Black Sage Smudge Stick (Mugwort)
Different types of mugwort are often called "black sage." These are related to Artemisia vulgaris, the species most often sold as mugwort, though they do not contain as much of the hallucinogenic compound thujone.
Still, black sage is extremely helpful for inner healing, dream magic, shamanic journeying, trance work, and protection during astral travel. Whenever you need to look inward or access other realms of consciousness, black sage can help you.
COMMON USES OF SAGE
Removal of Unwanted Spirits: Sage can be burned in your home to cleanse it of a haunting or unwanted spirit activity.
Physical and Emotional Advantages: Burning sage is useful in cleansing oneself from psychic and emotional trauma. Much like clearing a space, the smoke from sage can be fanned around your body with the intent to remove emotional blocks in the energy field.
Healing and Chakra Balancing: People who do Reiki and other forms of energy healing can fan the sage smoke around their client's body to balance the energy centers, otherwise known as Chakras.
Relaxation: The smell of burning sage can increase relaxation and aid in deeper meditation.
HOW TO BURN SAGE
When we smudge, we first cleanse our hands with the smoke as if we were washing our hands. We then draw the smoke over our heads, eyes, ears, mouths and our bodies. These actions remind us to think good thoughts, see good actions, hear good sounds, speak good words, and show the good of who we are.
PRECAUTIONS FOR BURNING SAGE
When done correctly and respectfully, burning sage is completely safe and the effects last after the smoke clears.
Be careful with sage when it’s lit. If you aren’t careful, burns and even fire is possible. Have water nearby.
Never leave burning sage unattended. Make sure to put your sage bundle out completely after every use.
Setting off smoke alarms is common. Consider this if burning sage in a public building.
People with asthma and other respiratory conditions may be more sensitive to the smoke and have adverse reactions.
Always leave a window open while burning sage. Inhaling smoke can be hazardous to your health.
