Salvia mellifera, mugwort
Salvia Mellifera, also known as black sage, is a well-known and widely used product among indigenous people of Central America, also known as the Natives, especially in shamanism. It is part of the purification ceremonies where these spicy plants are smoldered and their holy smoke is released. It stimulates the gain of visions and expels negative energy as well as bad entities. Scientific research has even shown that 94% of the bacteria in the room have been broken down after burning this herb.
Different types of mugwort are often called "black sage." These are related to Artemisia vulgaris, the species most often sold as mugwort, though they do not contain as much of the hallucinogenic compound thujone. Still, black sage is extremely helpful for inner healing, dream magic, shamanic journeying, trance work, and protection during astral travel. Whenever you need to look inward, or access other realms of consciousness, black sage can help you.
Waft the smoke from a black sage smudge stick over yourself before getting into a comfortable position and clearing your mind. You may use chanting, rattling, drumming, or any other techniques you prefer to help your mind access the astral realms. Trust that the black sage smoke will keep you safe and protected as you travel, and see where it carries you.
So black sage is a purification method that also changes your state of consciousness. It is produced from the Artemisia vulgaris plant, which grows on the coast of Mexico and California.
Sage has a sharp, very pungent smell, to be described as spicy. Not everyone experiences this smell as pleasant. It is therefore more functional than a pleasant home fragrance.
sheafed black sage
When the leaves are dry, they can be burned in bound bundles or loose. This is bound black sage with a length of 22,5 cm (appx 9inches). In this way it is easy to ignite. As soon as the top of the bundle is lit you can wave it with a feather and spread the sacred smoke over objects, people and in all corners of a room.
In our house, we tend to use the wand in a slow horizontal sweeping manner, at chest height but always keeping the smudging dish in your other hand. Just in case you see any embers that might drop or simply you want to stop and place the smudge stick in a safe receptical.
Place in heat resistant dish or smudge bowl between uses.
NEVER LEAVE UNATTENDED WHEN LIT
Smudge Stick - Black Sage 15 cm
Need some help in smudging?
So, you’ve seen those beautiful bundles of white sage and maybe even overheard conversations about smudging but you’re not really sure what it’s all about or even how to get started…
Burning white sage is an age old ritual known as smudging and it can be used to cleanse you and your home of negative and stagnant energy - it’s like an energetic shower. But, why is it so important? Well think about how you feel when you’ve been in the company of uplifting positive people or at a event where everyone is enjoying themselves - have you felt that energetic shift that has you smiling for days.
The same can be said for the energy within buildings, how many us choose a home that feels right after wandering around so many others that didn’t?
So it makes sense that we all carry energy - both our own and fragments of other people’s - around with us and into our home every day. This energy isn’t always as positive as we’d like and over time it can accumulate and stagnate which can lead to low moods, a feeling of being stuck and even cause difficulties with those you live with.
While smudging with white sage is ideal for clearing the air on an energetic level, it also has a few other practical uses. It releases negative ions that fight against things like dust and pollution. Research has also shown that it can clear 94% of bacteria (for up to 24hrs) which is why it’s great to use when you’ve not been feeling well.
And, there’s no absolutely right or wrong way to smudge your home, you can create your own smudging ritual and it can be as simple or spiritual as you’d like. It is a very calming ritual though and so please try and find at least 15-20 minutes to enjoy it.
So, what do i need?- Smudge Stick; look for sustainable californian white sage from a reputable source click here for more information
- Fireproof container; a bowl or plate that you do not mind getting a little stained and is 100% fireproof.
- Candle/matches; I prefer to carefully light my sage from a candle but lighting it by any means is just as good.
- Way to extinguish: Use a bowl of sand, earth or simply press the stick into the fireproof container until it has been extinguished.
Should I say anything?
I like to set an intention before i get started, something simple like ‘Please cleanse my home of any energy or negativity that does not support me and my family’ works just fine. You can also say a prayer or affirmation. Or, simply take a moment to feel centred before you begin, it’s more important that it feels right for you.
How do I get started?
Open a few windows and doors to help any smoke and negative energy leave easily.
Light your sage stick over your flameproof bowl until a small flame has caught. While holding your sage over the bowl lightly blow on the flame until it goes out. The sage will then smoke gently like incense. Remember that it’s the smoke that does the work and so the stick does not have to remain lit.
Walk around your home clockwise, carefully Using your hands or a feather to waft the smoke into all areas of your space. Include all small spaces that collect negative energy like corners, windows and behind doors. It’s also good to open cupboards and wardrobes because they can also hold stagnant energy.
Remember that the goal is to allow a light amount of smoke to move around your space there’s no need to create a thick cloud of smoke!
You may need to relight the sage stick to make it around the whole house - simply relight it over your flameproof bowl and lightly blow it out as before. Then carry on where you left off.
There are some who believe the sage stick should be left to smoulder rather than extinguish - this should only be done if you are able to stay with it while it burns. If not then extinguish it by lightly pressing the stick into earth, sand or into your fireproof dish. Never leave a lit sage stick unattended.
Smudging your home can be done whenever you like, there’s no need to wait for a certain day or moon cycle - I use it daily but weekly or monthly is just fine too. Just like everything in life, trust your intuition and you can’t go wrong. Enjoy!- Smudge Stick; look for sustainable californian white sage from a reputable source click here for more information
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