Sometimes a house or office can feel uncomfortable and there's no real reason you can put your finger on to explain your uneasy feeling. Other times, it's easy: someone has been there that was negative or died or was ill. Homes and spaces often take on the energy of the previous occupants as well. There may be instances when you moved into a space and just felt like someone else was there or that the space just didn't feel right.

If this sounds familiar, just remember you are not alone. Many people feel uncomfortable in spaces and they can't explain why. The "why" is not important, though. What is important is that you find a way to make your space feel more comfortable so you can feel more at ease. A first step would be to perform a space cleansing.

Unlike "space clearing," space cleasing doesn't rely on getting rid of clutter. However, if you have a bunch of old items and junk from previous residents or others, it is possible that some of the energy is coming from these old items. If that's the case then you should definitely take some of these things to the trash.

What's more, if you have had a spate of bad luck and find that life has just been a constant struggle, it's possible that you have some negative energies hanging around. This is another good instance when it might be a good idea to do a space cleansing. Space cleansing will help you feel more comfortable in your home or office and let you move on in your space comfortably and in a positive state of mind.

Regardless of why or how you feel, if your space doesn't feel quite right, consider these tips to help you clear out the negative energy in your house and invite the good energy back inside!

1. Clear stale energies from prior residents.
If you have recently moved, you might be feeling some of the residual energy from past residents. If that's your case, then consider using a simple bell. Walking from the front door and in a clockwise pattern, circle each room and go into the next while ringing a bell. Be sure to ring the bell in corners and in closets where negative energy can remain trapped.

2. Use salt to cleanse an area.
Another tip is to use salt to remove negative energies. You can wipe the walls with salt or sprinkel salt into the corners of the room. Be sure to sweep up the salt and throw it into the trash outside of your house.

3. Feed your ghosts rice.
If you feel extreme negative energy, you can also try sprinkling rice around the perimeter of your home beginning at the front door. The rice will draw the energy outside and away from the interior of your home.

4. Scent the air to rid negative energies.
Smoke from incense or from herbs such as lavender for transcending problems or eucalyptus for healing or mint for prosperity. The scents of incense or herbal essential oils are all excellent ways to introduct beneficial energy.

5. Light and sound.
Light and sound are two very effective "yang" treatments that help to dispel negative energies. Tinkling windchimes and bright crystal rainbows or lit chandeliers are both excellent ways to introduce beneficial -- and cleansing -- energy to your space.

6. Take a salt bath for yourself.
In the process of cleansing your home, it might also be a good idea to cleanse yourself as well. It is possible that you are bringing negative energy home from work or from the outside world. Soak in a tub with sea salt or make your own sea salt scrub and wash your body in the shower with salt. Salt will purify you and remove negative energies from your person. This is especially helpful if you work in a hostile or gossipy environment and will help you rid the energy from your body.

Kathryn Weber is the publisher of the Red Lotus Letter feng shui e-zine and is dedicated to helping her readers develop successful, prosperous, and supportive environments with feng shui. To subscribe, logon to www.redlotusletter.com and receive this special report Fr*ee "16 Feng Shui Secrets for Greater Prosperity."

kweber@redlotusconsulting.com