You will “know” where the negative energy is living or hiding and then smudge it away. Use your intuition - a skill that will guide you in every aspect of your life, especially when you sage. Then concentrate on gateway areas, such as windows, doors, closets, and hallways and closets. Be sure to let the smoke move into the corners of the room. Focus burning sage in areas where negative energy can get stuck: Slowly walk around the room or the entire house, “smudging” the often-filled areas with people.Give that energy that you are trying to burn off a place to go - out! Be sure to open doors and windows: Just like in chemistry class, if you mix a bunch of compounds in a jar and don’t lift the lid, the reaction could be volatile.You can also place the burning sage bundle in an abalone shell, so the herbs don’t burn your fingers-the shell doubles as a fan to clear and move the smoke around into the corners of the house.
If you are trying to cleanse the air in a room, walk around the space with the burning wand. If it doesn’t catch fire easily, the bundle may have been packed too tightly - so smash the ends into a dish to let some air in and try again. Let’s get started: After lighting the tip of the sage bundle, let it burn for about 20 seconds, let the smoke waft into the air before blowing out the flame.As an alternative, try sage essential oils. If you have allergies or lung problems, the smoke could be a real bother. Be aware: And be sure not to breathe in the smoke directly as it can be pungent.The drier the sage, the better: But be careful when you light it as it’ll catch quickly.Juniper and sweetgrass can also be burned for similar purposes. Of course, there are alternatives, and each has its own healing properties: blue sage is often used in cleansing and healing rituals, and desert sage is used for purifying and protection. Use white sage, if possible: Healers and herbalists often prefer to use California white sage, also known as bee sage.This is true of any visualization or affirmation, as we’ll explain in the next section of the Journal. Set your intention: Whether you are burning sage to purify a space, or a person (including yourself), plant the idea in your before you light the sage.If you are willing to let the smoke swirl, here are a few tips to help you maximize the experience: “It is seen to metaphysically un-cling the things that cling to us that are no longer needed -spiritually, mentally, and physically - almost the way a sponge can cleanse things from you that are stuck to you,” says Anthony Fleg, MD, an assistant professor of family and community medicine at the University of New Mexico. Other benefits of burning sage are said to include providing wisdom, clarity, and increased spiritual awareness. It also is said to release negative ions, which is linked to putting people into a positive mood. It also helps with digestive troubles, soothing upset stomachs.Īdditional studies have shown that burning sage can clear bacteria in the air. In other animal studies, sage helped against depression and anxiety. In one study of mice, sage extract improved memory. In fact, some of these compounds appear to improve brain health and guard against diseases like Alzheimer’s.
The science of sage: Sage contains flavonoids, plant compounds that have medicinal properties.
Indeed, Latin for sage is salvia, which means “to feel healthy.” Egyptians and Romans used it to treat digestive issues, memory problems, and sore throats. The Indigenous Peoples of the Amazon whose Palo Santo sage burning ceremonies are still practiced today. But for many ancient cultures, the sage did the trick.Īncient Celtic druids used it as a sacred herb alongside Oak Moss for medicinal purposes. When it comes to the art of letting go as a way to say Hasta La Vista, baby, to 2020, we tap into an ancient practice that has been used for centuries: the burning of sage as a way to clear out the old (often negative) energy and welcome the new.Ĭalled smudging, many different plant materials can be used: cedar, sweetgrass, and lavender are but a few. By Hope Katz Gibbs, publisher, BeInkandescent Health & Wellness magazine