July 13, 2025 • 12 mins
Energetic boundaries are crucial for anyone in helping professions, empaths, or those who regularly interact with others experiencing strong emotions. We explore how the constant emotional labor in healthcare can lead to compassion fatigue and burnout if we don't protect our energetic space.
• The nursing perspective on boundaries, focusing on professional detachment while maintaining compassion
• How energy works from both clinical and mystical perspectives
• Working with deities like Hecate, Kali, and Lilith to understand and strengthen personal boundaries
• The intentional shielding visualization technique for creating energetic protection
• The energetic cord cutting ritual for releasing draining connections
• The sacred space reset and aura comb for clearing residual energies
• Why poor boundaries lead to burnout, resentment, and diminished wellbeing
• Implementing boundaries as radical self-preservation, not selfishness
Share your experiences with energetic boundaries or protection tools on Instagram @the.nurses.cauldron. Check out my essential oil blends, ritual teas, and deity devotionals at The Owl Witch Shop on Etsy. Next time, we'll explore the shadow path to healing and embracing the darker feminine for wholeness.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:18):
Welcome back, beautiful souls, to the nurse's
cauldron.
I'm your host, leah, and I'm soglad you've returned to stir
some wisdom with me, if you'rejust joining us.
Last week, we kicked things offby talking about my journey
blending evidence-based nursingcare with intuitive wisdom of an
eclectic pagan witchEssentially, how science and
spirit can work together forholistic healing.
Today we're diving deeper intoa topic that's absolutely
(00:42):
crucial for anyone in a helpingprofession, anyone who
identifies as an empath orreally anyone who simply exists
in the world.
The topic is energeticboundaries.
As a nurse, especially with mybackground in mental health,
substance abuse and oncology,I've seen countless times how
easily we can absorb the energyof others, both good and bad,
(01:03):
and how detrimental it can be ifwe don't protect our own peace.
And, as a witch, understandingenergy is fundamental to my
practice.
We'll be spending a bit moretime with this vital topic today
, giving it the space itdeserves.
Let's start by delving a bitdeeper into the nursing side of
the cauldron.
In healthcare, we extensivelydiscuss compassion, fatigue,
(01:24):
secondary traumatic stress andburnout.
These aren't just academicterms.
They're very real, debilitatingconditions that stem from the
constant emotional labor anddirect exposure to trauma,
suffering and intense humanemotions.
We're rigorously trained to beempathetic, to attune to our
patient's needs and to providecomfort.
This is absolutely our strengthand our calling, but without
(01:47):
robust boundaries it can alsobecome our Achilles heel.
Think about it I've been incountless patient rooms In
oncology, seeing the raw fearand grief In mental health units
, witnessing the depths ofdespair or the chaos of acute
psychosis In substance abuse.
Feeling the desperation and thehope, a patient's anxiety, a
(02:08):
family member's overwhelminggrief, a colleague's palpable
stress from a difficult shift.
These energies are not justconcepts.
They are palpable.
While we might not logicallyunderstand that these are their
emotions, our highly attunedbodies and minds can
unconsciously absorb and carrythat energetic load.
We leave a shift feelingphysically drained, irritable,
(02:30):
overwhelmed or even experiencingour own headaches, stomach
aches or pervasive fatigue,often without fully
understanding the underlyingcause.
It's like we're sponges in aroom full of emotional water,
soaking it all up without aringer.
From a clinical standpoint,establishing boundaries means
learning to say no when ourplate is too full, knowing when
(02:51):
to delegate tasks, taking ourmandated breaks and, crucially,
understanding that we are notsolely responsible for outcomes
outside our direct control.
It's about professionaldetachment, yes, but not in a
cold or uncaring way.
It means caring wisely so youcan sustain that care and
continue to show up for yourpatients and yourself.
It's about respecting your ownlimitations as a human being,
(03:14):
even when your heart wants to doeverything.
