Blessing your whare (house)

desirenz0
Dec 1, 2025
2 min read

Updated: Jul 30

Today's share is a little different. This kōrero comes from my upbringing, the way I was raised, the things I watched, the rituals I stood in as a child. In many Māori homes, when someone we love passes, we return to the house after the burial and we bless the space. Traditionally this is done with a priest, pastor or tohunga… but I’ve come to realise not everyone has access to that, and even more so, many don’t realise that you can do this yourself.

You can do this also if you feel uneasy or unsettled in your house or any in a space you're in for that matter. I have often felt this way in an office.

You don’t need a title to pray. You don’t need a degree to hold space. You simply need faith, intention and a clear heart.

How to cleanse a home after loss or even if you feel unsettled and need to clear the air.

If you have a Bible or a karakia you feel guided to use, keep that close. Then prepare a small bowl of water, one that is not used for eating or drinking.

Pray over the water. Stir it gently with your finger as you speak your karakia or prayer aloud.Let your voice bless and intentions endter into the water, allow the vibration of your voice to move through it.
Walk through your home and go to each corner of every room, then the outside corners of the whare. Sprinkle the water lightly as you continue your prayer or karakia.
Close with gratitude. Give thanks to God, to your tūpuna, to the heavens and the earth.And most importantly, send love and blessings to the one who has crossed over. Wish them peace as they journey into the next realm.

I change my rituals depending on what feels right in my wairua. Some days I use a sound bowl and let the vibration move through every wall.Some days I open every door and window and cleanse the air with smoke or clear quartz crystal. Sometimes I walk the rooms with a candle, so light leading light.

There is no wrong way, only the way that feels right for you.

Listen to your intuition.

Trust in your knowing.

Let the spirit guide you gently.

Mauri ora x