Every time a new month begins, people all over the world find little ways to welcome good luck and positive energy into their homes. Some might put out fresh flowers, place bread and salt on the table, or say a short prayer at the front door. One simple and popular tradition that has spread in recent years is known as the “Cinnamon Spell.” Even though it’s sometimes viewed as magical or spiritual, you can just think of it as a cozy, friendly way to start your month feeling hopeful and happy.
From a feng shui perspective, the front door is often called the “mouth of chi,” the main entry point for energy into your home. By blowing cinnamon into your house through the doorway, you are symbolically inviting positive, uplifting energy to enter and circulate inside. This action can be seen as a friendly nod toward maintaining a good flow of beneficial chi.
Why Cinnamon?
Cinnamon has a long and fascinating history. It originally comes from regions in South and Southeast Asia, where its sweet, spicy scent made it a highly prized and widely traded spice. Over time, its rich aroma and the value placed on it led many cultures to associate cinnamon with comfort, good fortune, and well-being.
The modern Cinnamon Tradition that people practice at the start of each month likely comes from these old, culturally rich ideas. It takes the centuries-old appreciation for cinnamon and updates it for our time—helping us focus on welcoming abundance and positive energy into our everyday lives.
From a feng shui point of view, cinnamon comes from tree bark, so it’s tied to the Wood element. Wood is linked to growth, vitality, and fresh starts—perfect qualities to invite in when a new month begins. Its warm, spicy smell also brings in the Fire element, known for sparking passion, warmth, and new opportunities. In this way, cinnamon can help energize your home with both the growing energy of Wood and the lively spark of Fire.
While some people who follow pagan, Wiccan, or New Age paths see the Cinnamon Tradition as spiritual or magical, you don’t have to approach it that way. Think of it more as a friendly, homespun practice—something passed along through conversations, family traditions, or social media posts. It’s easy to try, welcoming to anyone, and all about taking a moment at the start of the month to feel hopeful and optimistic. Ultimately, it’s just a simple, meaningful way to set a positive tone for the days ahead..
How to Perform the Cinnamon Tradition
On the first day of each month—often early in the morning—practitioners take a small pinch of ground cinnamon and stand at the threshold of their home. Here’s the simple method:
- Choose the First Day: Perform this ritual on the very first day of a new month. Morning often feels fresh and promising, but any time that feels right to you will do.
- Gather Your Cinnamon: Take a small pinch of ground cinnamon. You can use just cinnamon, or add a pinch of sugar if you like the idea of extra sweetness, but it’s not necessary.
- Step Outside Your Front Door: Go outside and turn to face your home’s entrance. Standing there, you’re symbolically at the border between the outside world and your personal space.
- Focus on Your Intentions: Close your eyes for a moment and imagine the positive things you want to fill your month—better health, more laughter, financial stability, stronger relationships, or simply more peace and calm.
- Blow the Cinnamon Inward: Now, hold the cinnamon in your palm and gently blow it into your home. As it drifts inside, picture it carrying your wishes, spreading good energy and fresh possibilities through every corner.
- Say a Simple Rhyme (Optional): Add a short, cheerful rhyme to strengthen your intentions. For example:
- “Cinnamon sweet, through my door you go, may this month let my blessings grow.”
- “As I blow this cinnamon in, let luck and cheer this month begin.”
Choose any words that feel natural and uplifting to you.
- Let It Settle: Allow the cinnamon to rest where it lands for a few hours or overnight before cleaning it up. During this time, think of it as gently settling into your home’s energy, helping to create a month filled with the good things you’ve wished for.
That’s it! This simple, comforting tradition is a way to open your month with hope and optimism. Over time, it can become a personal ritual that you look forward to, reminding you to welcome fresh starts and positive energy each and every month.
Here are few more rhyming intentions to inspire you:
- “As this cinnamon drifts and flows, prosperity here forever grows.”
- “Cinnamon spice and breezes fair, bring good fortune through the air.”
- “At my door I send this treat, may each day be kind and sweet.”
- “With this cinnamon’s gentle call, abundance and joy shall grace us all.”
- “A dash of spice upon the floor, brings blessings now and evermore.”
These light-hearted rhymes transform a simple gesture into a memorable tradition, helping you clearly state and embrace your intentions for the month.
Embracing Tradition in Modern Times
From hanging horseshoes to placing coins on windowsills, people throughout history have found simple ways to welcome luck and comfort into their homes. The Cinnamon Tradition fits right in with these everyday folk customs. It’s easy to do, gentle in spirit, and encourages you to think positively about the month ahead.
What makes this tradition special is how personal it can be. For some, it brings a sense of peace or hope. For others, it’s just a pleasant way to enjoy cinnamon’s warm scent. There’s no “right” response—what matters is that you’ve paused to invite good things into your life.
Why not give it a try? As you do, pay attention to how it makes you feel. Does it bring a smile to your face or help you focus on your goals? If you feel inspired, share your experience with friends or online. Hearing what others feel and think can be encouraging and fun.
In the end, the Cinnamon Tradition is a simple, comforting way to begin each month with hope and positivity. It’s not about getting it perfect; it’s about adding a bit more warmth and kindness to your daily life. Give it a try and see what happens!