How to Cleanse the House With Sage
Cleansing a home, indoors and out, with sage is an old tradition among Native Americans and other cultures to rid a space of unwanted negative energy and replace it with clean, positive energy. Sometimes called "smudging" or blessing a space, cleansing a home with sage is not difficult--but it helps to do it with a positive frame of mind. In addition, take sensible precautions that you'd follow whenever you deal with flames and smoke.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Lighter
- White sage sticks (small bundles wrapped in string)
- Heat-proof ceramic dish
- Water or bowl of sand
Instructions
-
How to Cleanse the House With Sage
-
1
Light the end of a white sage stick with a lighter. Blow on the flame gently until the end is glowing and starting to smoke.
-
2
Hold the sage stick with one hand, allowing the end to smolder. Hold a ceramic dish in your other hand to catch any falling embers.
-
-
3
Calm your mind and think peaceful, positive things. In the first room, set the ceramic dish down for a moment. Stand in the center of the room with the burning sage in your hand.
Traditions vary on whether to to begin in a north, south, east or west direction. Many start in the north and work clockwise. Physically walk around the room or simply wave your hand over the smoke to push it in each direction.
-
4
Visit each room with the sage and repeat Step 3. Remember to open closet doors and cleanse those areas as well as other small spaces.
-
5
Give thanks (to a deity, for example) according to your traditions. Next, immerse the end of the sage stick in water or a bowl of sand to put out the fire.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
White sage bundles suitable for home cleansing are available from shops specializing in either New Age or Native American spirituality supplies. You can also use special charcoal sold for burning resin incense (some spiritual supply stores sell the charcoal). To use these, light the charcoal in a fire-safe bowl and sprinkle a little white sage on top of the glowing ember. The charcoal gets extremely hot, however, so use them with great caution. Your intention is really the most important part of the cleansing. Intend good things.
Always have a fire extinguisher, bowl of water or a sink nearby in case the sage burns out of control. The amount of smoke emitted during the cleansing may set off a home's smoke alarms.