Now let's cast our gaze throughthe lens of my pagan practice
In witchcraft.
Understanding energy hygiene andenergetic protection is just as
vital as any normal physicalhygiene.
The core principle here is thateverything is energy Our
thoughts, our emotions, ourwords, the spaces we inhabit,
(03:36):
even the food we eat.
And just like we can pick upphysical germs from our
environment, we can pick upenergetic debris unwanted,
stagnant or draining energiesfrom others, from challenging
situations or even from objects.
For me, working with deitiesoften considered part of the
darker feminine Hecate, kali andLilith has been incredibly
(03:58):
powerful in truly understandingand fortifying my energetic
boundaries.
It's important to clarify thesegoddesses aren't about evil or
negativity in the common sense.
They are archetypes oftransformation, fierce
protection, profound compassionand the reclamation of personal
power.
Hecate, as a goddess of thecrossroads, helps us stand
firmly in our own space,discerning what comes in and
(04:21):
what stays out.
She teaches us discernment.
Kali, with her fierce,unapologetic nature, helps us
bravely face and destroy whatdoesn't truly serve us,
including unhealthy energeticattachments or patterns of
self-sacrifice that drain us.
And Lilith empowers us toassert our autonomy, prioritize
self-respect and refuse to bediminished by others'
(04:43):
expectations or demands on ourenergy.
They teach us to be strongvessels, not just passive
receivers.
Energetic boundaries are aboutconsciously deciding what you
allow into your energetic fieldand what you release.
It's about building a psychicshield, not to block love,
connection or empathy, but tofilter out draining harmful or
stagnant energies.
(05:03):
Think of it like putting on amagical energetic hazmat suit,
or what I like to call spiritualPPE.
It allows you to engage withthe world, but from a place of
empowered choice.
So how do we blend these twopowerful perspectives, the
clinical and the mystical, intopractical tools for your
everyday life?
Here are three potent boundarybrews you can start
(05:26):
experimenting with this week toprotect your peace.
Number one the intentionalshielding visualization.
This is a classic for a reason,and it's incredibly effective.
It's incredibly effectiveBefore you start your day,
before walking into achallenging situation like a
busy hospital floor or astressful family gathering, or
even just leaving your house,take a few deep breaths.
(05:46):
Then visualize a protectivebubble or sphere of vibrant
light forming around your entirebody.
Imagine the shield, deflectinganxiety, negativity, excessive
demands or even symbolic germparticles from others, keeping
your personal spaceenergetically clean and clear.
It's about creating a safe zonefor your own well-being.
(06:06):
Envision it as a magicalbarrier, impermeable to unwanted
energetic intrusions.
See it allowing only whatserves your highest good to
enter and deflecting anythingthat doesn't choose a color for
your shield, maybe a brightwhite light for purity and
protection, a vibrant green forhealing and vitality, or a deep
(06:26):
purple for spiritual protectionand wisdom.
You can even infuse it with anintention like only love enters,
only peace resides.
Brew number two the energeticcord cutting ritual.
When you feel emotionallydrained, continuously thinking
about someone or a situation, orfeel like you can't shake off
an interaction, it's possibleyou formed an unhealthy
(06:48):
energetic cord.
This isn't about severingrelationships, but about
detaching from drainingenergetic connections.
Mentally acknowledge theemotional burden the interaction
is leaving you with.
Mentally acknowledge theemotional burden the interaction
is leaving you with.
Consciously decide to releasethe lingering feelings of stress
, resentment or overwhelm fromthat specific interaction.
This creates essential mentalspace and prevents unhealthy
(07:11):
rumination.
Now sit quietly, take a fewgrounding, breathsize a cord of
energy connecting your solarplexus, your power center, to
the person or situation that'sdraining you.
This cord doesn't have to benegative, just draining.
Take another deep breath and asyou exhale, mentally or
physically, with a gentlecutting motion of your hands,
(07:35):
cut that cord, visualizing itdissolving or breaking.
