How to Use White Sage Leaves
Many Native American tribes believe that the leaves of white sage can be used to cleanse an area of negative energy. The white purifying smoke is emitted when the dried leaves are burned. The leaves are generally sold either in sticks (also called wands) or loose.
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Instructions
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1
Grasp the stick of white sage firmly in your dominant hand.
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2
Light the very tips of the leaves of the wand with the lighter, then quickly blow out the flames. The sage wand will start to smolder and smoke.
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3
Place the smoldering tips of the white sage leaves down into the center of the non-flammable bowl. Clay or glass bowls work best for this, although some purists use large shells or bowls carved out of stone. The white sage leaves will continue to smolder and emit smoke.
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Smudge the area by carrying the smoking white sage leaves in the bowl to the first room to cleanse. Walk to each corner of the room, clockwise. End in the center of the room. Use a small fan or piece of paper to waft smoke to higher areas.
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Continue to each room in the house, smudging every area in a clockwise manner and ending in the middle of the room. When finished, set the bowl down and allow it to burn out naturally. Never extinguish burning white sage leaves used in cleansing.
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Tips & Warnings
Sage can burn hot, so use a towel or oven mitt to protect your hands from the hot bowl. White sage leaves can also be steeped in hot water for a cleansing tea and crushed into bath water for a soothing soak in the tub. Purchase white sage sticks from online herbal stores, including Native American herbalist shops and organic herb growers.
