The burning of sage is a common practice among many healing and spiritual groups. The word sage itself - salvia - comes from the Latin word salvare. It literally means "To Heal."

Sage has long been used in “smudging” ceremonies to promote purification, protection, longevity, and immortality. The ritual of smudging can be defined as "spiritual house cleaning." The smoke attaches itself to negative energy. As the smoke clears it takes the negative energy with it, releasing it to regenerate into something more positive. Tests have also shown that the smoke of burning sage literally changes the ionazation polarity of the air.

Sage smudging ceremonies can be done to cleanse personal items, living space and the physical body. Begin by lighting the “smudge stick.” Once ignited, gently wave over the "flame" to extinguish it. Then gather the smoke with your hand and draw it into the perimeter of your body.

To direct the smoke you may wish to gently blow on the glowing embers, or use a ceremonial feather to fan the embers, instead. Give special attention to areas of stress and unbalance in relation to the individual spirit-body.

For the living environment, start at the doorway and work in a clockwise direction. Cleanse the door frame, the walls, and any window frames. Pay particular attention to corners and the top of the walls.

By allowing the purification and cleansing properties of sage to clear your items, your body, or your rooms, the space is created for new awareness and new direction to begin to take its place.