Say aloud or in your mind Irelease this energy, I reclaim
my own power.
You can combine this withessential oil like frankincense
for grounding and purification,or cypress for release and flow.
Brew.
Number three the sacred spacereset and aura comb.
(07:57):
Our homes, our cars and evenour personal energetic fields or
our aura can absorb residualenergy.
Think of decluttering andcleaning your home, not just as
tidying, but as creating ahealthier, less chaotic and less
stressful internal and externalenvironment.
Fresh air, natural light andorder are vital for physical
(08:18):
health and mental clarity.
Air, natural light and orderare vital for physical health
and mental clarity.
After a particularlychallenging day or as a weekly
practice, consciously clear yourpersonal energetic space.
This can be as simple asopening windows for fresh air,
tidying up your immediateenvironment or using a room
spray with cleansing essentialoils like palo santo,
frankincense, lemon orpeppermint.
(08:39):
You can also perform an auracomb with your hands a few
inches from your body, startingfrom your head and moving
downwards.
Gently sweep your hands downyour front, back and sides,
flicking your fingers at the endof each sweep, as if combing
away stagnant energy.
This helps clear your personalenergy field.
(09:00):
Why is this so vital?
Why should we dedicate precioustime to something like
energetic boundaries?
Because the unseen costs ofpoor boundaries are enormous,
both in our personal lives andprofessionally, particularly for
givers.
From a nursing perspective,chronic compassion fatigue leads
to burnout, depersonalization,reduced empathy, medical errors
(09:21):
and, ultimately, nurses leavingthe profession entirely.
In our personal lives itmanifests as resentment, chronic
fatigue, anxiety, difficultysleeping, relationship strains
and sometimes even unexplainedphysical ailments.
It's like carrying an invisiblebackpack full of other people's
emotional baggage.
Over time, that weight breaksyou down, impacting your
(09:45):
capacity to care for your othersand for yourself.
From a witchy perspective,constantly absorbing negative or
chaotic energy can dampen yourintuition, disrupt your magical
practice, create energeticblockages and make you
susceptible to psychic attacksor unwanted influences.
It creates static on yourspiritual radio.
(10:05):
You can't hear your guides, youcan't focus your intentions and
your connection to your chosendeities or the natural world
feels muted.
Your intentions and yourconnection to your chosen
deities or the natural worldfeels muted.
When you're constantly drained,you can't effectively perform
spell work, rituals or evensimple acts of self-care.
It leaves you feelingvulnerable and disconnected from
your own power and purpose.
(10:26):
By consciously implementingthese boundary practices, you're
not being selfish.
You're engaging in radicalself-preservation.
You're ensuring that you havethe vitality, clarity and peace
of mind to truly show up foryourself, for your loved ones
and for your patients.
You're protecting your mostvaluable asset your energetic
well-being.
This investment pays dividendsin all areas of your life,
(10:48):
making you a more effectivehealer and a more balanced
individual.
Your life, making you a moreeffective healer and a more
balanced individual.
Implementing energeticboundaries is a continuous
practice, not a one-time fix.
It takes conscious effort, butthe peace, clarity and
resilience you gain areabsolutely invaluable.
You deserve to protect yourenergy and pour from a full cup.
(11:09):
I'd love to hear about yourexperiences with energetic
boundaries or what tools you useto protect your own peace.
Share with me on social media.
I'm on Instagram, the nursescauldron.
You can just find me there andthen also remember, you can find
(11:33):
my essential oil blends, ritualteas, devotionals to a few
deities.
More is coming.
Just it's been a little chaotic.
But if you're interested inlooking at the Etsy shop it is
the Owl Witch Shop.
Go ahead and check it out.
Next time, on the Nurse'sCauldron, we'll dive into a
topic close to my heart theshadow path to healing,
embracing the darker femininefor wholeness.
Close to my heart the shadowpath to healing.
