A part of the cleansing service I provide, is clearing negative or toxic energy from your home or yourself by smudging, also known as sage smoking. Here I talk about the history, the why and how.
Burning sage is one of the oldest and purest methods of cleansing a space, person, group of people and of getting rid of unwanted juju. The practice dates back to prehistoric times and it’s been documented as having been used in every corner of the world by our ancestors.
Sage clears bacteria in the air. Sage smoke offers rapid delivery to the brain and efficient absorption to the body. Scientists have observed that sage can clear up to 94 percent of airborne bacteria in a space and disinfect the air. When sage is burned, it releases negative ions, which is linked to putting people into a positive mood. The Latin word for sage, salvia, stems from the word heal. Other qualities believed to be associated with sage when burned are giving wisdom, clarity and increasing spiritual awareness.
Traditionally, people use an abalone shell to hold the sage and then use a feather to fan and spread the smoke around the space once the sage is burning, but you can use what ever you have handy.
You can vary the smudge to include with sage other dried plants such as lavender, eucalyptus or rose also giving a beautiful after aroma.
How to Sage Cleanse Your Home
You will need your smudge stick, a lighter, a small plate or vessel so that the burning material doesn’t land on your soft furnishing and burn a hole (yes, I have learned this lesson the hard way), and a feather, or fan or you can use your hand to wave the smoke.
Very important first step before you light up the smudge stick is to open the doors or windows. You need all that unwanted energy you are trying to clear to have a pathway out of your home.
Whilst smudging, you should have a mantra or intention. This is completely personal to you and your space. Here are a couple of suggestions. “I let go and release what no longer serves me”.
“Any energy that is not of my highest and greatest good leave through the open door/window, with love, you are not welcome to stay here”.
Hold the sage at a 45-degree angle, light the sage, let it burn for about 20 seconds and then gently blow out the flame so that you see orange embers on one end. Then you can start the process of clearing your space. Be careful when fanning the smoke that ambers don’t fly and burn fabric or carpet.
Slowly walk around your space allowing the smoke to waft around. Guide the smoke, and the bad energy, toward the open windows or a door, so it can escape. Special attention to areas in front of mirrors, in corners, and in spaces like foyers, hallways, and doorways. Always stay present. Don’t let the burning sage stay unattended for any reason.
Once you’re ready to extinguish a sage smudge stick, press the burning tip firmly into your fireproof vessel, dirt, or sand until the smoke no longer rises. It is best not to put it out with water as it will ruin the tip of the stick.
Saging yourself
Focus on your body instead of your space. Stand in the shape of a T with legs slightly spread then, keeping the sage stick at an arm’s length distance away from you, work your way up from your feet. Repeat your intention/mantra (either in your head or aloud) as you go, visualising the smoke is clearing you of any lingering negativity. Try not to inhale the smoke.
Indigenous Smoking Ceremony
Firstly, we acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise their spiritual connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.
Smoking ceremonies are traditional in many cultures around the world. Here in Australia, it is an ancient aboriginal custom that involves burning various native plants to produce smoke, which has cleansing properties and the ability to ward off bad spirits from the people and the land and make pathway for a brighter future.
Certain traditional smoking ceremonies are also believed to be used for positive therapeutic outcomes depending on what plants are available from region to region. When you see a smoking ceremony happening, it is a gift from the aboriginal people to all people in Australia so make sure you go to the smoke and wave it over you and cleanse the past for a better future. It’s something we should always be doing with intention, reverence, and deep gratitude to those who did it before us.
Disclosure: The image of smudge stick is by http://www.elementalsbotanica.com.au/. I am yet to try this one. Elementals Botanica’s shop looks so beautiful, I cannot wait to try.
Kiah Home 