Dear Karen,

Is it better to space clear before or after redecorating a room?

- Roswitha Bonthrone, UK

Karen's reply:

The answer is "yes!".

The process of stripping wallpaper, sanding old paintwork and applying new finishes will dislodge some energies stuck in the walls so it is best to do a short Space Clearing ceremony before redecorating to clear these energies out first. Just make one offering for the whole space and do one circuit of clapping and one of bell-ringing. Then decorate. Afterwards do a full Space Clearing, with special emphasis on the consecration part of the ceremony that is done with harmony balls. It is usually best to do this the following day rather than when you are still weary from working but if you decide to do it the same day, be sure to take a full bath or shower and put on clean clothing before doing the ceremony.

Note that if you are decorating a new building that has never been lived in before it would not be necessary to do Space Clearing before decorating.