Sage

Burning sage creates fragrant smoke, which is central to smudging’s benefits. You can use this incense to smudge yourself or specific spaces. According to some sources, you can also smudge specific objects in order to cleanse them of past energies. 
This can be useful with new purchases, gifts, or secondhand items. However, any item can be smudged.
If you have any concern regarding a negative history or energy attached to a new or unfamiliar object, smudging may help bring peace of mind and make the object more sacred to you.

 

Benefits of burning sage are believed to include:

• Cleansing from negative energies.

• Removing bacteria from the air.

• Repelling insects.

• Improving intuition.

• Purifying specific objects.

• Improving mood and reducing stress and anxiety.

If you're new to the practice of smudging, there are a few items you'll need to get started. 

"Traditionally, people use an abalone shell to hold the sage, then use a feather to fan and spread the smoke around the space once the sage is burning. (If you’re sensitive to smoke, we suggest you use our smokeless smudge spray. You can find it in our shop.) 
 

How to sage your house to clear negative energy:

Gather your tools and have an exit strategy.First and foremost, ensure you have all the tools ready and that you've opened a door or window before lighting up. After all, that negativity (not to mention smoke) needs to have a pathway to get out.

 

Set your intention and say a mantra.

Intentions are central to the practice of smudging, so take a moment before you light the sage to determine what exactly it is that you're trying to purify or release from your space. Then, decide on a mantra or prayer to repeat while smudging.
This can be something you come up with on your own, or a suggestion from others.  For example, you could say: "I let go and release what no longer serves me."

 

Light up.

Once you're ready, light the sage using a match or candle, then let it burn for about 20 seconds. After that, gently blow out the flame so that you see the smoke. 

 

Smudge.

Slowly walk around your space and allow the smoke to waft around. Guide the smoke—and the bad energy—toward the open windows or a door, so that it can escape. "Give special attention to areas in front of mirrors, in corners, and in spaces like foyers, hallways, and doorways.

 

 Be safe!

Always stay present! If you see little embers fall on the ground, tamp them out immediately. Never let the burning sage stay unattended for any reason. Also, take care not to inhale too much of the smoke. (Although smudging is a great way to clear your apartment or office of stagnant and possibly negative energy, it is best not to inhale it directly.)

 

Extinguish your sage.

Once you're ready to extinguish the sage, and you have some left, just leave the remaining parts to go out by themselves. Stay present, if you don’t want to wait you can get the flame out with dirt or sand until the smoke no longer rises. 

 

Pro tip: Don't get it wet! 

Don't use water to extinguish the hot embers—it will ruin the leafs and make it harder to light next time. When you are done using, you can keep it the bag until you are ready to use it again.