Since ancient times, humans have burned various herbs and plants for sacrifice and purification of the environment, and smoked them to seek physical and mental peace. Today, the theory of energy is becoming more and more popular, and many people like to smoke white sage to purify the space and dispel negative energy, thereby achieving peace and harmony of the mind. What exactly is white sage? Why can it be purified? What are the steps for fumigation and purification? Let’s study together!
What is white sage?
White sage is a woody plant that grows year-round. It is originally from the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It is suitable for growing in dry weather and sunny places. White sage is an ancient spiritual plant that has the main effect of dispelling negative energy and purifying the environment. Therefore, American tribes in ancient times had the custom of burning sage.
Is there a difference between white sage and sage?
White sage (scientific name: Salvia apiana) and sage (scientific name: Salvia officianalis) belong to the Salvia family, but their uses are different!
Generally speaking, sage is also called Garden Sage. It is mainly used as seasoning and medicine. However, it is not suitable for burning and smoking. It has no obvious effect of purifying and dispersing negative energy. In addition, it will release a pungent smell when burned, so it is not suitable for smoking. Will not be used for fumigation or purification.
White sage’s purifying properties
The act of burning and smoking white sage is called Smudging in English and is an ancient spiritual ritual. According to research by the foreign health website Healthline, the benefits and functions of burnt white sage are quite rich. In addition to its familiar purification function, it also has a positive impact on physical and mental health. Let’s take a look at the 5 main effects:
1) Purify the space
From a spiritual perspective, white sage has the ability to purify and remove turbid air or unclean spirits in a space. In addition, burning sage can also effectively remove pathogens and repel pests, purifying the space from a biological level.
2) Dispel/reduce negative energy
From an energetic perspective, white sage is a high-energy sacred object that can effectively transform negative energy into positive energy and reduce negative energy magnetic fields.
3) Purify personal aura/calm emotions
Because white sage can create a high-frequency energy field, it is very effective in purifying a person's aura. It can also improve the situation trapped by negative thoughts or emotions, and ease the mood and mood.
4) Improve concentration/help you fall asleep
White sage can transform negative energy, block undesirable interference, and have a positive impact on personal consciousness. In addition to improving concentration, it also has the effect of aiding sleep, so many people burn white sage when meditating, meditating, or before going to bed.
5) Purify energy crystals and ores
In addition to purifying individuals and spaces, sage can also purify energy objects such as crystals and minerals, and help degauss and recharge crystals.
How to choose white sage?
White sage purchased on the market is generally divided into two types: smoking sticks (a whole bunch) and loose leaves. You can choose the appropriate type according to the size and purpose of the space that needs to be purified.
- Smoking stick: The whole stick is ignited and smoked, suitable for large-scale purification, and can be smoked repeatedly until exhausted.
- Loose leaves: Take a few leaves at a time to smoke, suitable for small space purification, and can be used as aromatherapy and meditation tools.
White Sage Cleansing Step – Smoking Stick
Preparation: 1 bunch of white sage sticks, musket
1) Use a musket to light the top part of the white sage leaves.
2) After the white sage begins to burn, gently stir it in the air until the flame goes out.
3) After the flame goes out, white smoke begins to be released
4) Hold the sage stick in your hand and move it in a circular motion, and move around while smoking until the sage stick is burned.
5) Repeat steps 1-4 until the entire space is smoked and purified.
White Sage Purification Steps – Bulk Leaves
Prepare in advance: white sage leaves (several pieces), muskets, ceramic vessels
1) Place a few white sage leaves in the container, and then use a torch to light the leaves
2) After it starts burning, clap your hands several times above the leaves, and use the airflow from clapping your hands to extinguish the flames.
3) After the flame goes out, white smoke begins to be released
4) Let the white sage leaves smoke naturally until they are completely extinguished
Burnt White Sage FAQs
Q: When purifying a space, should I open a window?
Since white sage has the effect of "dispersing" negative energy, many people will open windows when smoking to let the negative energy dissipate. However, this approach may lead to incomplete purification.
Fairy's, a local spiritual teacher, explains that negative energy cannot be "completely driven away". The so-called driving away negative energy is actually to minimize the frequency of negative energy. Therefore, the saying "open the window and let the negative energy disperse" is not appropriate. It's more likely that the white sage will float away without exerting its effects.
Therefore, Fairy's recommends that when burning sage, you should close the windows first, wait until the entire space is smoked, and then open the windows to allow the smell and smoke to dissipate naturally. Only in this way can the maximum purification effect be exerted.
Q: Why do we need to extinguish the flame first?
The whole point of sage cleansing is the smoke, so be sure to extinguish the flame first so the sage can release a lot of smoke. If the sage is kept burning brightly, it won't have the smoky effect. Also, blowing out the flame with your mouth is not recommended since embers can easily be blown around. In fact, you only need to flick or clap your hands a few times, and the flame can be extinguished quickly.
Q: The purification is complete, but the sage smoke has not gone out. What should I do?
If decontamination is complete but the sage continues to emit smoke, should I quench it with water? The answer is absolutely not!
Every time we burn sage, we can view it as a purification ritual. The wisps of white smoke from the sage must naturally extinguish before it is complete, so ideally it is best to wait until it is completely smoke-free. Moreover, sage likes a dry environment, so drenching it with water may affect its condition, which is not conducive to its next use. If you must extinguish the smoke, take a sage stick and rub it gently in the container or on the soil until it goes out.
Q: How should I store burned sage?
White sage is a dry plant and is susceptible to moisture or mold in humid air. It is recommended to store it in a cool and dry place, or store it directly in a moisture-proof box. White sage that is damp will be more refractory to ignition and its purifying effect will be affected.
