~Why you should get-your-sage-on regularly~

The practice of burning sage is sacred in many communities and deserves our respect. It's something that should always be done with intention, respect, and deep gratitude to those who did it before you. The benefits that can come from burning sage provide you with a space of purify. Clearing out the old unfavorable things to give your current mood a much needed uplift, while boosting your brain. Burning sage is often referred to as "smudging". Whether the season is summer, spring, fall, or winter, it is a good idea to clean the air in your home regularly to get rid of germs and all the other unhealthy things you don’t want your family to breathe in. When sage is burned, it is said to release negative ions, (energy) helping to elevate the space. Over time negative ions accumulate and can block our electromagnetic fields. This happens when we argue, stress, or come in contact with anybody that brings bad vibes; provoking us to feel sluggish, drained, and just fed up. Also, even something as simple as; the lingering energy of others sticking around long after visiting hours are over. Burning sage helps negative ions diminish, bringing balance back into the positive charge. This spark allows a glow within our energy field once more. If you feel like the space around you or within you could use a spiritual spring clean, lighting up some sage will provide you, with a good energetic cleanse. Sage can also be a wonderful bedtime ritual. Cleansing the air, softening your mood, and slicing overwhelming throughs- by dimming the energy surrounding them. Sage contains compounds that are said to activate the receptors in the brain, to reduce stress and discomfort. If you tend to be kept up at night with toxic thoughts, burning sage could be the antidote for you.

The benefits of "getting your sage on"

~ Its scent is relaxing~ Burning sage as part of a calming ritual can help promote a shift in energy. Its pleasing, grounding aroma cues the mind to give into its Divine energy.

~ It’s chemical-free ~ For some this may be the best of all the benefits sage has to offer. Sage works incredibly well as a chemical-free air freshener or odor controller. Sage provides your environment with a divine aroma of purity and simplicity without all the toxicity.

~Body and mind (each influence the other)~ Sage exhales peace and clarity. Burning sage can encourage a solid sleep routine, enhance cognitive thought, and soaks up bad bacteria from the air. It also comes with a whole host of spiritual benefits too. The spiritual elements of sage are what attract many cultures that connect with spiritual practices and purifying rituals. The purification of both the body and mind induces harmony.

~ Grounding technique~ Sage is full of wonderful grounding properties to help you be in the here and now. Burning sage helps to soften stress and anxiety; allowing you to feel safe and welcomed within your most personal home, (yourself). Not only is the aroma of sage relaxing, but the act of burning it can help to regulate our energy, set more positive intentions, purify the air we breathe, and dispel evil spirits.

~ Crystal Cleansing~ Sage can also be used to cleanse your most precious jewels. Sage, (being from the almighty mother earth) gives your crystals their sparkle back. Routine crystal cleaning is vital if you want to keep them working at the top of their game. Over time they can become full of collected energy and will need a full discharge and recharge to get them working properly again. Smudging the stone with smoke from the sage, sweeps away that stagnant energy and infuses your precious jewels with high vibrations to amplify their properties once more.

~ Helps repeal insects~ Most types of sage have antimicrobial properties, which help keep infectious bacteria, viruses, and keep fungi at bay. The aroma these plants produce while burning, (although smells wonderful to us) is uncomfortable for many types of insects.

How to get-your-sage-on

~Create an outlet - Open a door or window, in each room you plan to smudge- before lighting your sage. This creates a pathway for the negativity, (and smoke) to make its final exit.

~Prepare - Gather all that you need to burn your sage such as the sage smudge stick, an abalone shell, A fire source (such as a long match, lighter, or candle), and A fanning tool (helpful if you need to cover a large area such as a home or office). You will also want to open a window or door so that the smoke (and negative energy) has a portal to vacate the space.

~Set intentions - Intentions are one of the most important parts of smudging. It keeps us in the present moment while being mindful of, and honoring the ancient sacred act. Whether you choose a prayer or mantra, (be clear on it is before you start to smudge the space) silently repeat the mantra to yourself or speak it aloud while smudging.

~Light the sage - Hold the sage at an angle and light it with a lighter or match. Let it burn for 10-20 seconds and then gently blow out the flame. You should still be able to see embers on the smudge stick and it should be smoking. If you have an abalone shell, you can use it to catch all the falling ash as you move around your space. If you aren't comfortable walking around with your sage you can also place the burning sage in the abalone shell.

~Smudging the area - As the smoke starts to form a cloud you can drift through it as you begin to slowly glide around the room, drawing whimsical swirls in the air while encouraging the smoke to flow with you. If you have a fanning tool, you would use it to help guide the smoke, ( and the bad energy) to its proper exit. Goodbye bad vibes!!! Don’t let the door hit ya on the way out. Make sure to pay extra attention to your closets, little nooks, mirrors, all entrances/exits and any space within your home that you do not like to be in. (This is a sign the space has a build-up of negative energy).

~Remember always practice safe sagging~ (Sage burning safety 101) Always stay present! If you see little embers fall on the ground, douse them out immediately. Never leave burning sage unattended.