How To Work With Sage
Are you looking for clarity about a situation or path? Have you been trying to let go of thoughts that no longer serve you? Do you have the desire to keep your space clear and free of negative smog?
If you answered yes to any of the above, Sacred White Sage (Salvia Apiana), sometimes called California Sage, can be used to assist you on your journey.
Burning sage is one of the oldest and purest methods of cleansing. Native Americans are widely credited as one of the first group of people to burn sage for spiritual and medicinal purposes. Because of its cleansing and protective properties, sage has become popular amongst people of other cultural and spiritual backgrounds as a useful tool in keeping energies clear and balanced in their homes and sacred spaces.
There Are Many Ways To Use Sage
Whenever you are working with sage to cleanse a space, a person, or yourself, it is a good idea to have your intention clear in your mind’s eye. Once lit, the smoke gathers and clears negativity and opens the space for new restorative positive energy. Below are 3 ways to help you either get started using sage or enrich your everyday practice. Explore & Enjoy
Sage Smudging
Open a window to ensure that the smoke from the sage does not overpower the space.
If you are using loose leaf sage, put a few leaves into an abalone shell or heatproof bowl and light the tips.
If you are using a sage wand or stick, light the tip and let the sage burn for a few seconds as you hold it over the heatproof bowl or abalone shell.
With the bowl in hand and your sage burning over it, move through the space spreading the smoke in all corners, across all doors, closets, and hallways.
If you are smudging yourself or a person, allow the sage to rest in the abalone shell or heatproof bowl as it burns, and move the bowl both around the body as well as from head to toe.
Don’t forget to keep your intentions strong in your mind’s eye as you work with your sacred sage.
*Note: The Abalone shell is often used in sacred clearing rituals because it symbolizes water. The white Sage symbolizes the earth, and once lit, the burning of the herb symbolizes fire, while the smoke represents air. Including the 4 universal elements into your sacred smudging practice helps provide a deeper connection.
White Sage steam
- Boil a pot of water.
- Grab a large towel and keep it handy for wrapping it around your head and shoulders.
- Place the sage inside the pot of boiling water and allow it to boil until it begins to steam.
- Turn off the heat, place the towel over your head and shoulders and lean over the steam
*May also help with decongestion.
*Tip: You can also mix other herbs of your choosing into your white sage goddess bath. Use your intuition and move freely to make this practice uniquely yours.
White Sage Goddess Bath
- Boil a pot of water
- Place white sage inside the pot of boiling water and allow it to boil until it begins to steam.
- After steaming for 5-7 minutes allow the herbs to sit or steep in the water for 15 minutes.
- Draw yourself a bath. Don’t forget your candles, incense and intentions!
- Decide if your preference is to use a strainer to catch the herbs before pouring the steeped sage water into your bath or not. You will get the benefits of the herb whichever your preference.
- Relax, Release, and Refresh.
