* A simple solitary Witchcraft ritual using the energies of nature, salt and personal intention, without calling upon Gods or Goddesses.*
Cord cutting is a symbolic ritual intended to help release the emotional hold of a toxic relationship. It is not about pretending the relationship never existed, denying the feelings you once had, or erasing your memories. It is about recognising what happened, accepting that it is part of your past, and choosing not to let it control your future.
What You Will Need
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A length of natural cotton string or cord.
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Two small stones, one representing yourself and the other the person you wish to release.
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A small bowl of salt.
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A pair of scissors.
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A quiet place, preferably outdoors or somewhere you feel comfortable.
Preparing Your Space
Find somewhere peaceful where you will not be disturbed.
Place the two stones in front of you, approximately a hand’s width apart.
Tie one end of the cord loosely around each stone, creating a physical connection between them.
Sprinkle a small circle of salt around your own stone, representing your personal boundaries and protection.
Sit quietly for a few moments. Think about the relationship, both the good experiences and the painful ones.
There is no need to summon anger, hatred or sadness. Whatever you feel, including nothing at all, is perfectly acceptable.
The Cord Cutting
Hold the cord gently between your fingers and say:
Once there was a bond between us,
Once our lives were intertwined.
Some memories brought happiness,
Others left their scars behind.
I cannot change what has happened,
Nor erase what has been done.
But the path we walked together
Has now reached its setting sun.
By the strength of earth beneath me,
By the cleansing winds that blow,
I release the ties that bind me,
And give myself permission to let go.
Now take the scissors and cut the cord between the two stones.
As you do so, say:
“What was joined is now divided. What once held me is released. Your path is yours, my path is mine. I reclaim my strength, my freedom and my peace.”
Returning to Yourself
Take the stone representing yourself and hold it in both hands.
Feel its weight, its texture and its connection to the natural world.
Say:
I am not defined by another,
Nor by the pain of yesterday.
I carry forward what I have learned,
And leave behind what stands in my way.
My heart belongs to me alone,
My choices now are mine to make.
With every step upon this earth,
A new beginning I shall take.
Place your stone somewhere meaningful, perhaps in your garden, on a windowsill or beside a favourite tree.
Untie the remaining cord from the other stone. You may dispose of the cord in your household rubbish and return the other stone to nature.
Closing the Ritual
Stand quietly for a moment and take three slow breaths.
On the final breath, say:
“The past remains, but its hold upon me may lessen. I walk forward freely, in my own time and by my own will. So shall it be.”
Dispose of the salt responsibly rather than scattering it on plants or soil, where it can cause damage.
A Final Thought
A cord cutting does not necessarily mean you will suddenly stop loving someone, feeling angry, grieving, or remembering what happened.
You might feel relieved, sad, emotional or absolutely nothing.
None of these feelings means the ritual has failed.
The purpose of cord cutting is not to destroy the past. It is to acknowledge that the past happened without allowing it to dictate every part of your present.
Sometimes the strongest magick is simply making the decision that someone else’s behaviour will no longer determine how you live your life.
And if those feelings return tomorrow, that does not mean you need to repeat the ritual. Healing is not always a straight path.
The cord has been cut symbolically. The freedom to move forward is something you give yourself, one day at a time.