DESCRIPTION:White Sage (Salvia apiana) is a plant native to high desert ecosystems and grows prevalently in California and in the Mountain West. For hundreds of years, White Sage has been considered a sacred, cleansing, purifying, and protective plant. The leaves of the plant are a whitish-green, and if you rub the fresh leaves between your thumb and forefinger, a refreshing, cleansing scent is released.Native Americans started the tradition of using White Sage, also known as Sacred Sage, to release lingering energies. White Sage has been used in ceremonies to seek blessings of health and prosperity, release spirits, encourage protection. Sacred Sage can amplify any clearing and protective techniques that you are already using. As a plant and a living being, Sage has a Spirit. The Spirit of Sage is also dedicated to offering protection, blessings, and clearing.
BENEFITS:
It may be purifying
It may help relieve the symptoms of some conditions
It can be a spiritual tool
It may help dispel negative energy
It can cleanse or empower specific objects
It may help improve your mood
It may help soothe stress
It may improve the quality of your sleep
It may help boost cognition
It may help boost your energy levels
It can create an uplifting fragrance
HOW TO PREPARE FOR A SMUDGE?
Before burning sage, some recommend setting intentions if smudging for spiritual, energetic, and negativity clearing purposes. Remove animals or people from the room.
It’s also important to leave a window open before, during, and after smudging. This allows smoke to escape.
Some believe smoke also takes impurities and negative energy with it — so don’t skip this step.
HO TO USE IT ?
1. Locate a bowl or Abalone shell which you will use to hold the burning sage over. You may also want to prepare a small cup of water to extinguish the smoke after the ritual.
2. Next, open most of the doors and windows in your house.
3. Light the Sage , and when it catches fire, blow it out and allow the embers to start to smoke.
4. Set your intention for each room. Say a short prayer of cleansing such as, “I cleanse this room of any impurities, negativity, or anything that does not support the people that live here.”
5. Slowly walk around each room, waving the white sage so its smoke drifts into corners, along walls, around windows, and along ceiling lines. As you do, visualize the smoke absorbing negativity and problems from those who were in the space before you. Watch the smoke float out the windows, and imagine that negative energy flowing out of your space, making room for positive, fresh energy. YOUR ENERGY!
6. After you’ve blessed every room, give yourself a sage shower. Cup your hands over the smoke and “wash” your face with it, then wave it all over your body as you would in a regular shower. Visualize any residual negativity sailing out of your body, out of your home, and into oblivion.
7. Extinguish your sage wand in the cup of water.
WHAT TO DO AFTER A SMUDGE?
Make sure your smudge stick is completely extinguished. You can do this by dabbing the lit end into a small bowl of ash or sand.
Check the end closely to make sure there are no more embers burning. Once it’s completely put out, store it in a safe, dry place out of the sun.
Are there any side effects or risks?
When done correctly and respectfully, smudging is completely safe and the effects last after the smoke clears.
Be careful with sage when it’s lit. If you aren’t careful, burns and even fire is possible. Have water nearby.
Never leave burning sage unattended. Make sure to put your sage bundle out completely after every use.
Setting off smoke alarms is common. Consider this if smudging in a public building.People with asthma and other respiratory conditions may be more sensitive to the smoke and have adverse reactions.
Always leave a window open while smudging. Inhaling smoke can be hazardous to your health