Sage Vs. Palo Santo

Sage and Palo Santo are both spiritual tools used to clear out negative and stagnant energies, but there are some key differences between the two.

The most important distinction to make when it comes to burning sage vs. palo santo is that sage removes negative and stagnant energies from a space, while palo santo infuses a space with positive energy.

Burning Sage

Burning sage is a great way to cleanse a space of negative energies, but be aware that it cleanses the entirety of energies, including positive ones.

This is why it's important to add positivity back into a space via positive intentions, essential oils, crystals, meditation or any other positive energy promoting practice.

To begin burning sage to cleanse a space, set your intention first and foremost. This means to be very clear in your mind and heart about what you want for the space.

For example, if you have just moved into a new home and want to cleanse old energies and fill with your own, be clear in your mind about that. Or, if you've just been through a toxic separation and wish to rid the space of any negative lingering energies, envision this. You get the idea.

Once your intentions are clear, light the sage.

Be sure to have some sort of burn tray near by to rest it on, such as a shell, or even an ash tray.

Most sage comes in bundles wrapped with string. Leave the string tied, do not untie it.

If possible, open a window, as this can help give the negative energy somewhere to go. But, do not worry if you're not able to do this step.

Use a match or a candle to light the sage, as opposed to directly from a lighter as the butane can interfere with the properties of the sage. It's okay to light a candle with a lighter, and light the sage from the candle.

Place one end of the sage in the flame for 20-30 seconds until it begins burning. Blow out any flames and allow the sage to smoke while you hold the unlit end.

Move the smoking sage around the space you wish to cleanse, through the air, over the surfaces and doorways and windowsills. Keep your intention clearly in your mind while you do this.

Depending on if the space is very large, you may need to relight the sage if it burns out to soon.

Once you have "sage-d" the space, set the burning end on the burn tray, or ash tray and allow it to go out by itself. Sage has a difficult time staying lit, so it will go out on it's own.

After you sage a space, you have completely cleared all energies. This includes both good and bad.

For this reason, do something to invite positive energy back into the space. This could be any method that feels good and right to you, such as meditation, essential oils, crystals, or your own positive thoughts and so on.

Burning Palo Santo

In contrast to burning sage, burning Palo Santo brings in good energies.

It's always a good step to do after burning sage, or as a positive boost in energy whenever it's needed.

You can burn Palo Santo at any time to bring in positive energies.

Use a candle flame or a match to light the Palo Santo. If possible, avoid using a butane lighter directly, as the fumes can interfere. You can instead light a candle with a lighter, and then use the candle to light the stick.

Set your intentions clearly in your mind and heart space. Feel what kind of positive energy you are desiring to evoke into the space.

Have a burn tray or ash tray ready to set the burning stick down onto after you are done.

Place the end of the Palo Santo stick in the flame until it catches fire, then let the flame burn for twenty or thirty seconds.

Blow the flame out.

Holding the stick, move the smoke around the space you are working in.

Move it through the air and around and over important areas. This can also be done over a person's body.

Once you feel you have done a sufficient job, just set the stick down onto a burn tray or ash tray of some kind and let it burn out and cool down on its own, which will happen quickly.

As always, be present when you burn sage or Palo Santo. Be mindful, grateful and above all, set your positive intention for the space that you are cleansing.

Please feel free to leave any comments or questions below.

Love and Blessings!