Benefits of burning sage
Burning sage has been practised for generations, but it might sound a bit “out there” or “new age” for those who’ve never done this before. However: I highly recommend you give it a go… here are some of the benefits:
It clears negative energy
Studies suggest that burning sage can lift your mood and reduce stress. If you’ve been feeling a bit low, or flat (or, indeed someone you live with has), burning sage helps to clear that negative energy. Purify your space, and your head, of past trauma, stress and sadness (sure, it may be a placebo but there’s nothing wrong with that my friends!)
I particularly like to do this before I meditate as the air just feels fresh, clear and positive - or when I’ve had a tiring, stressful or emotional day and I’m ready to change my mindset. It is also believed to get rid of unwanted spirits… and if you’ve had a negative or toxic visitor: burn sage to clear their bad energy.
It impacts your physical health, too
Burning sage purifies and disinfects the air, and can eliminate harmful airborne bacteria by up to 94%. Some scientists also say it can help to keep viruses away. Even more reason to give it a go… it’s worth opening the windows though if you’re burning throughout the house or it can get a little much :)
It’s a good insect repellent
Hate flies? They hate smoke. Burning sage (or incense sticks) really helps to repel bugs.
It can help you to sleep better
Research suggests that those who burn sage regularly often sleep better, and it can help cure insomnia. It definitely relaxes me, and my family too (including the furry ones).
How to do it
Okay, so now you know why it’s good for you and you’re ready to waft your sage around the house… here’s how to do it:
Buy your sage! It needs to be white sage and you can find bundles like this easily online. Ensure you get from a reputable, ethical source.
Open a door or window; you want to allow the smoke (and the negative energy) to find a way out.
Set some intentions… by this, I mean as you’re getting your sage ready consider what you’d like it to do. Perhaps you want to clear the air because you just feel a bit repressed/ stressed/ emotional/ tired/ etc. or to clear the energy of a particular person/time/incident. Think about your intention while you’re burning the sage.
State this in a positive way, for example: “This sage will rise me up, boost my energy and bring a positive air to my space”… or “Negative energy that doesn’t serve me, please leave through the nearest open window!”
4. Light one end of your sage bundle (if it produces a huge flame, blow it out gently, it should be smouldering). Sometimes I find the sage doesn’t stay lit for very long. If this happens to you, loosen the leaves a little so more oxygen can get among them.
5. Waft the smoke around your body, objects, rooms and surfaces you want to cleanse. Using a fan or feather can help to direct the smoke in the right direction, but I just waft it with my hand.
6. Some spiritual rituals recommend you waft the smoke in a clockwise direction, others say anticlockwise. Follow your own instinct and do what feels best to you.
7. Have a bowl (obviously one that can stand the heat, I’ve got one designed for this purpose) to hold underneath, to collect any ash - and to put the bundle in when you’re done. Some people use a large seashell. Make sure it’s fully extinguished when you’re done.
Happy Sage Burning!
PS: burning Palo Santo works well, too. Whether sage or palo santo, just make sure you get it from an ethical source.