If you are new to burning herbs, smoke cleansing, sage or smudging, there are some things you should know before you get started with your rituals, meditations and ceremonies. Not only will we cover the basics of smoke cleansing and how to burn sage or herbs, but we’ll also talk about the magical plant, it's origin in uses, benefits and ways to use these elements in your everyday life. How do you energetically cleanse any object or space using smoke and why would you even do this?

Sage and smoke cleansing is an ancient practice of clearing space with natural, herbal smoke and has been practiced by cultures around the world for thousands of years. Plus it's not just used in a spiritual sense, there is some good science behind it - smoke cleansing can drastically reduce the number of pathogens and bacteria in the air, by up to 94%, so was used to help stop the spread of disease and in health and healing rituals throughout Europe.

From my own perspective, Smoke, Sage and Herbal bundles have been used extensively in Pagan and Druid traditions, throughout the United Kingdom and connecting deeply to the earth and nature is something I am deeply passionate about. Ancient tribes in Britain would have walked these valleys and collected herbs and plants for healing practices.

Where I live in Surrey is The Druid's Grove, where the Yew trees are over 3000 years old! A special place of mention is Newlands Corner, a beautiful hillside walking spot and one of my favourites, the Yew trees are so many in this space there have been calls to have them protected. They are the oldest and largest wild Yew populations in the world. There have been many surveys of the trees and how they may have grown together, with stories of monks on pilgrimage to the Kent coast planting their seeds. 

When we connect to our roots, our ancient practices (such as cleansing with plants and healing with nature) a whole new, holistic and vibrant side can be found, if you are curious enough to look for it! Druidry is a spiritual way and practice that speaks to three of our greatest yearnings: to be fully creative in our lives, to commune deeply with the world of Nature, and to gain access to a source of profound wisdom.

Smoke cleansing can be using any herbs and does not always have to be the White Sage variety. Sage is a mild, slightly sweet herb with a calming, earthy aroma that has been burned for centuries in spiritual and ceremonial purposes. You can also burn sage in your home or office to cleanse energy that may be residing there. Originating in Europe, Sage, part of the mint family, has been used for teas, tisanes, herbal remedy, smoke cleansing, rituals and ceremony and the true white sage is Salvia Apiana, has a delightful scent when burned.

'Smudging' is a US native term for the smoke cleansing practice and a common practice worldwide. It means to burn herbs such as white sage, which is said to cleanse a certain space with the smoke of the plant. Cleansing refers to "spiritual cleaning", so the expelling of negative energy. The word Smudging in the US has become difficult for some cultures to see used, which has challenged it's ancient meaning, a practice that has been used so universally, for thousands of years, it has some pretty deep roots. So we must understand our own spiritual journey, where we connect to these practices, why we want to do these rituals, connections and what we would like to create, not imitate other indigenous practices. In the UK, burning herbs is called Smoke Cleansing or Saining, especially in Scottish Folklore.  

The people who spread this custom were mainly the Pagans and Celtic Druids in United Kingdom who spread throughout Europe, later onto Asia and the Native Americans throughout the USA, though many cultures throughout the world also use smoke to clear negative energy, to keep germs at bay and for ceremony. So it's good to practice with your roots and cultural heritage to mind. 

A little history: Ancient spirituality in Britain was influenced by the natural world and the threat posed by the elements. So if we go back to the tribal beginnings of British Isles, the deep love of mother nature is seen back 3,000 BC right up to the Iceni people and later with Boudicca and the Roman invasion. Though the Romans were very tolerant of ancient faiths and practices... the problem occurs when a new religion comes along telling people there's only one god and set Christianity on a collision course with the mighty Roman empire! Our shared History is fascinating...

Circe Invidiosa by John William Waterhouse, A favourite art piece for pagan divine feminine. In mediaeval times, mystics are seen as remarkable for their freedom of expression; in 14th Century England, the resurgence began, mysticism gave voice to a section of mediaeval society that was effectively silenced by the Church = Women.

