SAGE

Smudging is a practice rooted in various cultural and spiritual traditions aimed at purifying and cleansing spaces, objects, or individuals of negative energy. Typically involving the burning of specific herbs, resins, or woods, such as sage, palo santo, or cedar, smudging releases fragrant smoke believed to carry medicinal and therapeutic properties. The act of smudging is often accompanied by prayers, chants, or intentions, invoking spiritual guidance or protection. Practitioners may use smudging to clear stagnant energy, ward off malevolent forces, or promote harmony and balance within a space. The ritual of smudging is deeply ingrained in Indigenous cultures across the globe, yet it has also gained popularity in contemporary holistic and New Age practices. As a tool for energetic cleansing, smudging is regarded not only for its physical effects on air quality but also for its metaphysical impact on spiritual well-being and psychic awareness.