How to use your rattle

1. Establish Your Intention and Space

Ground yourself before beginning. Hold the wooden handle of the rattle comfortably, close your eyes, and set a clear intention to release any negative or stagnant energy from the space or person you are clearing.

2. Cleanse Your Aura or Body (Self-Clearing)

Starting from the top of your head, shake the rattle downward in rhythmic, sweeping motions around your body. Pay special attention to your chakras or areas where you feel physical or emotional tension. Move the rattle in a circular motion to break up dense energy, then make a downward flicking motion to “cast” the energy out of your energetic field.

3. Clear a Room

Begin at the entrance of the room and walk around the perimeter in a clockwise direction. Vigorously shake the rattle in the corners and near the ceiling or floor, as these are areas where energy often gets trapped. Visualise the sound vibrations piercing through dense energies and purifying the environment.

4. Pace Your Rhythm

The speed and volume of the shake dictate the clearing effect:

Gentle and slow: Creates a calming, meditative atmosphere.

Fast and intense: Awakens energy and helps break up heavy, dark, or blocked energy.

Steady rhythm: Used to centre yourself and maintain a balanced energy flow.

5. Pair With a Song

In traditional Shipibo plant medicine ceremonies, the rattle is used to accompany icaros (sacred healing chants). If you wish to vocalize during the clearing, hum or sing a repetitive, soothing melody while shaking the rattle to amplify the energetic clearing. The sound of the rattle is more than just vibration — it is movement, intention, and prayer in action. Indigenous shamans, healers, and wisdom keepers use this sacred rattle in ceremonies to cleanse energies, invoke spirit allies, and guide journeys into altered states of consciousness.