Page 49 - Kallima Spiritual Centre - Covid-19 Edition - April 2020

Relieve the symptoms of
some conditions
It turns out that sage may help clear the air of lots more than bugs and bacteria.
Though scientifically unproven, burning sage is thought to release negative ions. This is said to help neutralize positive ions.
Common positive ions are allergens like: • pet dander
• pollution
• dust
• mold
If this is the case, burning sage may be a blessing for those with asthma, allergies, bronchitis and other respitatory conditions. But inhaling the smoke during the smudging can aggravate any respiratory condition. Wait until the smoke clears before going into the room.
Sage as a spiritual tool
Smudging has long been used to connect to the spiritual realm or enhance intuition.
For healers and lay people in traditional cultures, burning sage is used to achieve a healing state — or to solve or reflect upon spiritual dilemmas.
This may have some scientific basis, too. Certain types of sage, including salvia sages and white prairie sage, contain thujone.
Research shows that thujone is mildly psychoactive. It’s actually found in many plants used in cultural spiritual rituals to enhance intuition.
It may help dispel negative energy
Smudging may also be used as a ritual tool to rid yourself — or your space — of negativity. This includes past traumas, bad experiences or negative energies from others.
This may help you establish a positive environment for meditation or another ritual. Choosing to sit and let go of negative thoughts in a ritual like this sets your intention and dedication to self-improvement. Choosing to engage in ritual can be the beginning of your change in mindset.
Cleansing or empowering specific
objects
Burning sage creates fragrant smoke central to smudging’s benefits. You can use this incense to smudge yourself, specific spaces or objects.
This can be useful with new purchases, gifts or second hand items. However, any item can be smudged.
If you have any concern with negative history or energy attached to a new or unfamiliar object, smudging may help bring peace of mind and make the object more sacred to you.
It may help improve your mood &
stress levels
Tradition suggests that smudging can literally lift one’s spirits to banish negativity. Some research supports this.
A 2016 research project in American (University of Mississippi) established that white sage (Salvia apiana) is rich in compounds that activate certain receptors in the brain. These receptors are responsible for elevating mood levels (goof for helping with anxiety, depression and mood disorders), reducing stress, and even alleviating pain.
It may improve the quality of your sleep
Smudging has been traditionally used to safeguard against negativity that could interfere with sleep. Some research has suggested that sage contains compounds that could help ease insomnia.
Classic garden sage (Salvia officinalis) is sometimes burned like white sage. It’s also been used to improve sleep and soothe anxiety.
It may help boost cognition
In addition to dissipating negative energy, improving mood, and strengthening intuition, smudging with sage might improve your memory and focus.
It may help boost your energy levels
Ridding the body, objects, and spaces of bad energy can help welcome in newer, fresher, and more positive energies. In a way, this could have an energizing effect and help with fatigue.
It can create an uplifting fragrance
For some, this may be the best of all benefits: Sage is a lovely incense with a divine aroma, pure and simple, so you can also light and burn sage to improve odour, fragrance, and mood.
Simply waft sage smoke in and around your home. You can place the bundle in a fireproof bowl or burner and allow it to smoke for a while.
It also works great as a chemical-free air freshener or odour controller.
What you need
The practice of burning sage or smudging is fairly simple, with few necessary tools.
Basic tools include:
• a sage bundle (or smudge stick)
• a seashell or bowl of ceramic, clay, or glass to hold
burning sage or capture ash
• matches or a lighter
• optional feather or fan for fanning smoke
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