How to cleanse your space
The use of smoke to cleanse a person, group or space to get rid of unwanted energy and spirits has been documented throughout history in every corner of the world. The latin “salvia” for sage stems from the word “heal”.
In this blog post, I will take your through how to use Sage, Palo Santa and Incense, why you may choose to use abalone shells and feather wands and how the plant energies are masculine or feminine.
Using particular plants for this ritual, such as White Sage, is more than just a sacred ritual, there’s also science to back up the benefits.
Sage clears the air by absorbing airborne bacteria, the smoke is a rapid and affective way to absorb the benefits into the brain and body. It also released negative ions, assisting in putting people in a good mood and is believed to enhance spiritual awareness, wisdom and clarity.
Before we jump to the “how to” , I’d like to make a quick side note as I’ve heard quite a bit of controversy about the use of Sage in the Western world. The term “smudging” can only be appropriately used by tribes that have learned and passed knowledge down through dedicated generations and shamanic practices. Therefore if you are not a shaman of traditional lineage, you are not smudging you are cleansing with smoke.
It may seem like just a technical term, but I believe this is noteworthy and I do have the deepest reverence for these tribes and their traditions, wisdom and knowledge. That said, I do believe that on a Soul level, despite the colour of our skin in this particular lifetime, we may have traversed many lifetimes and cultures, many traditions and ancestral linages.
Although I honour the history and deeply respect the plant medicine itself and all those who have studied, nurtured and honoured this Earth medicine, I know for a fact that Spirit is not judgemental and if your intention is benevolent and pure, please don’t feel that are you are not “allowed’ to practice this particular ritual.
That said, in order to show respect, I will describe this practice as “cleansing” your space… because after all, if you are new to this practice, I highly recommend staying humble in regards to those who have practiced, honoured and passed down sacred knowledge since ancient times.
The rituals I describe here and ones that I have been taught, have developed or have channelled.
The power of your ritual is driven by your intention. So take time to get clear on what you are doing, why you are doing it and connect with your Heart first and foremost.
Some of the reasons we may commonly cleanse our space include
To lift anxiety or depression
For purification of negative energy
To stimulate creativity and inspiration
For cleansing a new home or workspace
To reconnect with Nature
To create harmony between the physical and metaphysical realms
Read more about the benefits of ritual here
HOW TO CLEANSE YOUR SPACE WITH DRIED PLANTS
Safety first, ensure you have a heatproof container and open the windows to enable the smoke to circulate.
Light a candle. Sit for a moment to connect inwards, take a few deep breaths to become present and set your intention. ( I have listed a few below for inspo but feel free to play around with what words feel good to you, this is your practice after all).
You may want to call on your Spirit Guides, Ancestors or Benevolent Energies you work with to assist you in this ritual.
Light the tip of the Sage stick or Palo Santo, allow it to burn for 30 seconds or so and blow out the flame. The tip will remain incandescent and smoking. Note that you may have to re-light it regularly as it will not continue to burn for very long.
Move around your space with intention and allow the smoke to disperse (you may use a feather wand or your hand to help with this) Take your time and ensure that the smoke touches all the corners, under furniture, inside doors. Depending on your intention and how often you do this, you may be more or less thorough.
You may like to use a mantra as you move through the space, thus intensifying your intention. Here are some examples I like to use:
I bless this space with pure love and light.
May all those who enter this space feel calm and loved.
I invite love, joy and laughter into this space
When you have completed your ritual, set the burning Sage or Palo Santo in a fire proof bowl and give gratitude to seal your practice.
Using Palo Santo and Sage will call in Divine Masculine energy to cleanse you space.
To call in Divine Feminine energy, you may use sacred resin incense as described below. Divine Feminine incense is lovingly blessed and blended in my studio, available to purchase here
HOW TO CLEANSE YOUR SPACE WITH RESIN INCENSE
Follow steps 1 to 3 as described above
Light your charcoal disk on the tip of the candle. As the disk begins to make a cracking sound, place it in a fire proof dish. You may like to do this outside as the charcoal will put off smoke (but not the kind that cleanses)
When the charcoal had turned grey, gently pour your Divine Feminine incense on top and around it. I personally use a special spoon to apply it as I move through my space, however I have a friend who simply places the disk on top of a pile of incense
Proceed as described above from step 5 onwards
WORKING WITH THE ELEMENTS
If you’ve been around here for a while, you’ve probably heard me talk about symbolism a fair bit. Our mind, body and psyche respond to symbolism on a very deep level, it is important to take this in consideration when creating any ritual of your own. When it comes to cleansing your space, allow me to run you briefly through the symbolism of what we are working with here.
In many traditional rituals, we work with the four elements, water, earth, fire, air.
The container used, an abalone shell represents the element of Water.
The sacred plants represent the gifts from the Mother Earth.
The candle used for lighting is the element of Fire.
The smoke represents the element of Air.
Having this balance in elements adds to the harmony and sense of unity that comes with any ritual.
Just before I go, it’s important for me to make this one point - there are many metaphysical stores that sell “smudging sprays” and I really want to bring to your attention that although they can diffuse a wonderful aroma in you space, essential oils and blends are NOT cleansing, they will not rid your space of negative energy. They will lift your mood and have a positive effect, for sure, but I strongly disbelieve in their effectiveness when it comes to cleansing the space.
I really hope this inspires you to start creating a ritual on you own terms, with items are meaningful to you and in a way that feels good… please remember to bring the fun, spirituality is not meant to be too serious or rigid, make it playful and enjoy your practice!
If you are interested in empowering yourself through self-discovery and intentional living, without the fluffy spiritual jargon and rules, I’d love you to check out my Hearstscaping membership here
With love x Cha