The Isle of Wight was the last area of English paganism until 686CE when, according to Bede, Cædwalla of Wessex conquered the island, killing its inhabitants or forcing Christianity in their place. This is why you will find so many Churches throughout the UK have ancient Yew Trees nearby or directly next to, the Yew Tree was a place for the pagans to gather and for ceremony, as these ancient trees offered shelter from the elements and connection to the earth... though eating a relatively small quantity of leaves can be fatal, surprised they were sacred to gather under really! When connecting to the earth and foraging, you must learn to identify everything and never take any chances, but that's a whole other story, for another time. 

That's a very brief look back at our British spiritual culture, Sage, Herbs, Flowers and Nature has been at the centre of UK culture for thousands of years, it is so interesting to relearn and reframe our history and especially that of women whose stories were lost in time and these cultures have been pushed back and silenced throughout society for years, though the recent decline in modern religion is seeing a resurgence of ancient spiritual practices.  

(A great book for history buffs - Femina by Janina Ramirez, explores the history of the middle ages, through the women written out of it) 

For those many people that admire the connection to the earth, to nature and spirit the act of sage smoke cleansing can bring, it is an added sensory experience to the practice of energy work and spiritual rituals. When the sage is engulfing the space it takes with it the energy of darkness, negativity and other stagnant or heavy energy. 

Sage is often burned during cleansing and smudging rituals. White sage has longer-lasting burn time and an earthier scent that stands up well against stronger burning herbs, but you can use any combination of herb bundles for your rituals. I have made my own from mint, sage, basil and lavender mixtures. 

If you’re going to be using sage regularly for cleansing, it may be worth investing in a high-quality bundles of white sage, where you can even add your own dried flowers or herbs from the garden. Always check the origin of your hand-tied sage.

When buying it is important to look at your supplier, as not all sage is created equal. We buy Organic (USDA) White Sage, directly from our native-owned farm in Upland, California. The USA has such a difficult and violent history, in regards to using Sage, we thought it best to make sure our Sage came directly from an approved farm and support Native American owned businesses. Our meticulously hand-tied bundles, use absolutely no pesticides or growth hormones/chemicals and are sun dried for a simply amazing all natural product, which takes longer to develop, but is worth the wait, burning a natural sage scent that is clean, using the suns energy.

Please be careful when sourcing your sage. The root must always be left in the ground and a prayer of thanks given for each harvest. From the time it’s harvested to the time the ashes are disposed of must be purposeful, intentional, and sustainable. 

Circe Offering the Cup to Ulysses, by John William Waterhouse, a favourite image of the divine feminine power and a moment of enchantment. Circe's forte was creating transformative elixirs from flowers and herbs, and the art of healing or hexing with herbs which so many pagan practices are rooted to in an empowering and positive way.

For thousands of years, white sage and herbs have been burned in ceremonial practices. Pagans, Druids and indigenous peoples all over the world have used it for cleansing and healing. You must respect that fact when you selected your sage, give thanks for it's medicinal properties from the earth.

When connecting to your own culture, you may find other herbs and flowers than sage, that are used for smoke cleansing as well. For example, my own culture is deeply rooted in the Druids (from the Pagan line, Britain (Isle of Wight and Somerset). In our culture they used to mix sage bundles with nettles or rosemary, lavender, rose petals and sunflowers for love and other English Garden picks. 

By creating a calming ritual that helps you to release stagnant energy that can breed negativity, you can come back to your ceremony and find ritual and comfort in it. Sage bundles can be burnt for many reasons including moving into a new home, after a period of illness, Equinox or Seasonal changes, starting a new chapter in your life or simply to refresh your energy before your daily meditation and connecting your your own inner magic. Sage smells so beautiful, it can be used any time really, though i like to save my special sage bundles for rituals and meditation. I will be sharing some practices from our British culture, but you should research and connect with your own journey. These are very effective prayers to use in sage rituals and as the Druid Prayer sites: 

European Sage has a curlier leaf and a lighter sweetness when smoked, Cedar and Orange is a divine combination to try using in your cleanses. 

White sage is an herb that can be burned (in a safe way) in order to create smoke to cleanse an object or a space around you. Many people have also used it for healing purposes, purification and protection. Here’s what you need to know about white sage and how you can use it safely at home. 

