I’ve been getting a great deal of questions about sage, and how to use it to remove negative energy. Sage comes from the Latin word “salvere,” meaning to be saved or to be healed. Since ancient times, sage has been used for many things. The Egyptians used sage for fertility, while in France sage was grown for tea. The Romans used it for digestion issues, the Chinese used it for sore joints and the Native Americans used it in ceremonies.

Simply put, sage clears the bacteria in the air. Sage smoke offers rapid delivery to the brain and efficient absorption to the body. Scientists have observed that sage can clear up to 94 percent of airborne bacteria in a space and disinfect the air. When sage is burned it releases negative ions, which is linked to putting people into positive moods.

Burning sage is one of the oldest and purest methods of cleansing a person, group of people, or a space, and is believed to bring wisdom, clarity and increased spiritual awareness. The practice dates back to prehistoric times and it’s been documented as having been used in every corner of the earth by our ancestors.

I grow my own sage to use in cooking and to make smudge sticks for ceremonies. I avoid mass-market websites to buy smudge sticks because I want to make sure of the intention and cultivation of the sage.

Before you light up, remember to open a door or window to clear out a path for unwanted energy. I use an abalone shell to hold the sage in and then a feather to fan and spread the smoke around the space as it burns. Abalone shells are great because of the shape, they are easy to hold when walking around any space. Set your intention for the ceremony and then after you light the sage let it burn for about 20 seconds and then gently blow out the flame. Then you can start the process of clearing out the energy from the space.

The sage ceremony has a great deal of yang energy so afterward, to evoke a balance, I use the yin property of incense, and I thank the wisdom of the sage for it’s healing properties. Sage is cleansing and sacred and I know it will help to clear any space as well as hearts and minds.

Have any Feng Shui questions? Feel free to contact me at michelle@michellecromer.com and sign up for your Power Color or visit me on Facebook at Michelle Cromer Feng Shui.