Did you know that the act of burning herbs is common throughout the world and commonly associated with Native American traditions?
The ancient spiritual roots of this intentional act is believed to harness the spirit of sacred plants to cleanse a person, space or object of negative energies.
By repeating your intention in the form of an affirmation, mantra or prayer, either loud or in your own mind throughout the ritual, you can shift the energy to release negativity and manifest positive changes.
White Sage (Salvia Apiana), Source California
For hundreds of years, white sage has been considered a sacred, cleansing, purifying and protective plant. It has been used in rituals and ceremonies for centuries, white sage is often burned in a ritual know as smudging.
Sage emits negative ions and our aura holds positive ions. Through the smudging process we can neutralise our aura or the energy of other spaces and objects to cleanse and renew.
Palo Santo (Bursera Graveolens)
Its name translates to “holy wood” in Spanish.
Source: From the sacred Palo Santo tree, South America.
Palo Santo has a long history of use by the native people of South America as an essential tool in sacred shamanic rituals for its energetic cleansing and medicinal healing properties.
The calming and relaxing aroma of Palo Santo is even more present from the smoke of smouldering wood. Today it continues to be enjoyed for its cleansing and healing properties, much like Sage, to release energies and negative thoughts and feelings. The smoke provides an uplifting scent that calms the mind and raises your vibration in preparation for meditation, providing a deeper spiritual connection.
Selenite Origin: Morocco
This gentle yet powerful mineral has wide-ranging cleansing abilities. A crystal for clarity and guidance, selenite provides support to clear your mind, sharpen your awareness and restore balance of the mind and body.
Keep selenite in your home or sacred space to provide protection from negative energy and create a safe and quiet space with a peaceful atmosphere.
Cleanse and recharge your crystals and jewellery by placing them on top of selenite overnight.
Gently sweep away negative energy and remove energy blockages by gliding a selenite want from your crown to your feet.
Hold a piece of selenite to your third eye for an instant “declutter”
The Ritual
Be in a well-ventilated area, to allow the negative energy and smoke to escape.
Have an intention in mind that you will say or focus on during the ceremony.
NOTE: It is important to smudge yourself first prior to smudging bodies and spaces.
Light the tip of your smudge stick and allow it to burn (3-10 seconds for sage or up to 1 minute for Palo Santo), then blow out the flame and allow it to smoulder and smoke.
As you perform your cleansing ritual repeat your intention either aloud or in your own mind, staying focused on the movement of the smoke and welcoming the shift of energy.
Move the smouldering stick around allowing the smoke to engulf the space or object of your focus. Allow the aromatic benefits to bring positive energy and good feelings.
You can continue to blow the glowing embers to extend your ritual, otherwise when you’re finished place the smoking stick on a fire proof dish and allow it to cease smoking on its own or extinguish the tip in a fire proof bowl of sand or soil.
Incorporating smudging into your full moon ritual, seasonal ritual or as often as you feel is needed. When you feel sluggish, energetically drained, feel bad vibes or negative energy emitting from an object, space or even your own aura, it is time to smudge and bring a clean energetic state.
Avoid allowing the smouldering tip of the smudge stick to come in contact with skin, fabrics or the object you are smudging. Keep a bowl of water or a method of extinguishing nearby.
CLICK HERE to find Sage, Palo Santo, Incense.
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