White Sage—fragrance and properties
White Sage has been used by Native Americans for thousands of years to clear the negative energy. The product comes from the natural habitats of Salvia Apiana located in the coastal mountains of California. Harvested by hand in a way that does not damage the natural environment of the plant. The scent of Sage is strong, intense, herbal and woody. It is also described as warm and spicy, for some even slightly unpleasant, which symbolizes cleansing and new beginnings. One of the proven properties of this plant is a strong bactericidal effect, which we can use to cleanse our space and ourselves.
Sage relieves anxiety, symptoms of depression and hyperactivity. Smoke from burning Sage calms the mind, relaxes the body and positively affects the mood. Research done on the properties of Sage smudging suggests, that the plant stimulates the mental functions, relieves depression, and even stimulates brain memory functions. Due to its unique, intense aroma and properties, it is a great tool for deepening the practice of meditation or yoga. Burning Sage helps to balance vibrations received from the environment and neutralize negative energy.
Smudging ritual: White Sage or Palo Santo?
White Sage and Palo Santo are similar in some ways, as both plants aim to purify energy – your space or your own, aiming for a more positive, serene environment and better well-being. Considering the history of these unique plants and the fact that their use was illegal in the past, when using them, we should come from a place of gratitude for these products and their power. Sage is a stronger plant, used to remove all energy from a space, leaving it energetically empty and ready for new, positive vibrations. If you work with heavy, negative energy, it is sage that will get rid of that energy. What energy are we talking about? Ultimately we try to get rid of dense, stagnant, or blocked energy. It can be energy on an emotional level (arguments or toxic relationships), energetic (subconscious) or physical (being with people all day at work).
Then, after smudging with sage, positive energy should be restored as it has been completely cleared. How to do it? With high-vibration music, meditation, setting the intention, using essential oils or another incense like Palo Santo, which attracts positive vibes. To simplify it: Sage cleanses the bad and Palo Santo restores the good. We tend to reach for Palo Santo every day, because it simply stimulates positive energy, while purifying the air and introducing a unique atmosphere. Since this product adds positive energy back into space, no additional steps are needed, however, always be mindful of using both plants and be respectful of this ancient practice.
Sage is a powerful plant that cleans bad vibes aggressively. Palo Santo incense purifies while adding good energy and leaving an uplifting atmosphere. That’s why these two products make the perfect pair. It’s good to cleanse the space with sage first, and then introduce some good vibes and the relaxing Palo Santo fragrance. We recommend to use sage when you feel the need, when you feel that your energy needs to be purified, changed. Work with it as needed, with intention when you feel a blockage on an energetic or emotional level. Palo Santo, on the other hand, is the perfect companion for everyday rituals and practices – it refreshes the space, introduces a warm, unique fragrance, ground and makes us in the here and now, supporting our awareness.
White sage for smudging rituals
Smudging is a mindfulness practice that increases awareness and spirituality. It enhances concentration, harmony and balances the energy that surrounds us. The cleansing ritual can also be performed when we want to free ourselves from unfavorable situations or emotions that currently accompany us. Carrying out such a ritual can become a sign for us that a given stage (for example worrying or uncertainty) is behind us and it is time to move on. Smudging, or cleasnsing, our space with dried plants affects not only the space itself, but also directly us, cleansing our aura.
In many indigenous cultures, plants are more than just living organisms and are considered to have a soul. Thus, burning the dried bundles of plants was a way to connect with the spiritual sphere and establish contact with the spirit of nature, which is then asked to lend its protective energy, in accordance with the intention of the practitioner.
Find out more about smudging here.