The word Sage means wise. Sage is a plant whose scent is revered for its ability to purify, protect and elevate space. Not exclusive to space, a sage smudge stick is also a power ally for easing emotional flurries, and freeing the spirit up to accept the light of positivity. The influence that burning sage can have on one’s spirit and space lies within their intention.
For sage cleansing to work, you must focus your energy on a clear intention before burning it. This is why a sage smudge stick is used before rituals and ceremonies in Native American cultures. White sage is one of many plants that are sacred to Native Americans. Revered for its medicinal properties, Native Americans believe that the healing plant can provide a bridge to the spiritual realm through which the smoke will carry their prayers. We can use sage in same way, by employing its power to both eliminate negativity and open our mind to a higher spirituality. With a raised awareness, we ascend beyond the energy clogs that blocked our intentions from maturing into reality. We are able to see situations more clearly, and our mind becomes open to forgiveness, compromise and other forms of emotional progress. Burning sage can have a significant impact when used after an argument, after an illness, before and after parties, after an intense workout, prior to meditation, when moving into a new space and during periods of grieving. Proper use of a sage smudge stick doesn’t have to include a complex ritual, but even a simple smudging can be enhanced by implementing certain tips. When wafting the sage around your space, be certain pay extra attention to gateway areas like windows, doorways, hallways and closets. Make sure windows are open to allow ventilation so that the smoke does not become overwhelming. To direct the smoke, you can one hand to hold the burning sage within an abalone shell or similar non-flammable bowl, and use your other hand or a feather to send the smoke where you’d like it to go.
Sage Smudge Stick (1)
1. Ask the plant medicine spirit of the sage to be there with you, and ask that it assist in purifying and cleansing you, your space, and your crystals. Hold the sage above the abalone shell as you light it. Let the sage stick catch fire, and allow it to burn for about 30 seconds. Then blow it out.
2. As the smoke wafts from the stick or leaves, first sage yourself using the feather to direct the smoke toward your body. We suggest starting at the top of your head and working downward toward your feet.
3. Sage your space. Open your front door and all of the windows in the house to allow the unwanted energy to be released. Starting at the front door, sage around the outside of the door and frame. Now, walk back inside, and begin saging the space by moving counter-clockwise through it—this is symbolic of taking negative and unwanted energy out. Using the feather, waft the smoke into the corners of every room and up to the ceiling. Say these words out loud or silently: “I ask that the plant spirit of the sage please remove and release any negative energy from this space.”
4. Finally, to clear away any unwanted energy from any hands that have touched your crystals before you, immerse them in the sacred smoke of the sage.
5. When you’re finished, extinguish the sage stick by snuffing it out inside of the shell or a fireproof container.