Burning sage, also known as smudging, is an ancient spiritual ritual established as a Native American cultural or tribal practice to enhance intuition.
Smudging with white sage may be used as a ritual tool to get rid of negative energy. This includes past traumas, bad experiences, or negative energies from others. Our homes, as well as our bodies, accumulate and trap this energy within it.
To prepare for a smudge, it is important to set an intention to enhance its positive affect. It works best when you are in a present and peaceful state of mind before and while smudging. Don't think about problems, don't think about the future. Be present and believe. Your intentions and thoughts are powerful than you think.
Prepare the house
Remove animals or people from the room.
Leave a window open before, during, and after smudging. This allows smoke to escape ( the dry sage smoke takes impurities and negative energy with it).
Materials and Ingredients
You will need a ceramic or soapstone bowl, matches and the herbs you would like to use - in our opinion, White Sage works best. If you have a pre-bundled smudge you can use a match or a lighter to light the tip of the dry leaves bundle. When the leaves start to burn- blow the fire off. Alternatively, you can use the dry loose leaves in a bowl. Again, burn it, and then turn off the fire. What you need for the purification ritual is the SMOKE of the sage.
How to Smudge
When the smoke is released direct it around your body and space with one hand while holding the bowl in the other.
Walk around from corner to corner and let the smoke fill each room in your space. Same can be done to smudge an object/person. You can smudge above your bed, creating circles out of smoke.
Remember your intentions for smudging, and keep focused on the ritual.
White Sage Benefits
The white sage is known for its antimicrobial properties, being used also to purify from bacteria and viruses, being able to relieve symptoms of respiratory conditions.
For many cultures, White Sage can enhance intuition, help to connect with the spiritual world, and improve your mood and peace of mind.
Many researches had been shown many other benefits of smudging sage, such as helping ease insomnia, boost memory and focus, boost energy, etc.
It's a simple step you can try and feel the effects yourself. Good Luck!
Spring is the best time to do it!