Cleansing is often referred to as smudging, is a practice rooted in various Indigenous cultures. It involves burning bundles of dried white sage to create smoke, to purify and cleanse a space, objects, or individuals. The smoke clear negative energy and promote positive energy.
White sage, also known as sacred sage, is a perennial shrub native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It has silvery-gray leaves with a distinct aroma. White sage has been used for centuries in Native American traditions, particularly by the Indigenous peoples of California. It is considered a sacred plant used in various ceremonies, rituals, and purification practices. White sage is commonly used in smudging ceremonies, where the dried leaves are bundled together to create a smudge stick. The smudge stick is then lit, and the smoke is wafted around a person, space, or object to purify and cleanse it of negative energies. The smoke produced by burning white sage have purifying properties. It cleanse a person or space of negative energy, thoughts, or influences. The practice is often associated with the belief that the smoke carries prayers to the spirit world.
When using white sage, it's important to approach its use with respect for the cultural and spiritual traditions from which it originates. It's advisable to purchase white sage products from reputable sources that support sustainable and ethical practices. If you're looking for alternatives to white sage, consider other traditional smudging herbs like cedar, sweetgrass, or mugwort.
Here’s a basic guide how to use it
🪶Get White Sage Bundles ~ Obtain dried white sage bundles, which are usually bound with cotton string.
🪶Open Windows and Doors ~ Ensure good ventilation by opening windows and doors to allow the negative energy to dissipate.
🪶Ignite the Sage ~ Use a match or a lighter to ignite the tip of the sage bundle. Allow it to burn for a moment and then blow out the flame, letting the bundle smolder and produce smoke.
🪶Start Smudging ~ Hold the smoldering sage bundle and move it around the space, objects, or person you want to cleanse. Direct the smoke into corners, along walls, and around doors and windows.
🪶Set Intentions~ While smudging, set positive intentions or affirmations for what you want to bring into the space. Focus on the cleansing process and let go of negativity.
🪶Extinguish Safely ~ When you’re finished, gently press the burning end of the sage bundle into a fireproof bowl or container to fully extinguish it.
Good luck🪶
🪄Read more about cleansing
