How to use Smudge Sticks and Palo Santo
Smudge sticks and Palo Santo work separately when cleansing a space. But, it can be an even more powerful practice when used in tandem.
Think about smudging as moving energy out of your space and palo santo for moving energy in. If you do use them simultaneously, it could get confusing for what is the purpose. Therefore, it's essential to have a clear, intentional practice.
History of Smudging
The practice of smudging with materials like sage or resin is an ancient tribal tradition established by Native American culture. Sage is the most common and vital ceremonial plant because it is a purifying herb.
Smudging was and still is used for Spiritual Healing. The smoke was believed to disperse impurities and allow healing to commence. When the smoke rises, it is said that prayers would ascend into the Spirit World, and negative emotions and thoughts were lifted away.
History of Palo Santo
The first use of Palo Santo dated back to the Inca era and was used for its spiritual purifying properties and rituals and ceremonies throughout Amazonia. Spanish monks who first discovered this tree named it Palo Santo, the holy wood or the wood of the saints.
Shamans and Healers believe that Palo Santo has a powerful spirit, and it should always be treated with respect and intent. They think that the spirit continues to live in the wood long after the tree has fallen.
The mystical Palo Santo grows wild in tropical dry forests in Peru, Mexico and Ecuador. Palo Santo trees can only be extracted no earlier than three years after the natural death of the tree; they are never to be cut down.
Cleansing Ritual
What you need:
- Smudge stick (tied bundle of sage)
- Palo Santo
- Lighting mechanism
- Extinguishing mechanism (bowl of sand or abalone shell)
You are almost ready once you have all of your essentials (which you can find on our website). But the most crucial step is to set your intentions, and you can do this while holding your smudge stick, palo santo and abalone shell near your belly. Hold everything with both hands, close your eyes and think of your intention for your ceremony. Some people prefer to say a prayer or affirmation and then carry this thought through the ritual.
Lighting it up
Begin by holding the smudge stick in your hand and pointing it downward. Light the low end and keep the flame long enough for the stick to carry the flame on its own. Hold it horizontally when it has caught alight, letting it burn for 30 seconds to a minute. When you begin to see the glowing embers, you can gently blow out the flame or wave it out; the stick should now release smoke.
You can use the same method with Palo Santo after that or in a separate ritual. If you decide to use them in the same ceremony, cleanse your space with a smudge stick by moving unwanted, stagnant energy out of your room. After you have written down your intentions or said them aloud, it is time to move positive energy in with Palo Santo.
When Your Smudging Stick is Smoking...
Wave the smudge stick or palo santo around the object, room, or person you want to affect. While the smoke spreads and works its magic, make sure you keep your positive intention in the forefront of your mind.
Pay attention to areas that don't receive much attention, like closets, corners of rooms, cupboards etc. If you are smudging a home, focus on the back and front door, this will help in either removing or inviting in energy.
Concluding your smoke ceremony
When you are finished smudging, you can either let it smoulder until the embers go out or use an abalone shell (with or without sand) to extinguish it. Take a few moments to breathe, close your eyes and reflect. Pay attention to the energy that surrounds you and the positivity you feel. Another great practice is to conclude your practice by journaling and expressing your thoughts and feelings.