear.
Safety First
Fire rituals require mindfulness. Always ensure you have a safe burning space, such as a ceramic or metal bowl, and perform the ritual away from flammable objects. If performing outdoors, choose a wind-free night and have water or sand nearby to extinguish any flames if needed. Never leave a burning candle or ribbon unattended.
After the Ritual: Grounding & Integration
After the ritual, take time to ground yourself. You may wish to:
Take a salt bath to cleanse any remaining energetic residue
Sage your space and home to clear out all remnant energy.
Spend time journaling or meditating on how your body and your energy field feel now. Focus on what you are open to now that you are available to receive without the old energy in the way.
Throw away or give away anything that holds that person's energy (it might be a t-shirt they gave you that reminds you of them that you could give away, or an old photo you can throw away).
Ready to Deepen Your Healing?
If you feel like lingering attachments still remain, or if you need additional energetic clearing, I offer tailored healing sessions to help you fully reclaim your energy and your sovereignty. Book a session today, and let’s release what no longer serves you together.
Jess x
About Jess Dunn
Jess Dunn is a Holographic Kinetics practitioner, Reiki master, tarot reader, and energy healer based at Spring Acupuncture Fertility Clinic in Springwood, Queensland. She specializes in energetic healing, trauma release, fertility support, and spiritual guidance. Book a session today to experience deep, transformative healing.