Energy Cleansing for Beginners
Today, we are learning all about energy cleansing, particularly smudge bundles. You will get a knowledge of what smudging is, why you want to smudge, when to smudge, and how to do it. In recent years, smudging has become a trend among celebrities and influencers. Despite this newfound hype, this ancient healing practice been around for centuries.
Smudging is at the center of spiritual practices from across the globe. For centuries, this simple-yet-mystical tradition—in which Palo Santo, sage and other cleansing plants such as sweetgrass are burned to signify the start of a ritual—has been used by a multitude of spiritual faiths.
So what is smudging?
Smudging is a spiritual process that uses the power of your intention, combined with sacred smoke, to cleanse, heal, and restore people, animals, objects, and homes to a higher vibration and releasing negative/stagnant energies. The process involves burning sage, herbs, or resins to release sacred healing smoke. The smoke wafts into the air and floods a space with purifying, healing energy.
As we move about our day, encounter others, and carry energy from space to space, a buildup of stagnant energy happens. The result is low vibrations and an energetic plateau. You may feel uninspired, apathetic, stuck, or depressed.
So what are the benefits of burning Sage?
Please note: This information is not intended to provide medical advice or diagnose or treat any health conditions. If you’re experiencing issues with your health, please visit your doctor or a licensed medical professional as soon as possible.
Sage originates from the Latin word salvia, derivative of salvere, a Latin verb meaning “to feel well and healthy or to heal.” Since prehistoric times, generations of indigenous communities in North America have smudged with what is now known as California white sage in ritual, ceremony and prayer for grounding, protection and peace.
When should I use sage?
- For deeper energy clearings. When you need to shield yourself from relentless negative vibrations or to ward off unwanted spirits and energies from your home, white sage is your go-to. Its potent cleansing and antiseptic properties are excellent for restoring alignment, tranquility and stability.
- When settling into a new place. Beginning a new chapter in a different environment requires a special kind of clearing to set things off right. So, it’s best to start fresh with a vigorous smudge in your new space using white sage.
- After experiencing trauma or radical change or when working to manifest a major transformation. In times of intense stress, grief and despair it’s vital to clear away heavy energies on a regular basis, sometimes daily if needed—not only to process what you’re experiencing, but also to prevent these energies from becoming stuck. The same can be said after undergoing a drastic change or when you’re in the midst of manifesting a significant transformation, such as a move, starting a new job, graduation, marriage, major weight loss, a breakup or divorce.
- PRO TIP: Be mindful to cleanse the corners of a room, doorways, balconies and your bedside, as these areas are focal points in the home where outside energies are prone to getting stuck, and typically require a little more attention to clear them away.
What are the benefits of burning Palo Santo?
Palo Santo translates to “holy wood” in Spanish. This sweet, fragrant tree from South America belongs to the citrus family and was used by the Incas, Shamans and medicine people for energy clearing, healing and spiritual cleansing.
When should I use Palo Santo?
- To promote healing on all levels. Traditionally, Palo Santo has been used for various ailments, such as the common cold, flu-like symptoms, stress, asthma, headaches, anxiety, depression and inflammation.
- For daily smudging. Although just as powerful as sage for clearing, the scent of Palo Santo is much lighter, making it a wonderful option for everyday smudging.
- To keep insects away. When lit, Palo Santo releases a purifying smoke that repels mosquitoes and other insects, which is one of the many ways people in Ecuador and Peru have used the smoke from this sacred wood.
How to Smudge
Step One:
Get your smudge kit (on my website). Kit includes Organic Sage Bundle, Palo Santo, Selenite Stick and Black Obsidian Crystal. Open a window to keep the smoke moving (and prevent the smoke alarm going off). Keeping your space ventilated during the ceremony also helps to transmute and shift any stagnant energies.
Step Two:
Hold your sage or Palo Santo stick then use a lighter to light the end of the stick slowly. Any excess ash or embers will fall so be careful. Slowly, a flame will ignite. Blow on the fire lightly to extinguish the flame. The stick will release healing smoke, similar to an incense stick.
Step Three:
Gently wave the Sage or Palo Santo back and forth. Start by smudging all corners, doorways, sacred objects and any other areas of your space that you feel need an energy clearing.
Small spaces harbor stagnant energy, so you want to be mindful to fan the sage smoke into these spaces. Leave the doors, closets, and pantries open to allow the smoke to dissipate. The goal is to keep the smoke moving lightly and efficiently through your home.
Step Four:
When finished, run the bundle and smudge one last time. Then, once your space has had time to air out, close the window to seal in the good vibrations.
When you should smudge your home?
It’s entirely up to your discretion. If you’re feeling an accumulation of negative energy or stagnation, it’s a good time to smudge.
Avid participants of smudging may conduct the ritual daily. However, most choose to smudge once a week or month. Ultimately, you’ll look to your inner intuition to tell you when it’s time to cleanse your space.