A sacred herb to Native Americans for centuries, smoking white sage is used to clear space of negative energy. This purifying ritual is also thought to promote clarity of the mind and help us connect with our higher self.
Light the end of your smudge stick evenly over a heat-safe bowl, abalone shell, or other flame-resistant container and allow it to smolder for a few seconds. You can also use a lighter to ignite it. Keep the flame away from paper, rubber or any other flammable objects. Be sure to have water on hand to extinguish the sage if needed. If you want the smoke to dissipate faster, try using a fan.
While the sage smoke is dispersing, think about your intentions. Many people recommend walking around the room in a clockwise direction, although you can follow your intuition and do what feels right for you. You can also focus on certain areas, such as the entrance or the office.
Sage is an excellent choice for smudging because it produces thick, bluish-white smoke that lingers and neutralizes negative energy. It can also be used to purify the aura, body and spirit.
Avoid smoking sage if you are taking any medications, especially those that are broken down by the liver, since sage may change how quickly your body breaks them down. This could affect the effectiveness of these medications and possibly lead to side effects or an overdose. Smoking sage is also not recommended for pregnant women.