(11:54):
Embracing the darker femininefor wholeness.
We'll explore how working withdeities like Hecate, kali and
Lilith can lead to profoundself-acceptance and power.
It's going to be a deep dive.
Thank you again for joining mein the Nurse's Cauldron.
If this episode resonated withyou, please rate, review and
subscribe.
Wherever you listen to podcasts, it truly helps our community
grow.
Until next time, protect yourpeace, honor your energy and
(12:36):
remember you are a powerful,sacred vessel.
Blessed be.
Outro Music.
Welcome back, beautiful souls, to the nurse's
cauldron.
I'm your host, leah, and I'm soglad you've returned to stir
some wisdom with me, if you'rejust joining us.
Last week, we kicked things offby talking about my journey
blending evidence-based nursingcare with intuitive wisdom of an
eclectic pagan witchEssentially, how science and
spirit can work together forholistic healing.
Today we're diving deeper intoa topic that's absolutely
(00:42):
crucial for anyone in a helpingprofession, anyone who
identifies as an empath orreally anyone who simply exists
in the world.
The topic is energeticboundaries.
As a nurse, especially with mybackground in mental health,
substance abuse and oncology,I've seen countless times how
easily we can absorb the energyof others, both good and bad,
(01:03):
and how detrimental it can be ifwe don't protect our own peace.
And, as a witch, understandingenergy is fundamental to my
practice.
We'll be spending a bit moretime with this vital topic today
, giving it the space itdeserves.
Let's start by delving a bitdeeper into the nursing side of
the cauldron.
In healthcare, we extensivelydiscuss compassion, fatigue,
(01:24):
secondary traumatic stress andburnout.
These aren't just academicterms.
They're very real, debilitatingconditions that stem from the
constant emotional labor anddirect exposure to trauma,
suffering and intense humanemotions.
We're rigorously trained to beempathetic, to attune to our
patient's needs and to providecomfort.
This is absolutely our strengthand our calling, but without
(01:47):
robust boundaries it can alsobecome our Achilles heel.
Think about it I've been incountless patient rooms In
oncology, seeing the raw fearand grief In mental health units
, witnessing the depths ofdespair or the chaos of acute
psychosis In substance abuse.
Feeling the desperation and thehope, a patient's anxiety, a
(02:08):
family member's overwhelminggrief, a colleague's palpable
stress from a difficult shift.
These energies are not justconcepts.
They are palpable.
While we might not logicallyunderstand that these are their
emotions, our highly attunedbodies and minds can
unconsciously absorb and carrythat energetic load.
We leave a shift feelingphysically drained, irritable,
(02:30):
overwhelmed or even experiencingour own headaches, stomach
aches or pervasive fatigue,often without fully
understanding the underlyingcause.
It's like we're sponges in aroom full of emotional water,
soaking it all up without aringer.
From a clinical standpoint,establishing boundaries means
learning to say no when ourplate is too full, knowing when
(02:51):
to delegate tasks, taking ourmandated breaks and, crucially,
understanding that we are notsolely responsible for outcomes
outside our direct control.
It's about professionaldetachment, yes, but not in a
cold or uncaring way.
It means caring wisely so youcan sustain that care and
continue to show up for yourpatients and yourself.
It's about respecting your ownlimitations as a human being,
(03:14):
even when your heart wants to doeverything.
Now let's cast our gaze throughthe lens of my pagan practice
In witchcraft.
Understanding energy hygiene andenergetic protection is just as
vital as any normal physicalhygiene.
The core principle here is thateverything is energy Our
thoughts, our emotions, ourwords, the spaces we inhabit,
(03:36):
even the food we eat.
And just like we can pick upphysical germs from our
environment, we can pick upenergetic debris unwanted,
stagnant or draining energiesfrom others, from challenging
situations or even from objects.
