A close relation to White Sage but with a lighter 'fresher' smoke with floral overtones. Used to purify, cleanse negativity and hatred and open the way for spiritual healing and calmness and to pave the way for spiritual prosperity and health. In addition to its role in cleansing ceremony's this sage can be burnt for meditation and simply enjoyment! Many users of White Sage, who can find the scent of White Sage overpowering, prefer the more refreshing scent of Blue Sage. Bring a sense of peace and calmness to your home or sacred space with this natural cleansing smudge stick.
Smudging:
Smudging ceremonies using herbs, resins, Palo Santo Wood and incense are a custom of many indigenous cultures throughout the world, including North American indigenous peoples. Traditionally used in rituals, ceremonies and for spiritual purification, house blessings and spiritual cleansing. The smoke is believed by many to cleanse either a space or the body and aura, drive away negative energy and help reconnect with mother earth.
▪ Make sure the room where you are smudging is well ventilated. Open all the doors and windows. This is essential to not only drive out the negative energies (provide them with a route out) but also as a health precaution. Do not use if you suffer from Asthma or have respiratory issues. Do not use near infants or young children or anyone who is or may be pregnant. Do not leave burning smudge unattended! If you have ceiling fans turn them on. Set a container to one side with a little water to extinguish the stick safely at the end of the ritual.
▪ How to light the sticks. Hold the stick as far from the end to be lit as possible. Hold at an angle of about 45 degrees. Light the end of the stick and let the flame take a good hold – about 20 seconds or so. Once the flame is well lit gently blow out the flame so you just see the end smoldering, not burning. The stick should now be giving off a light smoke and you are ready to start! As an option you can place the smudge stick in a shell or similar to collect the ash and embers.
▪ If you are just starting out with smudging don't be too worried about which instructions are 'correct' or 'work best'. Do what works best for you and 'feels right’ for you. Your 'intention' is a key component of the ritual so be clear on what you want to achieve and keep that in mind as you perform the ritual.
▪ Start off offering the flame in four directions – East, South, West and finally North. Bring to mind your 'intent', focus on it and keep it at the front of your mind as you perform the ritual. State your intentions out loud as you walk around the room. Wave the smudge stick around as you move around. You may want to use a smudge fan or feather but just waving the stick is fine. Make sure you allow the smoke to reach all corners of the room, along all the walls and the windows. Visualize the smoke absorbing the negative energies and feelings left in the room and watch the smoke exit the room through the doors and windows carrying away the bad energy and leaving only fresh positive energy in the room. Keep focusing on (or saying) your intention throughout.
▪ At the end of the ceremony make sure the stick is extinguished. You can crush the end in sand or dirt, place the cover of the pot over it or simply place the stick in the open water container. Just be sure the stick is extinguished before it is left. It’s fine to use only part of the stick and save the rest to use again later – store it in a dark, cool place for best results when used again.