Why Do We Burn Sage?
1. Burning sage increases negative ions in the air.
2. Burning sage cleans the air from fungus and bacteria.
3. Negative energy be GONE:
This is our favorite method and reason for using sage! Sage is said to rid the room it is burned in, of any negative energy, spirits, or vibes.
4. Spirituality
This goes back to the originators of the smudging practice. Native Americans learned that being present in a room burning sage will help us to
be more intuitive and help us to further connect to that spiritual realm.
5. Mood Enhancer & Stress Reducer
Click here to see our most popular White sage bundles.
If burning sage will decrease the amount of negative energy then by common knowledge it will increase positive energy. When positive energy
is increased – we become HAPPIER, LIGHTER, overall! This stuff is a huge anxiety buster as well. When we feel lighter and happier we’re able to
more clearly focus on things that matter and things that don’t! We’re able to think and focus more clearly – making stress much easier to
defeat!
Palo santo
Click here to see our Palo Santo sticks.
Rich in brain-oxygenating terpenes such as limonene and a-terpineol, Palo Santo has an uplifting and positive effect. It's believed to cleanse to
a person’s energy field, thereby enhancing their ability to deflect and repel negative energies as well as raising your positive vibrations in
preparation for meditation. It's also been known for it’s grounding and focusing effect which can enhance creativity, productivity and increase
good fortune.
Going away from the energy side of things, Palo Santo's also proven to be an effective natural alternative to insect repellant. Additionally it
smells incredible, and can be used instead of scented candles or essential oils.
So whatever your belief, Palo Santo definitely helps to create a positive and soothing atmosphere
Sage vs. Palo Santo
Both work separately to cleanse a space but can be even more powerful in tandem. Think about sage moving energy out and palo santo
moving energy in. If you use them at the same time it could get confusing for what is being asked to leave and want is being invited in.
What Do I Need For a smudging ceremony?
1.Sage Bundles or Palo santo stick.
2. An Abalone Shell
In traditional smudging ceremonies, it symbolizes the ocean so that all four of the Earth’s elements – fire, water, air, and earth are being
represented.
The fire = sage sticks or palo santo once they’re lit and actively burning,
the air = the smoke from the burning sage bundle, or palo santo stick
the water = the beautiful abalone shell,
and the earth = the sage bundle or palo santo itself as a representation of herbs and sticks from the earth.
It’s quite the spiritual connection and really powerful to be apart of and if sage or palo santo are being burned, the abalone shell should
absolutely be used in conjunction.
Check out Smudging kits!
The Practice Itself: How to have a smudge ceremony
1. Set The Intentions
Some believe you should set the intentions for the ceremony. Meaning, say a prayer before you start. No, this doesn’t have to be religious or
“church-esque” at all. Whatever YOU want this to be. This is more about banishing negative energy. We want to cleanse the space of negative
energy.
2. OPEN ALL THE WINDOWS!!!
HUGE guys, the windows MUST remain open, ALL of them, before, during, and after the ceremony. Not just for the sake of smoke, but to tie it
into our practice as well. All of that negativity must travel somewhere right? If we’re untrapping it from the house and our safe space – the
spiritual ceremony will guide it out the windows alongside the smoke of the sage.
General practice
1.Light the end of a sage bundle with a match. (some say matches are more spiritually connected than the manmade lighters) Blow out quickly
if it catches on fire.
2.The tips of the leaves should smolder slowly, releasing thick smoke. Direct this smoke around your body and space with one hand while
holding the bundle in the other.
3. Allow the incense to linger on the areas of your body or surroundings you’d like to focus on. Using a fan or feather can also help direct the
smoke, though this is optional.
4. Allow the ash to collect in a shell.
If smudging a space – some say working clockwise direction around the home or space has a more spiritual connection and effect than going
counterclockwise. Do what feels right to you.
You can smudge certain objects as well. A new piece of jewelry or something of importance to you.
After the ceremony is over – make sure the sage or palo santo stick is entirely extinguished.
Little disclaimer:
SETTING OFF SMOKE ALARMS IS COMMON WITH THIS PRACTICE!
