How To ‘Sage’ Your New Home
I’m not a particularly superstitious person, but there’s something about the tradition of “smudging” a new home to make it seem more like yours.
Burning sage, or smudging, is an ancient tradition meant to clear the air of contaminants. No, we’re not saying burning sage will cure COVID-19 or even a common cold, but not unlike a great smelling candle or the scent of a batch of chocolate chip cookies, the smell of sage changes the energy of a home. It also smells really good.
“When I’m in a space after it’s been cleansed, I feel at peace, joyful, safe, energized, creative, and able to deeply rest.” —Maggie Harrsen, founder of Puakai Healing
Source: Well and Good
It’s not just that, though. Sage truly is a disinfectant. Medicinal smoke, such as sage, can kill up to 96 percent of airborne bacteria.
For a good smudging session, start with the sage. You want to start with ceremonial white sage. You don’t want the sage that comes in spice jars, but the dried rolls that you can purchase at craft stores and many boutiques.
If you really want to give your smudge session the full shamanic treatment, Harrsen says you can also create an altar for your supplies on any flat, elevated surface—like a dresser, a bookshelf, or a bedside table. “Truly the only tools you need for smudging are you and the plant, but when I’m cleansing my home, I like to bring in a few additional elements such as a sea shell, feather, brass bell, and raw egg,” she says. “The shell represents the element water and the energy of Mother Ocean; the feather represents the energy of the winged ones; the brass bell carries the energy of the cosmos; and the egg is a symbol of life.”
If you don’t like the smell of smoke in your home, that’s okay too. Buy some good sage essential oil and you can mix it with some water for a great air purifier.