Sage that space!!!

Burning sage and other dried herbs and plants, more commonly known as smudging, is an ancient spiritual ritual. How far this dates back, I can’t be sure as much has been written on the matter, but Smudging has been well established as a Native American cultural practice for keeping away evil spirits or cleansing someone who is ill, which was often thought in these times as a possession in itself. Smudging been used since the time of the ancient Egyptians and Romans to treat digestive issues, memory problems, and sore throats too... The Science bit ... The most commonly used types of sage have some antimicrobial properties. This means they may help to keep infectious bacteria, viruses, and fungi at bay. White prairie sage (Artemisia ludoviciana) is both antimicrobial and antibacterial. White sage (Salvia apiana) is also antimicrobial. And both have been shown to repel insects. Though scientifically unproven, burning sage is thought to release negative ions. This is said to help neutralise positive ions. Common positive ions are allergens like mould and dust. IMPORTANT: inhaling the smoke during the smudging can also aggravate any respiratory condition. So if you are sensitive do not smudge, especially around pets too. A little light dusting is fine, but if your really going at it, be careful of your pets and just be sensible & responsible 🙏🏻♥️ But spiritually, smudging as a form of spiritual cleansing has been practiced worldwide. Smoke has always been held as a revered & sacred spiritual blessing by many religions & cultures. Burning of incense and resin continues to be practiced regularly today by large religious or cultural groups, as well as individually as ingredients are so readily available. (I for one am always burning incense and resin). Smudging has long been used to connect to the spiritual realm or enhance intuition. Certain types of sage, including salvia sages and white prairie sage, contain thujone. Research shows that thujone is mildly psychoactive. It’s actually found in many plants used in cultural spiritual rituals to enhance intuition. Smudging for me is always used as a ritual tool to cleanse yourself, or a space of negativity. This includes past traumas, bad experiences, or negative energies from others past or present. This may also help establish a positive environment for meditation or another ritual. Choosing to sit and let go of negative thoughts in a ritual like this sets your intention and dedication to self-improvement. Choosing to engage in a smudging ritual can be the beginning of your change in mindset and leaves you feeling lighter and spiritually lifted. I always (with prior permission) smudge my clients before and during crystal healing. For me, i sense it cleanses the aura and frees attachments. Smudging is incredibly personal in its use and intention! You can also use incense or smudging of specific objects. This can be useful with new purchases, gifts, or secondhand items. However, any item can be smudged. It is your intention that holds the key! If you have any concern with 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. I always smudge new tarot cards, crystals and candles as I create them... But why I am mentioning this now? So both with New Moon & Full Moon phases, I always like to cleanse & refresh the energy in my home. Setting your intention to clear negativity and purify a space is essential for me with everything I practice from home. Whilst spiritual protection is important, mentally I know in smudging all areas of my home it is cleansed, like a spiritual spring clean. There are many different methods of smudging and you will find a way that works for you. But for me, I work from the lower floor upwards. Reaching out to every corner of the room in a clockwise motion, going around window frames and door frames too., often in and out of cupboards! Always carry with you a dish to catch the falling embers from your smudging stick. I have a traditional abalone shell, but any thing can be used safely! As I go from room to room, I also recite a prayer or affirmation; words that sir right for me, asking that area is cleansed and negative energy removed. As I leave each room I will open up the window and imagine the negativity being released, asking the universe to heal that which leaves. Otherwise for me it feels like I am simply pouring out of the window a pee pot like they used to in medieval days. I don’t want the negative energy from my home to leave and be someone else’s problem.... As an empath, I’m always conscious of protecting my energy even when out walking. So if someone has just cleansed their home without asking for the universe to receive and assist too (and this is the most powerful energy if you like) then I feel as though the darkness will just travel until it finds another host. The saying “we create our own demons” can often be said of negative energy. Arguments, upsets, grief, sadness, death, illness - all these things create a dark negative soup like treacle. So cleansing your space and then cleansing the energy itself too (and we need help for this) is really important too in my opinion. As I say, this is not an exact science and I’m not here to indoctrinate - this is my practice and what I feel to be right. You will find you’re own way x So, burn away and burn safely, but if smudging isn’t your thing, then ringing bells is great too! Sound, vibration and intention - even clapping 👏🏻 👏🏻👏🏻 within a space can break up and dispel negative energy... Another long read I’m afraid - I need my website up and running very soon indeed! New Moon Blessings Claire xXx