Burning sage is one of the oldest and purest practices of cleansing spaces, objects or a person of unwanted negative emotions, thoughts and energies.
It may assist in improving mood and reducing stress and anxiety.
Simply choosing to engage in this ritual can be the start of a change in mindset.
The Latin word for sage - saliva - stems from the word heal.
It can help to purify the air by clearing up to 94% of airborne bacteria
while acting as a disinfectant.
You can chose to do a whole house cleanse or have a focus on where the energy gathers the most or feels a little heavy. Maybe you'd like to focus on your bedroom to sage away any left over energy from a past partner or relationship and bring an energetic refresh to your space. Don't forget to include yourself in the cleanse, allowing the smoke to surround your body.
Whilst you can’t really get it wrong there are a few important steps to ensure you get the most out of your Smudging ritual:
1/ Always open doors and windows to ensure the negative energy has a way to exit your space.
2/ Be clear on your intention and ensure your asking for what you need verses what you want. If you’re not clear you may not get the results you were hoping for.
3/ Use a high grade, ethically sourced Smudge Stick which is specifically programmed for ceremonial saging.
4/ Be mindful that Smudging just once may not be enough to shift some negative energies, so aim to make this a consistent ritual to enjoy the most benefits.
How to use your White Sage smudge stick
Open your doors and windows to ensure the negative energy has a way to exit.
To begin your smudging ritual you will first need to set a clear intention to focus the energy of the sage, focusing on clearing the negative energy out of your space and mind. You may say this out loud at the beginning of your practice, and repeat throughout the process, or you may wish to set this quietly within your mind. What ever feels comfortable for you is the right way. You may also recite a mantra, prayer or blessing that you feel connected to.
Once you have your intention in mind, light the Sage holding it at a 45 degree angle, pointing the tip down towards the flame.
Allow it to burn for 30 seconds before gently blowing the flame out. You should now see smoke coming from the Sage.
Fan the smoke into the corners, along window sills, around mirrors and over and around any objects you’d like to cleanse. An option is to use a feather during this process to push the smoke where you need it to go.
I like to hold an Abalone shell when doing my cleansing as it fits comfortably in my hand and is suitable for the heat from the burning Sage. It also brings in all of the four of the Earth’s elements during your practice - the shell represents water, the unlit herds and sticks represent the earth, and once lit they represent fire, and the smoke represents the air. The spiritual meaning of abalone enters around its ability to promote emotional balance and harmony, and are seen as a symbol of healing and protection.
If you find that your Sage continually goes out, it may be bundled too tightly. Gently loosen the string to allow some airflow between the Sage bundle. This should help to keep your Sage smoking. You can also gently blow on the red ambers if they are fading and relight when needed.
What are the alternatives if you don’t like smoke or the aroma of Sage?
You can use incense or Palo Santo to cleanse your space along with copal or a White Sage spray
At The Wild Moon we stock a selection of high quality, ethically cultivated White Sage from California. We also stock a range of complete Smudging packs including Palo Santo, incense and abalone shells.