Sage smudging or smoke cleansing is a technique which entails burning dry sage or other herbs to cleanse your home or space of negative energy. Smudging is a word from Native culture that we don't really use in the British Isles, but it means the same act of moving sage smoke through a space to cleanse the energy. By filling the space or aura with the cleansing power of sage, and clearing that smoke it dispels negative energy with it. The smoke from hand tied bundles of herbs, cedar or sage carries these negative energies away while replacing them with positive ones. If the word Smudging doesn't fit with your culture you can use Smoke Cleanse instead. 

If you’re lacking in sage and looking for good alternatives, you can use pine, lavender, roses, mugwort, cedar, basil, clove, mint, thyme, or another favourite is bay leaves. The truth is, it doesn’t really matter which herb you use, what matters is the herb’s effect and the practitioner’s intent. Some herbs having a calming effect, some cleansing, some invigorating. To decide which herbs are best to use, it is important to determine the purpose and desired effect of the ritual. 

It’s said that a simple smudging or smoke cleansing ritual will leave your home feeling more open and peaceful. If you’re ready to give it a try, here’s what you need to know about how to burn sage safely.

Step 1: Open any windows and doors to allow any stagnant energy and sage smoke to disperse.

Step 2: Light your sage bundle/smudge stick over a flame-proof bowl or crumble your leaves into a bowl to light, until a small flame has caught. Blow out the flame, the sage should smoke gently like incense. Burn within sight and keep away from anything that can catch fire. Keep away from children & pets.

Step 3: Walk around your space clockwise, or from the ground up if you are sage cleansing your Aura, using your hand or a card, some like to use a found feather to gently waft the sage smoke through your space. 

With both hands, bring the sage smoke into your heart, over your head and down the front and back of your body to cleanse yourself fully. Pick up the sage and with one hand wave the smoke onto your body starting at the feet and working up to your neck.

Starting on the lowest level of your space, use your hand or breath to force the sage smoke into all corners. Move in a clockwise direction around your house (usually starting at the front door), and gently wave the sage smoke into the air as you move. Spend a bit more time sage smudging the room corners and fully cleansing those, as they tend to accumulate stagnant energy. Be sure to also open the closet doors and carefully sage smudge inside.

When you have finished your ritual and meditation, you can really feel the clearing of energy, make sure your sage and any ambers are fully extinguished. Put out your sage by gently pressing it into the fireproof bowl or plate. You may wish to fill your bowl with dirt or sand to help conduct heat better and for using to snub out the sage bundle. Return the sage to your altar. You can re-light your bundle as often as possible until it burns down too low to use.

Remember, safety first - don't bring a flame near any flammable materials, such as curtains or your clothes. Be careful and gently waft the smoke to fill your space. 

Sage is used in many other cultures, one being the Native American Nations. Knowing the significance of sage among Native American Nations is important to consider, as members of various Native cultures argue that there's a very fine line between appreciation and appropriation. Sage has been used by these communities for hundreds of years as well, for medicinal treatment of ailments, headaches and other treatments, and when you start to learn about your own roots and if you want to use sage, please take a moment to consider if it feels right for you, if it doesn't, if you have no connection, choose some other practices. 

Our US Sage bundles are sourced direct from our native and female owned farm in upland, California. Farmed organically - never wild harvest and never using chemicals to dry - just out in the sun's energy and power, where they get a lot more of than here in rainy England! Their business thrives sharing their sage and skill, little bundles of joy to the world. 

Our EU Sage bundles are sourced direct from our female owned herbal farm in Crete, Greece. Each sage bundle is hand tied with an unique combination of herbs and petals to Europe. Once the bundles of sage herbs or cedar is made, they are dried in the sun's energy alone, clean and organic, ready for powerful smoke cleansing. 

In the UK and Europe, Sage has been used for thousands of years and though there has been a rapid decline in Pagan, Romany and other cultures as religion pushed these practices out. I for one, am very happy to see them returning. Our connection to the earth, nature and our own deep rooted culture is so important, perhaps it will help more people feel grounded in a hectic and vibrantly manic world. The world is so different to what our ancestors experienced and yet by grounding ourselves in ancient practices like sage cleansing you can feel hugely connected to the very essence of being, of our ancient ways and feel the cord of connection.

