First you start with a simple intention of focusing on clearing the negative energy out of your space and mind. Once you have your intention in mind, light the Sage or Palo Santo and hold at a 45 degree angle pointing the tip down towards the flame. Allow it to burn for 30 seconds and then blow it out.
Can you leave sage burning in your house?
Never leave burning sage unattended. Make sure to put your sage bundle out completely after every use. Setting off smoke alarms is common.
What are the rules of smudging?
Smudging is always voluntary.
People should never be forced or pressured to smudge. It is completely acceptable for a person to indicate that they do not want to smudge. That person may choose to stay in the room and refrain from smudging or leave the room during the smudge.
What not to do when smudging?
Pro tip: Don’t get it wet! “Don’t use water to extinguish the hot embers—it will ruin the tip of the stick and make it harder to light next time. When you are done using the smudge stick, you can keep it in a vessel until you are ready to use it again,” says McCann.
How do you cleanse a house with sage? – Related Questions
What time of day is best for smudging?
Sacred items and locations can be smudged to clear away negativity. Smudging can be done at any time of day or night, whenever it is needed.
Can you smudge if not indigenous?
However, it’s important to remember that not every Indigenous person will say yes or believe it’s ok for non-Indigenous people to smudge and cleanse their homes. You must respect that. Different Indigenous peoples are all at different parts in their healing journey.
What are the four elements of smudging?
In some cultures, four elements are represented in parts of the ceremony: fire in the burning of the sacred herbs, earth in the herbs themselves, air in the feather used to fan the smoke or the smoke itself, and water in the vessel to carry the herbs.
What happens during smudging?
During a smudge plant leaves or stems are placed in the container and ignited (preferably with a wooden match). The flames are then gently blown out and the smoke, which heals the mind, heart and body, is wafted over the person, either by hand or with an eagle feather.
What is the reason for smudging?
Smudging, for many, is part of “the way things are done” and is part of living a good life. The following are one elder’s thoughts about what the purpose of the smudge is: We smudge to clear the air around us. We smudge to clean our minds so that we will have good thoughts of others.
What religion uses sage?
While sage is commonly associated with smudging and several Native American, First Nations, Inuit or Métis cultures may use forms of sage that are local to their region, the use of sage is neither universal, nor as widespread as many believe.
Does burning sage have any benefits?
It can better your quality of sleep. In addition to purifying the air you breathe, smudging can help you catch some zzz’s, according to Reshma Patel, PA-C, MMS, founder of Ananda Integrative Medicine. She too points to the antimicrobial and antibacterial healing properties of sage.
Is white sage good for smudging?
White sage is probably the most common and popular herb for smudging. Each have their own unique qualities. For example, blue sage is often used in cleansing and healing rituals, while desert sage is used more for purifying and protection.
What is the difference between sage and white sage?
The key distinction is in how the two species are used. While common sage is often used in cooking, white sage is more commonly used in incense rituals and as a fragrant plant. This is because white sage exudes a much more intense, tart and resinous scent. Another distinguishing feature is the leaves.
Which sage is best for cleansing?
White sage is probably the most common and popular herb for smudging. It is associated with purity and has a strong and heavy presence. It’s very useful when you need a major space cleansing.
Why do Native Americans use white sage?
White sage is burned for meditation, smudging and cleansing of spirit and dwelling. In some beliefs, white sage smoke is believed to provide a barrier that prevents negative spirits from entering the room in which the ceremony is being held.
Should non-Native Americans burn sage?
Should you sage if you’re not Native American? The short answer: probably not. If you’re growing sage in your own yard, or you’re friendly with someone who grows it, then making your own bundles from that sage isn’t going to do much harm.
Can non-Native Americans burn sage?
As long as you’re respectful, we firmly believe that smudging and use of other sacred medicines is perfectly acceptable for those who do not come from Indigenous culture.
Can non-Native Americans use sage?
If you’re not a member of an Indigenous community, purchasing white sage, Palo Santo, or other sacred herbs and quickly Googling “how to smudge” will not make you qualified to do so. This is cultural appropriation, and it’s harmful to Native communities.
Can you burn sage without smudging?
“Smudging is very specific to prayer, so you can burn sage without smudging and you can smudge without needing to light sage on fire.” Within some Native cultures, varieties of sage have different uses.
Is it OK to burn blue sage?
Blue Sage’s soothing, relaxing smell can be used to aid meditation, or burned simply for enjoyment.