For me, working with deitiesoften considered part of the
darker feminine Hecate, kali andLilith has been incredibly
(03:58):
powerful in truly understandingand fortifying my energetic
boundaries.
It's important to clarify thesegoddesses aren't about evil or
negativity in the common sense.
They are archetypes oftransformation, fierce
protection, profound compassionand the reclamation of personal
power.
Hecate, as a goddess of thecrossroads, helps us stand
firmly in our own space,discerning what comes in and
(04:21):
what stays out.
She teaches us discernment.
Kali, with her fierce,unapologetic nature, helps us
bravely face and destroy whatdoesn't truly serve us,
including unhealthy energeticattachments or patterns of
self-sacrifice that drain us.
And Lilith empowers us toassert our autonomy, prioritize
self-respect and refuse to bediminished by others'
(04:43):
expectations or demands on ourenergy.
They teach us to be strongvessels, not just passive
receivers.
Energetic boundaries are aboutconsciously deciding what you
allow into your energetic fieldand what you release.
It's about building a psychicshield, not to block love,
connection or empathy, but tofilter out draining harmful or
stagnant energies.
(05:03):
Think of it like putting on amagical energetic hazmat suit,
or what I like to call spiritualPPE.
It allows you to engage withthe world, but from a place of
empowered choice.
So how do we blend these twopowerful perspectives, the
clinical and the mystical, intopractical tools for your
everyday life?
Here are three potent boundarybrews you can start
(05:26):
experimenting with this week toprotect your peace.
Number one the intentionalshielding visualization.
This is a classic for a reason,and it's incredibly effective.
It's incredibly effectiveBefore you start your day,
before walking into achallenging situation like a
busy hospital floor or astressful family gathering, or
even just leaving your house,take a few deep breaths.
(05:46):
Then visualize a protectivebubble or sphere of vibrant
light forming around your entirebody.
Imagine the shield, deflectinganxiety, negativity, excessive
demands or even symbolic germparticles from others, keeping
your personal spaceenergetically clean and clear.
It's about creating a safe zonefor your own well-being.
(06:06):
Envision it as a magicalbarrier, impermeable to unwanted
energetic intrusions.
See it allowing only whatserves your highest good to
enter and deflecting anythingthat doesn't choose a color for
your shield, maybe a brightwhite light for purity and
protection, a vibrant green forhealing and vitality, or a deep
(06:26):
purple for spiritual protectionand wisdom.
You can even infuse it with anintention like only love enters,
only peace resides.
Brew number two the energeticcord cutting ritual.
When you feel emotionallydrained, continuously thinking
about someone or a situation, orfeel like you can't shake off
an interaction, it's possibleyou formed an unhealthy
(06:48):
energetic cord.
This isn't about severingrelationships, but about
detaching from drainingenergetic connections.
Mentally acknowledge theemotional burden the interaction
is leaving you with.
Mentally acknowledge theemotional burden the interaction
is leaving you with.
Consciously decide to releasethe lingering feelings of stress
, resentment or overwhelm fromthat specific interaction.
This creates essential mentalspace and prevents unhealthy
(07:11):
rumination.
Now sit quietly, take a fewgrounding, breathsize a cord of
energy connecting your solarplexus, your power center, to
the person or situation that'sdraining you.
This cord doesn't have to benegative, just draining.
Take another deep breath and asyou exhale, mentally or
physically, with a gentlecutting motion of your hands,
(07:35):
cut that cord, visualizing itdissolving or breaking.
Say aloud or in your mind Irelease this energy, I reclaim
my own power.
You can combine this withessential oil like frankincense
for grounding and purification,or cypress for release and flow.
Brew.
Number three the sacred spacereset and aura comb.
(07:57):
Our homes, our cars and evenour personal energetic fields or
our aura can absorb residualenergy.
Think of decluttering andcleaning your home, not just as
tidying, but as creating ahealthier, less chaotic and less
stressful internal and externalenvironment.
