Labhraín
I would like to cleanse my house with sage and I have never used sage before. I would also like to eventually use sage to cleanse my tarot cards as well. How do you use sage?
How to use sage
Milfoil
Usually cleansing with Sage refers to White Sage from North America which is pleasant when burned but other Sage can be used too. Usually the sage is bundled into a long cigar shape with different coloured thread. Red is very common colour of thread.
The end is set alight (over a dish to catch the ash) then allowed to smoulder. The smoke is used to cleanse by fanning it or passing things through the smoke. Giving thanks to the Sage for it's help is usual too.
The end is set alight (over a dish to catch the ash) then allowed to smoulder. The smoke is used to cleanse by fanning it or passing things through the smoke. Giving thanks to the Sage for it's help is usual too.
Labhraín
I see, ok. Is there anything else that I need to do before or after burning the sage other than giving thanks?
Milfoil
Cleansing with sage originally comes from the 1st Nation people of North America but other herbs, woods and resins with aromatic qualities have been used as incense all over the world in different ways as both cleansing, healing and sacred offerings.
Your intention (prayer) combined with recognition of this powerful and generous plant spirit should be all that is needed.
Was there something in particular you felt needed cleansing or removing?
Your intention (prayer) combined with recognition of this powerful and generous plant spirit should be all that is needed.
Was there something in particular you felt needed cleansing or removing?
Oddity
In my experience, White Sage smells very strongly, more so than incense. You can break off one leaf and burn it instead of the whole bundle.
(I hope Milfoil corrects me if there is some Big No-No about breaking off pieces that I don't know about.)
(I hope Milfoil corrects me if there is some Big No-No about breaking off pieces that I don't know about.)
Milfoil
I don't know of any problem with breaking off what is needed. To be honest, it's not a herb that I use but I have read about it and talked about it's use with others who do use it. I use Rosemary from my garden personally or sometimes Mugwort.
You are right Oddity, it does burn hot and strong, giving off quite a lot of smoke so a little goes a long way.
Some people use a shell or ceramic container filled with sand or ash in which they place a lit charcoal disk then pile whatever dried herb or incense on top. Burning it that way REALLY creates a LOT of smoke and is best reserved for wide open spaces.
You are right Oddity, it does burn hot and strong, giving off quite a lot of smoke so a little goes a long way.
Some people use a shell or ceramic container filled with sand or ash in which they place a lit charcoal disk then pile whatever dried herb or incense on top. Burning it that way REALLY creates a LOT of smoke and is best reserved for wide open spaces.
Labhraín
Well, the family has been dealing with a lot of difficulty lately in caring for my grandmother, who recently broke her hip and is now home, not to mention just a lot of negativity and upset having to do with my work situation and things in general. Things are just all topsy-turvey. So, I thought a good cleansing was due. I also purchased a candle to burn to bring about harmony.
I never have done a cleansing and I thought it's time to do one, so I purchased a white sage bundle today and will use it this evening. Do you burn the whole bundle to do a cleansing or just enough to give off enough smoke to do the cleansing and then extinguish the bundle? If a little goes a long way, then I am guessing that you light the sage, do the cleansing and then extinguish it to use for the next time. Is that right?
I also read many different ways to go about doing this, everything from what to say to opening all the doors and windows, drawing a line around the front door and then moving to do the same to the first window you come to, etc. So many different methods. Also, I don't know if I can go into every room in the house to do this, as I have been reading you must do (going around every door, every window, opening the drawers in all the furniture, floor to ceiling, etc.). However, I have also read that God and your Spirit Guides know what you are trying to do and that there is no wrong way to do a cleansing. If I wanted to stand in one room and state my intentions, give thanks and ask for guidance and protection, can I do just that? How do you decide how to do yours?
Labhraín
Found great website on using sage
Just found this excellent site on the subject:
http://www.petalsandsage.com/smudge.html
Just found this excellent site on the subject:
http://www.petalsandsage.com/smudge.html
Milfoil
Honestly, I don't know anything about Divine white light or it being so complicated. Going back to it's original use (Sage that is), it was considered a special plant Spirit, a gift of Mother Earth which has the ability to cleanse and purify. The smoke has a calming and purifying effect on the mind as well as being effective at dissolving certain energy forms and is supposed to be repellant to more sophisticated negative energies.
Just like citrus is a fresh smell for most humans which we like and it can change our mood, it also repels insects and some animals as well as being a good degreaser. Sage smoke (smudging) does the same kind of thing on an energetic level.
For me (my beliefs) it makes sense to ask the Spirit of the Sage to assist in the cleansing and healing within the home and then offer thanks afterwards. It's just respectful. If you believe in and/or have contact with your Spirit guides then asking for their assistance while doing a cleansing will help greatly. They will guide you to where the Sage needs to work. If you have different beliefs then what you do may reflect those beliefs, ie calling for the assistance of an Angel or Saint. In all cases, your intention will be for the house to be cleansed and for help in doing so. Your strong intention will be a large part of this.
Since we are discussing a predominantly spiritual concept here, I will move the thread over to Spirituality soon.
Just like citrus is a fresh smell for most humans which we like and it can change our mood, it also repels insects and some animals as well as being a good degreaser. Sage smoke (smudging) does the same kind of thing on an energetic level.
For me (my beliefs) it makes sense to ask the Spirit of the Sage to assist in the cleansing and healing within the home and then offer thanks afterwards. It's just respectful. If you believe in and/or have contact with your Spirit guides then asking for their assistance while doing a cleansing will help greatly. They will guide you to where the Sage needs to work. If you have different beliefs then what you do may reflect those beliefs, ie calling for the assistance of an Angel or Saint. In all cases, your intention will be for the house to be cleansed and for help in doing so. Your strong intention will be a large part of this.
Since we are discussing a predominantly spiritual concept here, I will move the thread over to Spirituality soon.
danieljuk
thanks for all the sage info! Saving the thread for future reference
I tried to use it in my house with a bought sage stick and cleanse / remove negativity. It was really smoky and I got scared I couldn't put it out after I finally got it lit! It is a nice smell though! That was a few years ago
I have some sage incense sticks which is a bit of an easier way but they are probably not as powerful as the proper dried plants in a stick. I may try the sticks again in future!
I tried to use it in my house with a bought sage stick and cleanse / remove negativity. It was really smoky and I got scared I couldn't put it out after I finally got it lit! It is a nice smell though! That was a few years ago
I have some sage incense sticks which is a bit of an easier way but they are probably not as powerful as the proper dried plants in a stick. I may try the sticks again in future!