Using Sage in Your Home: A Guide to Cleansing with Intent

Sage smudging or burning for cleansing purposes is a practice that only came into my life within the last ten years or so. I had seen people using it, and I knew it was popular in aromatherapy sprays. I understood, at least vaguely, that it was good for clearing energy. And, of course, I knew sage as an herb for cooking, although my own herb use has been pretty basic – usually from a jar. (I do have a wonderful rosemary plant that grows abundantly in my garden, although I can take no credit for that – it looks after itself!)

Fast forward to when I began exploring mediumship and creating my own sacred space, affectionately named my “Lady Lair.” Sage quickly became an essential tool for me. I started using it to cleanse the aura of each person who entered, and I explained the concept to clients who, like me, might have had only a vague understanding of sage’s purpose. None of my clients have ever declined, and most appreciate the practical, non-woo benefits as well: sage kills airborne bacteria, which is a bonus, especially if you’re a pet owner (cat owners, you know what I mean about that unique smell!) or suffer from allergies.

A Brief History of Sage

The practice of using sage for cleansing and purification goes back centuries, rooted in Indigenous cultures of North America and beyond. White sage (Salvia apiana) is often used in Native American rituals for spiritual cleansing. The belief is that sage smoke clears negative energy, creating a fresh space for positive energy to flow. Across the world, other varieties of sage are used for similar purposes – in Mediterranean cultures, common garden sage (Salvia officinalis) has long been used as a cleansing herb in the home.

Different Types of Sage and Their Properties

There are different strains of sage available depending on the region, each with its unique properties:

• White Sage (Salvia apiana): The most commonly used for spiritual cleansing.

• Garden Sage (Salvia officinalis): Known as culinary sage, it’s easy to grow and can be used for both cooking and cleansing.

• Desert Sage (Artemisia tridentata): Also called “sagebrush,” it’s often used for ceremonies and has a softer, earthier scent.

How I Use Sage in My Practice

When I started cleansing my clients’ auras, it felt a bit odd at first – waving smoke around their bodies! When cleansing a room, I wave the smoke around the space, paying special attention to corners, where stagnant energy tends to collect. I like to walk clockwise through each room, which symbolises the welcoming of positive energy. While doing this, I often say a positive rhyme or simply hum. It’s about intention: what energy do you want to replace the stagnant energy with?

To amplify the effect, I sometimes pair sage with crystals like black tourmaline (for protection) or clear quartz (for clarity). Placing crystals in each room can help maintain the positive energy even after the smoke clears.

Practical Tips for Using Sage

• Lighting Sage: Use a match or candle to light the sage, letting it burn for a few seconds before blowing out the flame to allow it to smolder. I find it works best when you have a window open, which gives the negative energy and spirits a way out. I’ll often say something like, “Only good energy with good intentions is welcome here,” inviting in positivity.

• Extinguishing the Sage: Once done, press the sage into a fire-safe bowl filled with sand or dirt to extinguish it. Be sure it’s fully out, as it can continue smoldering. If needing a quick solution, water works too.

  

  
  

Harvesting Your Own Sage

If you have a green thumb, you can harvest your own sage by drying it upside down. This can be a satisfying way to connect with the plant and create a more personal cleansing experience.

When You Can’t Burn Sage: Alternatives

Not all spaces allow me to burn sage, so I keep an aromatherapy spray infused with sage and crystal energy on hand. Sage sprays offer a smoke-free alternative for clearing the air and refreshing the energy in a room. Just spritz it around the space or over yourself for a similar cleansing effect. These sprays can even work as a light air freshener and are especially useful if you want a more subtle effect without smoke.

Closing thoughts

Using sage in the home can be a deeply personal and grounding ritual. It’s about setting an intention, letting go of negativity, and making space for the energy you want to welcome in. Whether you’re a long-time sage user or a curious beginner, I hope this guide inspires you to make this practice your own, with a focus on positivity and respect for the tradition’s rich history. - Ang