Fresh air, natural light andorder are vital for physical
(08:18):
health and mental clarity.
Air, natural light and orderare vital for physical health
and mental clarity.
After a particularlychallenging day or as a weekly
practice, consciously clear yourpersonal energetic space.
This can be as simple asopening windows for fresh air,
tidying up your immediateenvironment or using a room
spray with cleansing essentialoils like palo santo,
frankincense, lemon orpeppermint.
(08:39):
You can also perform an auracomb with your hands a few
inches from your body, startingfrom your head and moving
downwards.
Gently sweep your hands downyour front, back and sides,
flicking your fingers at the endof each sweep, as if combing
away stagnant energy.
This helps clear your personalenergy field.
(09:00):
Why is this so vital?
Why should we dedicate precioustime to something like
energetic boundaries?
Because the unseen costs ofpoor boundaries are enormous,
both in our personal lives andprofessionally, particularly for
givers.
From a nursing perspective,chronic compassion fatigue leads
to burnout, depersonalization,reduced empathy, medical errors
(09:21):
and, ultimately, nurses leavingthe profession entirely.
In our personal lives itmanifests as resentment, chronic
fatigue, anxiety, difficultysleeping, relationship strains
and sometimes even unexplainedphysical ailments.
It's like carrying an invisiblebackpack full of other people's
emotional baggage.
Over time, that weight breaksyou down, impacting your
(09:45):
capacity to care for your othersand for yourself.
From a witchy perspective,constantly absorbing negative or
chaotic energy can dampen yourintuition, disrupt your magical
practice, create energeticblockages and make you
susceptible to psychic attacksor unwanted influences.
It creates static on yourspiritual radio.
(10:05):
You can't hear your guides, youcan't focus your intentions and
your connection to your chosendeities or the natural world
feels muted.
Your intentions and yourconnection to your chosen
deities or the natural worldfeels muted.
When you're constantly drained,you can't effectively perform
spell work, rituals or evensimple acts of self-care.
It leaves you feelingvulnerable and disconnected from
your own power and purpose.
(10:26):
By consciously implementingthese boundary practices, you're
not being selfish.
You're engaging in radicalself-preservation.
You're ensuring that you havethe vitality, clarity and peace
of mind to truly show up foryourself, for your loved ones
and for your patients.
You're protecting your mostvaluable asset your energetic
well-being.
This investment pays dividendsin all areas of your life,
(10:48):
making you a more effectivehealer and a more balanced
individual.
Your life, making you a moreeffective healer and a more
balanced individual.
Implementing energeticboundaries is a continuous
practice, not a one-time fix.
It takes conscious effort, butthe peace, clarity and
resilience you gain areabsolutely invaluable.
You deserve to protect yourenergy and pour from a full cup.
(11:09):
I'd love to hear about yourexperiences with energetic
boundaries or what tools you useto protect your own peace.
Share with me on social media.
I'm on Instagram, the nursescauldron.
You can just find me there andthen also remember, you can find
(11:33):
my essential oil blends, ritualteas, devotionals to a few
deities.
More is coming.
Just it's been a little chaotic.
But if you're interested inlooking at the Etsy shop it is
the Owl Witch Shop.
Go ahead and check it out.
Next time, on the Nurse'sCauldron, we'll dive into a
topic close to my heart theshadow path to healing,
embracing the darker femininefor wholeness.
Close to my heart the shadowpath to healing.
(11:54):
Embracing the darker femininefor wholeness.
We'll explore how working withdeities like Hecate, kali and
Lilith can lead to profoundself-acceptance and power.
It's going to be a deep dive.
Thank you again for joining mein the Nurse's Cauldron.
If this episode resonated withyou, please rate, review and
subscribe.
Wherever you listen to podcasts, it truly helps our community
grow.
Until next time, protect yourpeace, honor your energy and
(12:36):
remember you are a powerful,sacred vessel.
Blessed be.
Outro Music.
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