The Symbolism of the Anticlockwise Motif in Cleansing Rituals

In cleansing rituals in Odinani, the anticlockwise motif symbolizes the sacred act of unwinding and release. Unlike clockwise motion, which invokes and builds, moving anticlockwise works to dissolve, banish, and undo stagnant or harmful energies. In Igbo spirituality, this reversal is seen as a return to primordial purity—loosening spiritual knots, dispersing negativity, and preparing the ground for renewal. Far from being negative, the anticlockwise direction embodies the art of cleansing through reversal, reminding us that release is the first step toward rebirth and balance.