What are Energetic (Etheric) Cords?

By Natalie Stoner, Reiki Master

Many people are not aware of the existence of energetic cords, though they have experienced positive and negative cord connections throughout their lives. Etheric cords are established between two people who are connected to one another in any number of ways; through family bonds, friendship, romantic partnerships, sexual interactions, or any other close or intense relationship. They are a way of rapidly sharing information, emotions, and other energetic communication. These invisible energy attachments can be useful and can help establish a deeper feeling of connectedness between two people. However, sometimes a relationship and its accompanying connection can become toxic, detrimental, or outdated for one (or both) parties. This is when it is time to consider severing the bond.

Positive & Negative Cord Connections

We may choose to establish an etheric cord connection with another person for many different reason, and for various lengths of time, depending on the situation. Healthy cords dissolve on their own, but unhealthy cords can remain long after their usefulness has subsided, causing energy to be drained from connected parties. This can happen in a relationship that has ended or in one that is still relevant, but has changed structure. 

When is it Time to Consider Cutting Energetic Cords?

When you answer yes to any of the following questions, you may want to consider an energetic cord cutting to release you from a connection that may not be serving you any longer. 

• Is your bond making you feel drained?

• Are you intellectually ready to let go of a relationship, but find it hard to let go of the person?

• Are you feeling drained by the drama and crises of someone close to you?

• Are you thinking obsessively about an individual and feeling exhausted and anxious as a result?

• Do you feel extremely negative emotions when you think of a particular person, are you reliving a traumatic event you experienced with them?

The above are just some of the situations that might indicate that a cord removal will be spiritually and emotionally beneficial to you. 

Making the Cut: Severing the Ties that Bind

The process of cord removal involves three elements:  first you cut, sever, or unplug the cord, next, the severed cord must be taken care of, and finally, the attachment point must be cleansed and/or healed. A Reiki practitioner is particularly helpful in guiding you through the removal, while providing a safe container for you while to sever the bond. After removal, the cord can be tied like an umbilical cord, or sent peacefully back to the other party. In addition, it is extremely beneficial to have a Reiki practitioner with you to help you heal the point where the cord was attached to you after the etheric cord has been cut. 

After You have Cut the Cord 

After this process, you may feel any number of emotions, positive and negative. You may feel a tremendous sense of lightness and relief. You may feel a strong sense of clarity or a deep calm. You may have sudden inexplicable mania. The immediate effects can also be more melancholy. If the bond has been exhausting and draining, you may feel a surge of deep sorrow and regret as the energy disconnects. Separation can be painful as well as liberating. Because this experience can be harrowing, it is helpful to have an energy worker guiding you through the process.

Remember that severing etheric cords does not always signify the end of a relationship, it is simply a way of clearing the dysfunctional energy from the relationship and allowing for a healthier link to be established. On the other hand, cutting an energetic cord can signal the healthy completion of a relationship that has run its course.