Let’s Burn Some Sh*t

Whether you’ve just moved into a new place or want to clear lingering energy from your current one, you should sage your home (good riddance, 2020, you were a real jerk!) The act of smudging (aka cleansing) a space with sage is centuries old, and with good reason. It can help ward off bad vibes and welcome in a clean slate. Let’s dive in and cover all the ins-and-outs of why you should sage--from it’s history, to the benefits and a step-by-step guide on how to burn it down.

It’s Been Lit Since Forever

When it comes to using sage, the first thing you should know is its rich spiritual history.  The Latin word for sage, salvia, stems from the word heal. Sage smudging was used by Native Americans in ritual ceremonies to cleanse a person or space, and to promote healing and wisdom. The Egyptians and Romans used sage to help aid in physical healing. Since waaaaay back, people have used this amazing, aromatic herb to level up and bring in the good vibes. Pretty powerful stuff, amirite?

An All Natural Mood Booster

So why do it? Aside from its early roots,  smudging has been scientifically shown to positively impact your mood. Why’s that, you wonder? This herb-of-greatness releases negative ions (so science-y!) and contains naturally occurring compounds that reduce stress and lift your spirits. So when you burn it, it releases the compounds into the air that help bring clarity, wisdom, and awareness, and help decrease anxiety. 

What’s more, this leafy friend is a potent air cleanser. While it chases away the negativity, it also purifies the air that you breathe in. In one 2007 study, it was proven that sage could eliminate up to 94% of bacteria hangin’ out in your immediate environment. And like, hello, those immune cells need all the support they can get right now! 

A Sage A Day Keeps The Bad Vibes Away

By now you’re probably thinking, this sounds pretty sweet, but when should I do it? 

Unlike those traditional ceremonies of the past, you’re free to sage-it-up in your home or workspace whenever you’d like! 

As we mentioned at the beginning, one of the best times (and to us, most crucial) to sage is when you’ve just moved into a new home or workspace. After all, none of us want any of that lingering bad juju chilling out with our kickass auras. Boy, bye.

When a major cleanse isn’t necessarily for a new home or workplace, smudging is also great to do whenever you need a mood elevation or to set the tone for relaxation. Sage it up for the full moon or during meditation to release all the stuff that’s no longer serving you faster than Bernie’s mitten meme went viral.

In the end, it’s when you’re called to sage that you should light it up and get your good vibes a flowin!

Now Burn Baby Burn (Here’s How)

The moment you’ve been waiting for...How to get it done. Ready to light it up?  Let’s do this thing. 

Before all else, open a window or door.

When doing a major clearing, It’s important to provide a pathway for the energy and the air you’re clearing to leave. If you don’t find a way to let that energy be released, it can get stuck. If using for small clearings or meditation, no need for this extra step.

Get yourself prepared 

In order to have a successful saging sesh, you’ll want to have the following on hand: 

• A dish, bowl or shell (to collect any flying embers + a place to store when not in use)
• Matches or lighter
• Sage, clearly
• A Feather or small handheld fan 

Burn It Down 

It’s go time, baby. Let’s cleanse this place!

1. First, grab the base end of the sage bundle in one hand and get your fire ready. 
2. With a steady hand, hold the sage at a 45-degree angle and light it up!  Allow flame to burn for 10-20 seconds (depending on the stick size) then blow out the flames so they’re reduced to a glowy ember. 
3. Walk around your space and use the feather or fan to stoke the embers and release the smoke.  
4. As you move throughout your space with smudge in hand, waft the smoke into all corners of the room, doorways, and anywhere else you feel needs a clearing. 
5. Once you’ve saged all the areas, and feel confident you’re ready to stop, press the bundle into your dish to put it out. 
6. Your space will now be so fresh ansso clean clean, and a receiver for all the lovely, positive energy you so deserve. 

Seal The Deal With Aromatherapy

Once your ritual is done, cap things off with an extra burst of positive energy with some aromatherapeutic spray. Our personal favorite, bias aside, is our OG Anytime Spray-- it contains the essential oil of sage (amongst other vibration raising ingredients) and can be used to freshen the air, your hair, linens or your face! You’ll find three different size options on our website, as well as our handmade smudge sticks, ready for the burn!