Wise, Old Sage

First, there was the discovery of fire. Then, among the incalculable advancements made in its wake, everything from cooking meat to creating civilizations, early humans discovered that aromatic smoke was produced during the burning of dried plants. Herbs, roots, resins, and barks would change from their solid form when lit. Fire would turn it into smoke, or spirit world form. It has been thought through the ages that this transformation is evidence of the spirit within substances. Throughout human history, aromatic plants have been used in the daily activities and cleansing rituals of people from every culture. The act or ceremony of surrounding yourself, another person, or object with the smoke of a dried plant is called smudging.

One of the most ancient and common dried plants used today in cleansing energy is Sage. Sage is used to ‘wash off’’ the outside world when one enters ceremony or other sacred space. Objects are likewise washed off with sage smoke to rid them of unwanted influences. Here is the theory behind smudging. When you smudge, the smoke that is produced attaches itself to negative energy. It takes the negative energy with it and releases it at another point in time into another space. It is very effective when you’ve been feeling depressed, angry, resentful, or unwell, or after you have had an argument with someone. It is also great to smudge yourself, the space, and all the guests or participants before a ritual, ceremony, or celebration. You can smudge your home or work space as part of a general spiritual house cleaning and you can cleanse crystals or other objects of any negative energy as well.

The Open mind center has a wide variety of sage and cleansing tools. Stop by! Pick up the tools that you need to clear your space.