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A few weeks ago, my friend’s curiosity was piqued by a strange-looking, half-burnt nub of wood resting on my dresser. “What is that?” he asked, his expression contorted with confusion. “Palo Santo! It’s for smudging,” I blurted out, eager to share the wonders of the practice. But as I explained further, I quickly realized my understanding of smudging was superficial at best. Outside a couple meaningful experiences I’ve tried to recreate at home, I knew next to nothing about the topic. I felt a desire to learn more.
My introduction to smudging was with sage, a close relative of palo santo. It was almost three years ago, toward the end of a month-long stay at a treatment center meant to help those struggling with their mental health. Many of you reading this knew I was there, only I told you it was a yoga retreat. Funny what a solid dose of shame can make us say to the people in our lives.
In the last week of my stay at The Bridge, I took part in a grief ceremony. The purpose of this was for me and the others in my group to say goodbye to things we had been carrying: addictions, unhealthy relationships, negative self-beliefs, and ideas of what could have been if only life hadn’t gotten in the way. During the ceremony, the therapist lit a bundle of dried sage, letting it burn bright in the dark room. She then dipped it into a bowl of water, producing a woodsy, herbaceous smoke. It came off the bundle in beautiful, white wisps. Moving slowly among us, she swirled the sage around the room. The wisps of smoke floated so gently through the air. I can’t explain it, but as it all settled and the scent filled the room, I felt a tangible peace wash over me.
Another significant experience with smudging occurred at the end of an in-depth trauma processing retreat, just moments before entering a sweat lodge. With burning sage in hand, the facilitator told me to stand facing her, legs shoulder width apart, arms sticking out to both sides. She gracefully swirled the smoke around my body, from head to toe, told me to turn the other way, and did it all over again.
From these experiences, my understanding is that smudging is used for purification. In the grief ceremony, it was removing all of the negative energy and, well, grief, from not only the room we were in, but from our bodies and minds. Outside of the sweat lodge, it was meant to purify us before entering a sacred space, from which we were to be “reborn” as someone who has let go of the things holding them back. But what else can it do? Since I didn’t know the answer to this question, I decided to do my research. Here’s what I found:
Smudging isn’t as new age as some people think. It’s actually been around for centuries, and indigenous people have used it for spiritual and medicinal purposes. Overall, my deductions were correct: Smudging is used for cleansing and purification. It is meant to help clear negative energy away, and encourage an abundance of positive energy. Sage is the most popular herb to smudge with, but it can be done with many different things. Each object you can smudge with has special qualities. For example, it is believed that burning a bundle of white sage with lavender can produce harmony in your life, and burning mugwort can give you courage.
I was fascinated to learn that the effects of smudging have been proven by science. The research shows this practice working at the atomic level. I won’t bore you with the technicalities, but here’s what I discovered: Ever notice how stress or conflict can leave you feeling exhausted or burnt out? Those feelings might be caused by a cloud of positive ions hanging around your electromagnetic field. When you practice smudging, the burning herbs release negative ions that swoop in and neutralize the positive ones, which can make you feel better. Pretty cool, right?
Before delving deeper into the practice, it’s important to establish a mindful approach. When you smudge, practice setting intentions. This can amplify the experience and make it feel purposeful. An intention could be in the form of an internal thought, something you write down, or a prayer. When I smudge, I like to repeat a phrase in my mind—usually something about removing negative energy and giving me a fresh start.
So, when exactly should you smudge? Well, you can smudge for any reason at any time: before starting something new (a job, hobby, relationship, or business), before or after meditating, after being sick, after the experience of conflict or something stressful, or when you move into a new home. This being said, before you begin, make sure to open doors and windows around you. The negative energy you are cleansing needs a way to leave.
If you’ve never experienced smudging, I recommend giving it a try. The soothing smells and the chance to pause and be present—even just for a moment—can bring a sense of calm to your day. Whether you choose sage, palo santo, or another herb, consider what intentions you’ll set as the fragrant smoke purifies your space and carries your desires into the world.
References:
Cleansing Your Space - Smudging Ritual. (n.d.). Civana Wellness Resort & Spa. Retrieved from https://civanacarefree.com/cleansing-your-space-smudging-ritual/#:~:text=First%20you%20start%20with%20a,of%20your%20space%20and%20mind.&text=Once%20you%20have%20your%20intention,and%20then%20blow%20it%20out.
Ficchi, Nicolette. (2019, February 6). Let’s Get Clear: Smudging, Sage and Palo Santo. Nicolette Ficchi Creating Balance + Bliss. https://www.nicoletteficchi.com/blog-1/2019/2/5/smudging-sage-and-palo-santo-lets-clear-the-air
Howard, Charmaine. (2018, January 20). Smudging - The Science Behind It. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/smudging-science-behind-charmaine-howard/
Lally, Charlotte. (2021, June 17). What is the Benefit and How to Use Sage and Palo Santo Sticks?. Heavenly Crystals Online. https://heavenlycrystalsonline.com.au/blogs/news/what-is-the-benefit-and-how-to-use-sage-and-palo-santo-sticks
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