Cleansing: Cleansing with sage involves more than just burning the dried leaves of the plant and waving it around.

A great one if you have been sick and finally are feeling better with fresh sage energy or have been grieving or dealing with heart break, to release that energy and move it out of your aura and out of your home. 

Have you been plagued with doubts lately? Does there seem to be a cloud of negativity following you wherever you go? Then it’s time to consider performing a sage smudging prayer. Your intention, mantra or prayer, is a set of words that are spoken during the smudging/sage cleansing ceremony that are designed to focus your mind on what you want the sage ceremony to achieve, so your words should always be positive and affirmative.

Ithell Colquhoun (1906–1988), Dance of the Nine Maidens. 1940, © Tate. 

Art and creativity are at the centre of Druid and Pagan tradition, in finding your soul and the divine feminine in Mother Earth. Colquhoun saw ancient megalithic sites around Britain as conduits for divine feminine energy, which is one way of interpreting this artist work. Although the stone circles predate Christianity and are not actually petrified people, there’s still potency in myth and legend.

When creating a sage smoke cleansing prayer for the home, you will need to think about what you want to achieve – the more specific you can be the better. Do you want to be more productive? Do you want to clear negative energies after an argument? Has it been a very difficult time for you and your family? Or is it part of your daily ritual or welcoming the Equinox. I often cleanse myself if at home with rose water before delving deep in meditation or to cleanse my energy before painting, but I also sage cleanse my art studio regularly to clear energy and connect to my own innate divine power, so I can express my creativity fully. 

It’s important to remember that every situation is unique so the more you can feel and adapt the prayer to your intention, the better it will be. However, if you are looking for a little inspiration here are a couple of mantras that you can adopt:

Spiritual sage cleansing is important for many reasons. The first being that it purifies your aura, which can take on other energies, can build up and wreak havoc on your emotional body. In addition to getting rid of negative energies, spiritual sage cleansing also purifies your aura of harmful energies and spirits. 

There are countless prayers you can use for protecting your own energy. It is best to think of one thing you want to get rid of, such as negativity or a bad habit, then make one positive affirmation to confirm your intention. Your words themselves do not necessarily work on their own, meditation on them is important as they are powered by your thought and feelings.

Smoke Sage Cleansing prayers for protecting your family are particularly beneficial if you put your emotions into your heart and words... Have fears and negative thoughts towards a family member or friend? Worried about that time you raised your voice and had a blazing row and now your regret it?

Prayers can be used practically for any intent, from healing rifts between partners to infertility and idleness. This is an old Pagan prayer, that I love to use... 

"Earth, Air, Sea, and Wind,
Bless my family and my friends.
Power of Love and Hope and Light,
protect me onwards through the night.
Guard my home against things that creep,
Good spirits watch us as we sleep,
by Fire, Storm, Earth, and Sea.
As I speak – so mote it be." 

Here is also a Druid prayer you too can try:

Prayers for cleansing your surroundings can be as short or full of as many words as you need! Rhyming prayers are often easier to remember and many spiritual healers suggest that the process of rhyming can also raise more energy and resonance with your words. You may feel the need to cleanse your surroundings before performing a ritual, meditation, or even before you start on a new task, to ensure all negativity has been removed. A short cleanse could be something like the below: 

“The negativity of this sacred space,
I expel you by using the light of my sacred grace.
You hold no right or power here
I face and stand you without fear.”

A longer cleansing prayer for your surroundings could be the above, followed by the below taken from the druid closing prayer. It is an idea to write your prayer out and repeat it many times taking in each word, you can then burn the paper as you close our your cleansing ceremony. 

The mind is incredibly powerful. Research shows that stating positive mantras or yoga prayers regularly can improve your positivity and increase feelings of self-worth. A great way to start the day, every day, positivity - feeding into your wellbeing and also can be great for use in smoke cleansing. 

Furthermore, when you are feeling stronger and more positive, you are much more likely to be open to new experiences and attract positivity into your life, so let's all practice bringing more and more positivity into our lives! 

