White sage, scientific name "Salvia Apiana" is an important and sacred plant for Indigenous people. Sage has been used in sacred rituals of cleansing and purification for the physical and spiritual bodies for tribal peoples for thousands of years. It can be burned in the bundle or loose.
How do you perform a herb burning ritual with sage?
1. Say an opening affirmation or prayer.
2. Face East and light the materials (plants, resins or smudge stick). Use a burn safe container such as an Abalone shell or incense burner.
3. Fan out the flame with a smudge feather (or your hand) so the materials are smoldering.
4. Close your eyes and become one with the smoke, fanning it toward you with your hand or feather, letting the smoke wash over you.
5. State your intentions to clear the location of negative energy.
6. Make sure the windows are open. Starting in the farthest room from an exit door, fan the smoke in the location, paying attention to each corner, all walls, closets and window frames thoroughly, while continuing to recite your intention or prayer in your space.
7. Move clockwise through the area.
8. When you have completed your cleansing ritual in all rooms, say a closing prayer of gratitude. Acknowledge the spirit of the plant, thank it. Acknowledge and honor the land that you stand on.