Indigenous corporate training defines smudging as “sacred smoke created from burning medicinal or sacred plants is an aspect of many cultures and religions the world over.”
Jemma explains that “cleansing is an age-old practice that involves the use of smoke and crystals. This practice will cleanse and purify one’s self and the spaces around them, clearing old stagnant energy and bringing in new light positive energy.
What does it do?
Sage has numerous medicinal benefits. White sage can help relieve the symptoms of stress, a 2016 study by the University of Mississippi found. Other research also suggests that it can help you sleep.
We burn sage for a number of reasons the main being to clear negative stagnant energies from ourselves, homes and objects, to gain clarity, connect with our selves and our guides/spirits. Sage is also well known to clear up to 90% of airborne bacteria (bonus points in winter)
How to burn sage
To sage your home or body please follow below.
What you’ll need:
- White Sage bundle
- Selenite Rod (optional)
- Palo Santo Stick (optional)
- Clear Quartz (optional)
How to do it:
- First off give yourself a going over with some smokey goodness. Start with setting an intention of what you want to put into and get out of the cleansing ritual, I like to keep it nice and simple “Out with the negative… In with the positive, cleanse me and my space”. Once you feel comfortable with the ritual you will find yourself going more in-depth with your intentions each time.
- Start by opening doors and window so that negative spirits (and smoke) has an exit point, then light the sage and let it burn for around 20 seconds, before blowing it out.
- Once it starts to smoke hold the selenite in your hand and begin to direct the smoke towards your body. “I like to go from head to toe, and then from the front of my body over my head to the back.” Make sure to keep a fireproof dish/ jar handy for ashes.
- Start at your front door and work your way through your home or room in a clockwise direction paying extra attention to corners and doorways.
- Once finished with the Sage, repeat the ritual with the Palo Santo in the same way and replace the Selenite for the Clear Quartz, the sweet woody scent is believed to provide therapeutic and medicinal healing properties to those who burn it.
- Ensure after you have finished that both the Sage and Palo Santo are completely put out.
Is there any preparation involved?
Technically speaking the only preparation involved is opening doors and lighting sage but Jemma explains that she likes to “set the scene and have the house to myself, I have a particular song playing, I usually will cleanse before meditation, and set my intentions for the cleanse and also be emotionally present.
What type of sage do you burn?
Sage sticks are made up of a different type of sage than you will find in your local grocery store. An authentic sage stick is made with a mixture of common white sage and Californian white sage.
What does it smell like?
The smell of sage can be very powerful and often overwhelming which is why it is recommended that you keep a couple of doors and windows open for ventilation. Some sage bundles are wrapped with other dried herbs and leaves for an alternative smell. Sage can burn relatively quickly but if you are having trouble lighting it, it is often because it is too tightly bound and there is no oxygen in the bundle. Break it apart and try lighting it again.
Where to buy sage?
It is important to buy authentic sage so avoid any large retailers where the sage is mass-produced.
Little Quartz and Co sell a range of sage in bundles with healing crystals on Etsy.
You can also buy sage and palo santo sticks from Tree of Life around Australia.
Alternatively, look for sage bundles in any alternative therapy stores in your area.