 And finally, if you feel you would like to close your ritual with the druid prayer - you can recite the close below, feel the positive and fresh energy you have cerated and feel the love of peace in your heart:  

Once you’ve sage cleansed yourself and space, the energy often relaxes. This is the time for you to fill the space with positive energy. You can do this with music or mantra chanting as you walk about. Some people like to spray rose water in the aura and atmosphere in each room. Rose petals we used to play with as children, making perfumes and teas, rubbing the petals on our skin, with my best friend in the garden, is one of my fondest childhood memories, carting around a buckets full of water and petals to bottle and gift to our mamas. 

So fill your heart with love and find your connection within. Most people sage cleanse their space or themselves once a week. But, use your intuition and do it as often as you feel necessary or work with the moon cycles or your yoga and wellbeing practices, it's all good, sage is such a wonderful herb to smell even dry if you don't wish to burn it. It can be crumbled into a bowl and some like to charge their crystals in the energy of sage, by submerged the sage.

Connecting to your own spiritual side is something to embrace not bury or hide. In our modern culture especially in the UK, it can feel difficult to express your innate spiritual nature and be shrugged or looked at, especially if that doesn't fit into a modern ideal or box. 

If ceremonies help you to connect to that side of consciousness and the world around you then hold on to these self care rituals and your own divine feminine power, sometimes we need reminding that our feminine sides and energy (in both genders) is ok to let that shine!

By journeying with nature, to the earth and the sky, to the elements that make us all vibrate with pure energy and love, to ground in being human and the shadow sides of self, these are all to be learned and eventually embraced. Sometimes it can feel like you have to go into religion to be spiritual, or that god can only exist inside the walls of religion, but that's not true. My grandma was a herbalist, a nature lover, a pagan humanist and nettle saver! she would sometimes say, 'god needs saving from religion' and I guess her generation, with rations and the war really learnt to connect beyond and to the limited resources they had and she knew the power of nature. Though I do enjoy the religious texts and find them inspiring, it's ok to really feel the power of spirituality within you and in your own surroundings, in nature, maybe that is as well or on it's own - let your practices guide you. Explore your spiritual side out of religious context if you feel that way called and bless your surroundings and all that brings you, to embrace faith, grace and eventually, Pure Joy! 

Lots of Love, Kati x 

 - Update 2023 - 

These Yew trees are mysteriously started to die, there is a small pocket in Newlands Corner that can be visited, but the rest should be left in peace. The Grandmother and Grandfather trees need protecting and as our climate changes we may see more of these events happening, you can read more about the Yews in this area and get in touch with your conservation group here.

If you are interested in learning more of our ancient cultures of Celtic and Druids, you can find resources listed below. The Beaverbrook in Leatherhead, Surrey, England also runs a deep healing in nature trail, which is amazing. 

https://www.beaverbrook.co.uk/offers-packages/event/celtic-druids-deep-healing-in-nature/

https://druidry.org/druid-way/what-druidry/a-brief-history

https://www.botanicamedica.co.uk/

https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Sage

The Druid's Grove has a beautiful walk through ancient woodlands, if you are local take a trail to see the ancient Yew Trees. 

https://getoutside.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/local/druids-grove-mole-valley

Our Sage Kits are all sourced from amazing female-run Organic certified farms, non toxic - no chemicals are used, dried in the sunshine only and hand-tied into bundles. Our European Sage Kits include Cedar which is collected from the fallen branches on the mountain tops of Crete, Greece, by farm owner and mountain top branch gatherer, Amy. 

Our US Sage kits are all sourced from an incredible and successful native owned female run farm in Upland, California. Where each bundle is hand tied and dried using the sun's energy. No chemicals are used in the production process and they have USDA Organic status. 

Be careful when sourcing your sage bundles, make sure you know their origin stories. Burning the Sage is releasing it's own innate energy to work with yours. You want to burn the cleanest ingredients and that includes sage. 

You can also make your own sage bundles of course, using sage herbs from your own gardens and nettles or foraged leaves, dried out hanging somewhere where they can rest. 

Happy Sage Cleansing x