Palo Santo, which means "Holy Wood" in Spanish, is a type of sacred wood from South America, particularly from trees in the Bursera graveolens family. Similar to ritual cleansings with sage, cleansings with Palo Santo involve burning small sticks of this wood to create smoke for energetic cleansing. This practice has roots in Indigenous cultures of the Andes, where it has been used in ceremonies for centuries.
White sage is used in traditional cleansing practices where white sage (Salvia apiana) is burned to produce smoke, which is believed to clear negative energy, purify spaces, and promote healing. This practice has roots in Indigenous cultures across North America, where it’s used in ceremonies, healings, and personal energy clearing. Over time, the practice has been adopted by people from various backgrounds as a spiritual practice for well-being and mindfulness.
Ritual White Sage with Palo Santo Herb Bundle
To perform a cleansing:
- Light the Sage: A bundle of dried white sage is usually lit, allowing it to catch fire briefly, then blown out to produce a steady, aromatic smoke.
- Directing the Smoke: Using a feather or hand, the smoke is gently fanned around the space, object, or person. Some people focus the smoke in specific areas, such as doorways or corners, where energy is thought to stagnate.
- Setting Intentions: Many people set positive intentions, offer gratitude, or say prayers while cleansing to enhance the practice's purpose.