Clearing Negative Energy
Simple Ways to Cleanse and Renew with Sacred Herbs
Life can sometimes feel overwhelming, and without realizing it, we accumulate negative energy from our surroundings and experiences. This energy can weigh us down, affecting our mood, health, and even the vibe of our living spaces. That’s why creating a regular practice of clearing negative energy is so important. The good news? You don’t need anything complicated to get started—just a few sacred herbs, like sage or palo santo, and some intention.
Let’s dive into how these powerful herbs can help you feel lighter, clearer, and more grounded, along with easy steps for using them in your everyday life.
Sage
The Ultimate Purifier
Sage, particularly white sage, has been used by indigenous cultures for centuries as a powerful tool to clear stagnant and negative energy. When burned, sage produces a strong, earthy aroma that helps purify the space or person it touches. If you’re looking for a reset—whether after a stressful day, an argument, or just a buildup of "funk"—sage is your go-to.
Palo Santo
The Sacred Sweet Cleanse
Palo santo, also known as "holy wood," originates from South America and offers a gentler, sweeter aroma. This sacred wood is cherished for its ability to clear negative energy while promoting calmness, clarity, and emotional healing. If you’re feeling off-balance or need a fresh perspective, palo santo provides a sense of lightness that makes everything feel a bit more manageable.
How to Use Sage or Palo Santo to Clear Your Space
Set the Scene: Start by opening windows or doors to let fresh air in—this helps the negative energy leave the space. Set a clear intention, such as “I release negativity and welcome positive energy,” to guide your energy-clearing session.
Light the Herb: Using a lighter or match, ignite your sage or palo santo. Let it burn for a few seconds before gently blowing out the flame. What remains is the smoldering smoke, which will do the heavy lifting of clearing the energy.
Smudge Your Space: With your sage or palo santo in hand, walk around your space, moving in a clockwise direction. Pay special attention to areas where energy tends to get "stuck," like corners, doorways, and windows. As the smoke wafts through the room, visualize it sweeping away any negative energy, leaving behind a refreshed, positive vibe.
Release and Refill: As you smudge, express gratitude for the release of negative energy. Imagine your space filling with light, love, and positive energy. Trust your intuition—if certain areas feel heavier, spend a little more time there.
How to Clear Negative Energy from Your Body
Just like your living space, your body can collect energy that leaves you feeling off-balance. Smudging yourself is an easy and powerful way to reset and realign with your best self.
Find Your Center: Sit in a quiet space and take a few deep breaths. Set your intention to clear any negative energy and open yourself to peace and positivity.
Light the Herb: As with your space, ignite your sage or palo santo, letting it burn for a few moments before blowing it out.
Smudge Your Body: Starting from your head, slowly move the smoldering herb in a downward motion, guiding the smoke around your body in a clockwise direction. Focus on areas that feel heavy or tense, letting the smoke gently envelop you.
Affirm and Visualize: As you smudge, repeat positive affirmations like, “I am cleansed, I am renewed,” or “I release what no longer serves me.” Visualize the smoke pulling away negativity and filling you with light and vitality.
Close with Gratitude: Once you’ve finished, thank the process for the healing it’s provided. Picture yourself surrounded by a protective, harmonious energy field, ready to take on the world with a fresh mindset.
Consider Additional Healing Modalities
Beyond smudging, incorporating shamanic bodywork or massage therapy can help release deeper layers of energetic blockages. These hands-on therapies work by physically and spiritually removing stuck energy, leaving you feeling more balanced and refreshed. Shamanic bodywork, in particular, combines ancient healing techniques to align your body, mind, and spirit, making it a powerful tool for deep emotional and energetic cleansing.
By combining smudging with shamanic bodywork or massage therapy, you create a holistic approach to clearing negative energy from your body, leaving you renewed on every level—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Take Action for a Positive Shift
Clearing negative energy doesn’t need to be complicated or time-consuming. Whether you’re smudging your home or refreshing your energy field, these simple rituals using sage or palo santo can make a big difference in how you feel.
Ready to try it for yourself? Start small and notice the shift in your mood and environment. If you're looking for more ways to bring balance and positivity into your life, explore other holistic practices like acupuncture or herbal medicine with us at Vail Valley Wellness. We're here to help you create a life that feels light, clear, and energetically aligned.
