Grab your lighter. It’s time to burn some shizzz 😉

It often seems like the ritual of burning sage, also known as smudging, is only done when negative energy needs banishing. Indeed, that is part of the practice, but keep in mind it can be performed on a regular basis to maintain positive vibes and energy within you and your home.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF SMUDGING

BURNING SAGE CAN PURIFY THE AIR.

Sage is thought to have antimicrobial and antibacterial agents and can possibly help clean the air you breathe. This can help keep viruses, bacteria, and pesky bugs away from you and your loved ones.

IT CAN HELP CLEAR NEGATIVE ENERGY.

The ritual of burning sage has long been associated with releasing negative energy so it’s no wonder that it can help boost your mood. Learning to find time for yourself while smudging can help induce calm feelings and a more positive mindset.

IT CAN HELP AID IN SLEEP, ANXIETY, AND STRESS.

Sage has been used for many moons by Mexican Traditional Medicine as a way to treat “nervios” – a state of bodily and mental unrest. The terpenes within the plant can help soothe the jitters as well as offer an opportunity to clear and settle your mind.

IT’S A NATURAL ROOM FRAGRANCE.

Burning sage has a fairly potent scent. It’s both herbaceous and woodsy and can clear out other unsavory scents that may be lingering. It’s also the perfect way to cover the scent of cannabis…

IT MAY HELP BOOST COGNITIVE FUNCTION.

Although more studies need to be done, research from 2016 shows that there may be cognitive-enhancing effects to the plant, Salvia, a.k.a. sage. Ancient Romans used sage for memory-boosting effects many moons ago. And I ask again, could it be that they were on to something?

WHAT YOU NEED:

• A sage bundle
• A lighter
• A bowl or paua shell sea shell

HOW TO SMUDGE:

SET AN INTENTION.

This is something I would highly recommend doing right as you light your sage. Call upon your reason for needing to clean and clear your space. It can only help strengthen its healing vibes as well as your mindset.

Sometimes mine is as simple as:

BAD VIBES BE GONE. GOOD VIBES ONLY.

LIGHT YOUR SAGE.

Using a lighter or candle flame, light the end of your sage bundle. Blow out the flame once the sage starts on fire. It will glow red and smoke. (I’m excited for you to try this the first time!)

SMUDGE.

Wave the hand holding the bundle over and around the areas of yourself and/or the room you are cleansing. Think again about your intention. If it’s something you’re comfortable doing, say your intention out loud.

Allow yourself to be open-minded and open-hearted to the healing effects of burning sage. I like to keep in mind that this ritual goes back thousands of years and has been practiced by medicine men and women long before me. Thinking of them helps me feel empowered.

TIP: BE SURE TO OPEN A WINDOW–THIS IS BOTH TO RELEASE THE SMOKE AS WELL AS THE NEGATIVE ENERGY YOU ARE DISPELLING FROM YOUR SPACE AND SELF.

TAKE A FEW DEEP BREATHS.

As you wrap up your smudge session, close your eyes and take a few deep and intentional breaths in and out through your nose.

Place the smoldering sage in your shell or bowl, place your left hand on your heart and right hand on your belly. Feel your body shift and fill up as you breathe in and out.

This step is very important as it seals the healing you have initiated within yourself and home.

EXTINGUISH YOUR SAGE BUNDLE SAFELY.

Be sure to place a lit sage underwater once you are done smudging. If you only crush the fire out, it may still smolder and can be a fire hazard.

HAPPY SAGE-ING!