The Difference Between Cleansing and Banishing Cleansing and banishing are often treated as though they are interchangeable. They are not. Both practices deal with unwanted energy, influence, presence, or residue, but they do not serve the same purpose. One removes what has accumulated. The other forces something to leave and establishes that it is not welcome to return. That difference matters. Using a cleansing method when a banishing is needed may temporarily improve the a