How to use Sage to Cleanse your Space
Smudging
Every time I burn sage (smudging) at home, I hear the same comments: “It smells like weed in here!” Or, “Did you just have a barbecue?”
Sure, dried white ceremonial sage has a distinctly beautiful scent when burned. And if you’re new to this practice, just try to be open minded about it. You can take a moment of meditation to notice if the smell evokes a sense memory for you. Where does that resonate in your body? Examine whether you feel a spiritual connection, or an earthy, ancestral stirring within your blood.
This is the smell of thousands of years of spiritual communion and ritual. 
Why burn sage or smudge?
Smudging is an ancient art that is believed to have been practiced by Native Americans for centuries. It’s the name given to the ceremonial, daily act of cleansing and purification which uses a selection of herbs, often sage, which are bundled together with string to form a smudge stick before being ignited.
The smoke that’s emitted from the herb bundle is believed to cleanse negative energy and purify living spaces, as well as people and even objects like tools, furniture, and home decor. Similar to one washing their hands before a meal, it helps to cleanse a person in an energetic bath of aromatic smoke. It’s also believed to release negative ions, which has been linked in studies to a more positive mood and many other benefits. Negative ions are also created by the effects of sunlight and water – you’ve probably noticed a wonderful sense of calm when in nature, such as visiting a beach, waterfall or enjoying a walk in the woods.
In high enough concentrations, negative ions can clear the air of mold spores, pollen, pet dander, odors, cigarette smoke, bacteria, viruses, dust and other hazardous airborne particles.
They do this by attaching to positively charged particles in large numbers which cause the germs, mold, pollen and other allergens to become too heavy to stay airborne. They fall to the floor, or attach to a nearby surface, removing them from the air you breathe while preventing them from causing health problems like respiratory issues.
Benefits of Smudging
In addition to cleansing the air of unwanted bacteria, the benefits of smudging, and producing negative ions are many, including:
Increasing your sense of well-being and improving mental focus. Smudging removes the debilitating effects of excess positive ions in the air in a way that’s been described as a natural antidepressant
Clearing negative energy. The smoke helps to change the molecular structure of both the air and energy, which produces a cleansing effect. As the sense of smell is strongly linked to memory and instinct, smudging is very effective for combating feels of anger, fear, anxiety, grief and depression.
“Nature’s antidepressant.” It seems that the negative ions produced from smudging offer serious antidepressant effects – so much so it’s said to be at least as effective as a prescription antidepressant without the side effects. Dr Clarence Hansell, a research engineer who delved into the biological effects of negative ions in the air in the 1930s after noticing that the mood of one of his colleagues changed in response to ions being generated by their equipment, discovered that his colleague was more joyful when the machine produced negative ions and more sullen when it produced positive ions. In a controlled study published in 1998 in the Archives of General Psychiatry, focused on seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, that was an extension of Hansell’s work, researchers found fresh air charged with negative ions was an effective treatment and prevention method of depression, thanks to its effects on serotonin levels, similar to the way antidepressant drugs works.
Clearing the air. In addition to bacteria, smudging can help clear the air of pollen, pet dander, dust, mold spores and other potential allergens to improve allergy symptoms.
Relaxing effects. Smudging can offer calming, relaxing effects that are known to help lower blood pressure, relieve stress and tension and normalize breathing rates, as the negative ions produced are absorbed directly into your bloodstream – they may even help to fight off damaging free radicals that can lead to premature aging and disease.
Increased energy. Studies have found that the negative ions produced also help to normalize serotonin (that well-known feel-good hormone), in the brain, which can help boost one’s mood, improve focus and create a more positive outlook.
Improved sleep. An Italian study showed that negative ions can help improve sleep patterns, also have positive effects on regulating serotonin production.
How to burn sage properly
Before burning sage-make your intentions clear and pure for your purpose of burning it. Whether that includes a prayer, meditation, or simply stating your reason, do this first. Continue to have the purpose clearly planted and concrete in your mind before and during the burning. Repeating a prayer, mantra, protection, or what you are trying to manifest while burning is also good.
Place the bundle in a heavy earthenware fire safe pot or abalone shell, light it and allow it to burn for a few seconds before extinguishing, allow the smoke to billow up. Some people like to use feathers to billow and maneuver the smoke. I use a goose feather, but many prefer a turkey feather because it is larger. Some believe that you don’t have to light it like crazy. Let it light, and as it begins to billow, it will burn the exact amount in which you need. Some also believe that if you don’t know what parts of a home need cleansed, to ignite it and allow the trail of smoke to lead you.
Proceed to cleanse your space, or spaces by slowly moving throughout your home, office, or near people or persons, allowing the smoke to go into each area you are cleansing (start in a clockwise motion). Be sure to concentrate especially on high traffic areas such as doors, door frames, hallways, windows (thresholds where energy passes frequently) as well as corners and closets if you are cleansing rooms. Focus on high energy areas, home offices, kitchens, sick rooms/beds, pets (if they allow) as well as their bedding.
Burn incense immediately following a sage burning session. Many don’t, but this is something I do each and every time I smudge my entire home. Sage is more masculine/yang energy and complemented by the feminine/yin aspect of incense. My personal favorites are Sandalwood, Nag Champa, Nitiraj, but any incense will do. Incense is not necessary but is lovely to burn after smudging.
When feasible burn sage weekly in living spaces, you will notice a lightness of energy and calm come into your living quarters with this practice. It will clear old energy, allowing new to move in. Notice the immediate emotional benefits! If you’re having a really hectic week, burn it more often!
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