A Beginner's Guide to Sage Smudging

Have you ever walked into a room and just felt that the energy was…off? Or noticed that your own mind feels cluttered and stuck, no matter how much you try to shift your mindset? We've all been there. Sometimes, we need more than just positive thinking; we need a practical tool to signal a reset for our environment and our spirit.

Enter the ancient practice of Sage Smudging.

You may have seen it on social media or heard friends talk about it, but smudging is far more than a passing trend. At its core, it is a powerful ritual of purification, a way to intentionally cleanse a space, an object, or yourself using the smoke from the burning sage. For centuries, indigenous cultures have used this practice to release stagnant or negative energy—the lingering vibes after an argument, the stress from a tough work week, or just the emotional dust that accumulates over time.

When burning sage for smudging or space clearing, the most important element is your intention. The words you use are a powerful way to focus and direct that intention. You can say them aloud or silently in your mind. is a beautiful, tangible way to support your journey from Chaos to Calm. By clearing out the old, you create a fresh slate, making space for peace, clarity, and positive intentions to take root. Whether you're launching a new project, embarking on a wellness journey, or want to reclaim your home as a true sanctuary, this practice can be a game-changer.

Sage vs. Palo Santo

While both sage and palo santo are wonderful tools for energetic cleansing, they play distinct and complementary roles in creating a positive environment. Think of sage as the heavy-duty cleanser. It's powerful; smoke is used for deep purification, effectively clearing out lingering negativity and stagnant energy to create a neutral, blank slate. This makes it perfect for when you need a major reset—like after an illness, an argument, or when moving into a new space.

Palo Santo, on the other hand, is like a blessing. Translating to “holy wood,” its sweet, calming smoke does more than cleanse; it actively invites positivity, healing, and good fortune back in. It’s less about removing everything and more about raising the vibration.

A common practice is first to use sage for a thorough clearing, then follow up with palo santo to refill your newly cleansed space with warmth, peace, and creative energy, sealing your positive intentions. In this post, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to feel confident bringing this beautiful ritual into your life.

Ready to clear the air? Let's begin this journey together.

Setting The Scene

To prepare for smudging, here are a few steps to keep in mind.

1. State your intention: "I am lighting this sage to cleanse my home and welcome peace."

   
   

2. As you smudge: Walk through your space, paying attention to corners and doorways, and repeat your clearing intention. For example: "I release all negativity from this corner."

   
   

3. Give thanks and close: Once you are finished, express gratitude. "Thank you for this cleansing. This space is now cleared and blessed." Safely extinguish the sage.

   
   

4. Invite the positive: "I now invite love, light, and happiness into this home."

Intention Setting Statements

Now that you're ready, here are some examples of intentions and things to say, categorized by purpose. Feel free to mix, match, or create your own that resonate with you.

For Clearing Negative or Stagnant Energy

This is the most common use for sage. The focus is on releasing and removing.

• "I cleanse this space of any negative energy, heavy thoughts, and lingering sadness."

• "I release all energy that does not serve me or the highest good of this home."

• "Into this smoke, I release all worries, anxieties, and fears. They are free, and I am free."

• "Negative energy, you are not welcome here. I command you to leave and return to the light."

• "I purify this room and cleanse it of all energetic impurities."

For Welcoming Positive Energy

After clearing, it's best to invite in the energy you do want.

• "I welcome peace, love, and light into this space."

• "May this home be filled with laughter, joy, and abundance."

• "I invite positive energy, happiness, and harmony to enter and dwell here."

• "I fill this space with unconditional love and protective light."

• "Only good may enter here."

For Personal Cleansing

You can also smudge yourself to clear your own energy field (aura).

• "I cleanse my body, mind, and spirit of all that no longer serves me."

• "I release self-doubt and welcome self-love and confidence."

• "I am grounded, I am centered, I am at peace."

• "I wash away the day's stress and release all energetic attachments."

• "I surround myself in a bubble of protective, positive light."

For Specific Situations

You can tailor your intentions to a specific event or need.

• After an Argument: "I release the energy of this conflict and invite understanding and peace back into this room."

• When Moving into a New Home: "I cleanse this space of all previous energies. I bless this home and dedicate it to our family's joy, safety, and well-being."

• Before a Creative Project: "I clear this space to make way for inspiration, creativity, and focus."

• When Feeling Sick: "I cleanse this room of illness and invite healing, restorative energy to fill this space."

To Invite Creativity and Inspiration:

• "I open this space as a channel for creative energy and divine inspiration to flow through me."

• "May this project be blessed with innovation, new ideas, and unique solutions."

• "I clear away all creative blocks and self-doubt, making way for authentic expression."

To Welcome Health and Healing:

• "I invite healing, strength, and vitality into every cell of my body."

• "I bless this space (my kitchen, my gym, my room) and dedicate it to the nourishment and care of my body, mind, and spirit."

• "I open my heart to receive the gift of wellness. I am worthy of feeling vibrant and alive."

Remember, the most effective intention is one that feels true and powerful to you. Use these as a starting point and feel free to change the words to match the voice of your own heart.