White Sage California Clusters

Smudging is the name given to the burning of sacred herbs in ceremony for cleansing and prayers.  Known as sacred sage, California White Sage (Salvia Apiana) was first used by Native Americans in rituals of cleansing and healing. White sage is an evergreen perennial native to desert regions of California. White Sage has antimicrobial & antibacterial properties. Burning sage is associated with antimicrobial and antibacterial properties as it releases negative ions and clears the air. The smoke of this highly aromatic plant is used in rituals and ceremonies to release negativity, cleanse the aura, cleanse the air, and send prayers to the Creator.

HOW TO SMUDGE – Light the end of a smudge wand and gently blow until you see the embers glow and it begin to smoke. It’s a good idea to carry a fireproof plate or shell beneath the embers so they don’t reach the floor and burn.  Abalone Shells are often used to represent the Water Element, a Feather for Air, the Smudge Wand for Earth, and the Embers for Fire.

• Smudge Yourself – rub your hands in the smoke and gather (wave) the smoke towards you connecting yourself with the herbal elements and their properties. Use this technique to smudge others, taking the smoke up and down in both front and back of them, or using a feather to direct the smoke.
• Smudge Your Room – stand in the center of a room and allow the smoke to flow there. Then move clockwise around the room, smudging out negative energy. (Note: it has been reported but not proven that sage actually kills bacteria and virus in a room. It certainly can help our intentions towards them. Continue clockwise in a room and out the door, like you are sweeping out dust.
• Smudge your Home or Business – Continue around each room until you are at the front door and you feel cleansed!

Note: The inhaling of secondary smoke from smudging is considered to be beneficial due to the nature of the herbs, but should not be done in the presence of respiratory disease or inhaled to excess.