Who Had It Before?
The energy of second-hand treasures.
A client recently told me she’d just got engaged and was considering a beautiful vintage ring. Then she asked something thoughtful:
“As an energy healer, is it okay to wear second-hand jewellery?”
It’s a great question, and one that opens a wider conversation about the energy held in second-hand items, whether it’s jewellery, clothes, furniture, or even homes. These objects often carry more than just style or history. They absorb energy. Sometimes what we pick up feels comforting and alive. Other times, we sense heaviness, unease, or a mismatch with our own energy.
Why second-hand things hold energy:
Items we wear, use, or live with naturally absorb the emotional residue of their past. Think of them like energetic sponges. Some hold love and care, while others may carry grief, stress, or confusion.
Not all of this is bad. Heirlooms, for instance, can bring warmth and connection. A loved one’s necklace might still carry their love. That doesn’t need to be cleared, it’s a gift. But when something feels "off" for no clear reason, it's worth pausing and checking in.
To tell if something needs cleansing, here are some signs:
You feel drained or moody after wearing or using it
Unsettling dreams start after bringing it home
Sudden emotional shifts without a known cause
A gut feeling that something isn’t right
Your body often knows before your mind does. Trust that.
Client Story: The Haunted Bed
One client came to me after weeks of poor sleep and intense dreams. We explored everything - stress, diet, screen time - but nothing explained it. Eventually, we traced it back to a recent purchase: a vintage four-poster bed.
Beds, especially, hold a lot of emotional memory. After removing the bed, his sleep went back to normal. That experience reminded me just how much second-hand items can hold - and how important it is to clear what doesn't belong to us.
To energy cleanse an item, here’s a simple method:
Set an intention
Hold the item and speak clearly:
“I release what isn’t mine. I welcome this item into my life, aligned with peace.”Clean it physically
Wash, polish, or wipe down with natural ingredients like lemon or essential oils.Use smoke or incense
Gently pass sage, lavender, or palo santo around the object. Open a window.Salt or rice for jewellery
Bury jewellery in sea salt or rice for 1–3 days. Dispose of it afterward.Sunlight or moonlight
Place items in direct light, or visualise them being cleansed by natural energy.Crystals
Use selenite, clear quartz, or black tourmaline to clear or recharge the energy.Sound
Use a singing bowl, tuning fork, or even clapping to shift stagnant energy.Offer a blessing
Finish with words like,
“I honour your past and welcome you into my life.”
If it’s from a loved one:
“May your love continue to protect and guide me.”
Not every item needs to be cleared. Some come already full of good energy. Others just need a little support to align with yours.
With care and intention, second-hand pieces can become more than just objects. They can be part of your story, rooted, aligned, and alive with your energy.
