NEW YEAR. NEW YOU: HOW TO CLEANSE YOURSELF AND YOUR SPACE FOR 2023

December 26, 2022

With 2022 coming to a close, it's time to get ourselves ready for a new year full of exciting possibilities. 2023 will be an amazing year but first we need to make yourselves ready for the new year ahead.

THE IMPORTANCE OF CLEANSING

Just like clearing out your wardrobe can bring you space and to fill with new things that can bring you joy, our mind, body and spirits need a good declutter every now and then. Sage smudging is a great mental, emotional and physical practice, purging you of negative, unwanted energy, making yourself ready to receive what the new year has in store for you.

The burning of sage as a traditional practice, crosses many beliefs and cultures. There are many groups of peoples from across the world, dating back to more than 4,000 years ago, with this cultural practices of burning sage.

Sage has been used since the time of the ancient Egyptians and Romans to treat digestive issues, memory problems, and sore throats. The name sage comes from the Latin “salvia,” which means, “to feel healthy.” The practice of "smudging" is a popular practice in many cultures.

HOW TO SMUDGE IN 3 SIMPLE STEPS

1. PREPARE YOURSELF AND YOUR SPACE

Pick a place where you can sit or lie down comfortably. It doesn’t have to be a big space, and it’s okay to use a corner of the room. If there’s any clutter, try to remove it so it won’t distract you. If you’re having trouble finding a good spot, consider going outside for your ritual. This also allows you to connect with nature, which might help you boost your positive energy.

2. SMUDGING YOURSELF

Ideally take a bath or shower before cleansing yourself, but this is not mandatory. When ready, place your smudging herbs in a heatproof bowl and light them. Then, using a feather or your hand direct the smoke, allowing it to spread over your body from head to toe. Make sure to avoid burning near any smoke or fire alarms.

3. SMUDGING YOUR SPACE

Using the same feather or your hand continue to waft the smoke around the space. Avoid getting too close to flammable materials like blankets, curtains etc. Once you have finished smudging yourself and the space make sure to fully extinguish the sage smudge so that it is no longer smoking. Press the burning tip firmly into your fireproof vessel, dirt, or sand until the smoke no longer rises.

Don't get it wet! Don't use water to extinguish the hot embers, it will ruin the tip of the stick and make it harder to light next time.

TIP: As smudging is believed to help dispel negative energy it is often used to cleanse crystals, alters and other sacred objects too.

And there you have it, your quick and easy, 3 step guide to smudging. Ready to start cleansing for the new year ahead? Click here to grab yourself your own sage smudge! Make sure you take care and stay safe.

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