Beginner-Friendly Cord Cutting Spell for Releasing Emotional Ties

One of the most common misconceptions about cord cutting spells is that it's meant to erase someone from your life completely. It isn't. A cord cutting spell isn't about pretending someone never existed or forcing another person out of your thoughts. Instead, it's a symbolic act of releasing the energetic ties that continue to keep you emotionally entangled. Whether you're healing after a breakup, moving on from a difficult friendship, or letting go of an unhealthy family dynamic, the purpose of a cord cutting is to reclaim your own energy and begin walking forward without carrying unnecessary emotional weight. If you've never performed a candle spell before, this ritual is simple enough for beginners while still carrying powerful symbolism.

A variant of the blog's spell that I perform using a knife and several different kinds of herbs.

The Ritual

For this ritual you'll need:

• One white candle

• One black candle

• Black twine

• A pair of scissors

• A nail, pin, or other tool for carving into wax

These are all common supplies, making this an excellent spell for someone just beginning their magical practice.

Why These Ingredients?

Every item in this ritual has a purpose.

The white candle represents you. White is traditionally associated with purification, healing, clarity, and new beginnings. It reminds us that the goal of this spell isn't revenge or punishment—it's healing.

The black candle represents the relationship, attachment, or person whose energetic hold you're ready to release. In many magical traditions, black isn't considered a negative color. Instead, it's associated with absorption, protection, endings, and banishing what no longer serves us.

The black twine symbolizes the energetic cords connecting the two of you. As long as the cord remains intact, it serves as a visual reminder of the emotional attachment you're working to release.

The scissors are perhaps the most important symbol in the ritual. They represent your conscious decision to sever those unhealthy ties and move forward.

Preparing the Candles

Begin by carving your own name vertically into the white candle.

Next, carve the name of the person—or the relationship—you wish to release into the black candle.

Take a few quiet moments before moving on. Reflect on why you're performing this ritual and what you hope to gain from it. This isn't about dwelling on anger or resentment. Instead, focus on the peace, freedom, and healing you're inviting into your life.

Setting Up the Ritual

Tie the white candle and the black candle together using the black twine, leaving approximately three inches of space between them.

Place the candles securely in candle holders.

Now lay your open pair of scissors between the candles so that the black candle stands between the two blades. The scissors should rest beneath the twine, creating a symbolic point where the connection will eventually be severed.

As you look at your altar, you should see a simple but meaningful image: two lives connected by a cord, with your own decision to release that connection resting between them.

Performing the Spell

Light both candles.

As the flames begin to burn steadily, recite a prayer, affirmation, or incantation that reflects your intention. There is no single "correct" set of words. What matters most is that they come from a place of sincerity.

As the candles burn, visualize the energetic ties between you and the other person gently dissolving. Imagine old conversations, painful memories, lingering guilt, resentment, or emotional dependence falling away like leaves carried off by the wind.

You are not trying to erase the past, you are simply releasing its hold over your present. Don't be surprised if you start to get emotional! That is perfectly normal and a completely valid response to this type of spellwork. Let the feelings come and let them, and yourself, free.

Eventually, the flames will reach the black twine connecting the candles.

When the cord catches fire and breaks, recognize it as the symbolic moment of release. As it burns away, confidently say:

"So Mote It Be."

Allow the candles to continue burning safely until they extinguish on their own.

After the Ritual

When the spell has finished, spend a few quiet moments reflecting on the experience.

You may notice an immediate sense of peace. Or you may simply feel tired. All of these responses are perfectly normal.

If you keep a grimoire, this is an excellent time to record your observations. Write down how you felt before the ritual, anything you experienced while the candles burned, and how you felt afterward. These notes can become valuable references as your magical practice grows.

Remember: Healing Continues Beyond the Ritual

A cord cutting spell can be a powerful turning point, but it is not a substitute for the work of healing.

If you're ending a relationship, continue setting healthy boundaries.

If you're grieving, allow yourself space to process those emotions.

If you're recovering from a difficult chapter in your life, surround yourself with people and practices that support your well-being.

Magic works most effectively when it walks hand in hand with the choices we make every day. Just as a gardener still waters the seeds after planting them, we must continue nurturing our own healing after the ritual is complete. The spell marks the beginning of letting go. The life you build afterward is what truly carries you forward.