Description
Lovely large White Sage sticks. They measure approx 8 inches/20cm in length. The best way to use these (IMHO) is to split them up, you get a lot more this way, and they last a lot longer.
When I first learnt about the effects of White Sage and the ceremonial and ritual aspect of the practice, it became an essential part of my own ‘spiritual’ being. It’s hard to describe, but it’s a significant part of my life now. I think once you start, you will also feel a strong connection to something quite magical and sacred.
The ritual of White Sage smudging goes way back, embedded in history. It is a custom of Native American and other indigenous cultures. For centuries many cultures have used smudging as a way to create a cleansing smoke bath that is used to purify the body, the aura, any lingering energy, ceremonial, ritual or any other space, as well as personal belongings (crystals etc.).
Smudging removes negative energy. It used for grounding and healing. Our bodies and our environments are not only physical, but they also vibrate with invisible, silent energy.
My teachings taught me that smudging calls on the spirits of sacred plants to drive away negative energies and restore balance. Plants such as sage, cedar, sweetgrass, juniper, lavender, tobacco and copal are burned, and the smoke is directed with a single feather or a fan-made of several feathers. Sage purifies and drives out negative energy, and sweetgrass attracts positive energy, beauty and sweetness, cedar to ward off sickness and lavender to bring spiritual blessing.
The White Sage is placed in a shell or other fireproof bowl and ignited. Some cultures use only shells such as Abalone, believing the shell, an element of water, balances the other elements of fire, air, and earth (plants). The dried plants are lit and aided in burning by waving a feather, fan or the hand.
Blowing on the mixture is not advised as it is seen as blowing one’s negativity into the mix as well as blowing away the effectiveness of the plant (not to mention the potential danger of blowing a glowing ember onto something flammable). The smoke is then wafted around oneself, objects and the environment, creating a bath of smoke.
In native cultures, birds are highly revered because of their closeness to Grandfather Creator in the heavens. It is believed that the feather possesses the spirit qualities of the bird, to be the breath of life, as well as connecting us to the heavens above and Mother Earth below. Because of the way they are constructed, it is believed that feathers have the ability to comb someone’s energy or aura of blockages, therefore, aiding in the smudging ceremony or ritual.
When smudging or burning any sacred herb or plant, be mindful. Try to use clear intention, know why you are using the White Sage and focus your intention on this reason.
Even without intention, White Sage has the properties to clear you and any space BUT it is much more effective if you hold the space with intent.
Loose white sage burns a lot quicker than the White Sage sticks, you will find a little goes a long way if you only burn a couple of leaves at a time.
Thanks for looking
Castle Rocks Cornwall x