Ever walked into a house and felt an inexplicable chill, or sensed a heaviness in the air that made your skin crawl?
Maybe you’ve brushed it off as a draft, or blamed it on a dodgy light fitting. But for a growing number of Australians—including some of the country’s wealthiest and most influential—these unsettling sensations are enough to call in the big guns: a professional exorcist.
While the idea of exorcisms might conjure up images of spinning heads and holy water (thanks, Hollywood), the reality is a little less dramatic—but no less fascinating.
Meet Catarina Ligato, Sydney’s own ‘ghost whisperer’ and one of Australia’s most sought-after home exorcists.
With over 20 years of experience and more than 5,000 cleansings under their belt, they have become the go-to for those who believe their homes are harbouring more than just dust bunnies and the odd cockroach. And business, it seems, is booming.
The rise of the home exorcist
Human exorcisms have long been a staple of pop culture, but the practice of ‘home clearing’ or ‘home healing’ is quietly gaining traction, especially as more Australians embrace spirituality and alternative wellness.
It’s not just the superstitious or the spiritually inclined who are seeking out these services. Ligato’s client list reads like a who’s who of Sydney’s elite, with billionaires in the city’s ritziest suburbs more concerned about negative energy than negative gearing.
Even top real estate agents are getting in on the act, hoping a spiritual spring clean will help shift those hard-to-sell properties with a chequered past.
And it’s not just a local phenomenon. When Australian financier Michael D. Daffey bought Jeffrey Epstein’s infamous $51 million New York mansion, a home exorcism was reportedly high on the to-do list. If ever there was a house in need of a spiritual deep clean, that would be it.
What lurks behind closed doors
So, what exactly is Ligato clearing out? According to her, it’s not always the stuff of horror movies. Sometimes, it’s simply the lingering energy of past tragedies—death, violence, addiction, or heartbreak—that can leave a psychic scar on a property.
Other times, it’s spirits who haven’t quite realised they’ve shuffled off this mortal coil, or who are too frightened to move on.
‘They’re scared,’ Ligato explains. ‘They don’t know where to go and get stuck. They might end up in their old home or someone else’s. Wherever feels safe.’
And it’s not just homes that need a spiritual scrub. Ligato says she’s been called in to clear offices, too—especially when a business is struggling or morale is low. It seems even the corporate world isn’t immune to a bit of bad juju.
How to tell if your home is haunted
Not sure if you’re sharing your space with an otherworldly housemate? Ligato says there are a few telltale signs:
1. Unexplained cold spots, even when the heater’s on full blast.
2. Hearing voices or footsteps when you’re home alone.
3. Belongings mysteriously moving from where you left them.
4. A constant sense of tension or unease.
5. Feeling perpetually exhausted, no matter how much you sleep.
If any of these sound familiar, you might want to put down the sage and call in a pro.
Inside an Australian exorcism
Forget the Hollywood theatrics—Ligato’s approach is more about healing than horror. Armed with a crystal wand and a ‘sacred spray,’ she starts by assessing the property, tuning in to any negative entities or energies.
The process often involves communicating with spirits, helping them come to terms with their passing, and encouraging them to move on.
‘It’s about cleansing the footprints of the previous people who lived in the home,’ she says. ‘So it’s like the house then just feels really nice and peaceful.’
And while it might sound a bit out there, Ligato insists that even the biggest sceptics can feel the difference. ‘People feel it instantly, even if they don’t see it. It just feels peaceful and calm.’
A global tradition
Home healing isn’t a new fad. Cultures around the world have their own rituals for clearing negative energy—think of the Balinese tradition of keeping windows and doors open to let good spirits in, or the widespread use of incense and essential oils in many Asian households.
Even here in Australia, the practice is finding its way into the mainstream, with spiritual services now being used by everyone from politicians to property moguls.
DIY spiritual housekeeping
Not ready to fork out for a professional exorcist? Ligato has a few tips for keeping your home’s energy in check:
– Burn essential oils or incense to cleanse the air.
– Play calming music to create a peaceful atmosphere.
– Open your windows regularly to let fresh energy in.
– Declutter your space—physical mess can contribute to spiritual stagnation.
Real stories from the spirit world
Ligato’s clients are quick to sing her praises. One Sydney lawyer, who asked to remain anonymous, says her family’s luck changed dramatically after moving into a new home—until Ligato uncovered a tragic history and helped a lingering spirit move on. ‘The home felt so much lighter,’ she recalls.
Another Victorian woman describes a ‘dark cloud’ that seemed to settle over her rural property, only to lift after a session with Ligato. ‘She brought peace and happiness back into our lives,’ she says.
And for one Sydney family, a chaotic home life was transformed after a spiritual cleanse. ‘We noticed a huge improvement in sleep and moods,’ the homeowner reports. ‘I can’t talk more highly of her work.’
The cost of peace of mind
If you’re thinking of booking a home healing, be prepared to invest—Ligato’s services start at around $300, with prices rising depending on the size of your home and the extent of the haunting. But for many, the peace of mind is priceless.
Credits: The Morning Show / Youtube
A word of caution
While Ligato finds her work deeply fulfilling, she’s quick to point out that it’s not for everyone. ‘Doing this work is a calling,’ she says. ‘I know other psychics who ended up in psych wards for losing their balance.’ She limits herself to just two bookings a week to stay grounded.
Have you had a ghostly encounter?
Whether you’re a true believer or a hardened sceptic, there’s no denying the growing fascination with the unseen world.
Have you ever felt a strange presence in your home, or tried any rituals to clear out bad vibes? Maybe you’ve got a ghost story of your own to share—or a tip for keeping the peace.
We’d love to hear your experiences! Have you ever called in a professional to clear your home, or do you have your own methods for keeping the spirits at bay? Share your stories and thoughts in the comments below—let’s get the conversation (and maybe a few chills) started!
Also read: This haunted house scares owners away—will the new buyers last long?
