Art of Cleansing a Space with Sage
A Simple, Powerful Habit for Clearing Stagnant Energy
Have you ever walked into a room and felt like the air was “heavy” or something just felt off? That’s often a sign of lingering energy that no longer serves the space—or you. One of the most effective ways to clear this kind of energy is through the art of cleansing with sage.
While this practice has ancient roots, it’s also a beautifully modern tool for creating a calm, intentional environment. It’s not about being mystical, it’s about reconnecting with your space, your energy, and your sense of peace.
A Brief History of the Practice
Burning herbs for purification is a tradition that spans continents and cultures. Among the most well-known are the Indigenous tribes of North America, who have long used white sage, sweetgrass, and other sacred herbs for ceremonial cleansing and spiritual connection.
It’s important to honor that heritage while also recognizing that versions of this practice exist worldwide. In fact, early Christian traditions also used incense to purify churches and homes—a ritual still practiced today. Across time and belief systems, the idea of smoke as a spiritual cleanser is a shared human instinct: a way to release the old and welcome the new.
As you incorporate sage cleansing into your own life, approach it with respect, mindfulness, and intention.
What Is Sage Cleansing?
Cleansing with sage involves burning specific herbs and allowing the smoke to drift through a space, over objects, or around a person to help release stagnant or unwanted energy. It’s a habit of renewal—like opening the windows of your home after a long winter.
The most important element? Intention.
The energy behind why you’re doing it matters even more than how you do it.
Different Types of Sage (and Sage Blends)
There are many varieties of sage and herb bundles, each offering a slightly different energetic “flavor.” Here are some of our favorites:
🌿 White Sage (Salvia apiana)
The most common variety, white sage has a strong, earthy scent and is often used to neutralize and clear heavy or stale energy. It’s powerful and deeply cleansing.
🌹 Rose Chakra Sage (White Sage + Rose Petals)
Wrapped with naturally dried rose petals, this blend combines the clearing power of white sage with the loving, heart-centered energy of roses. It’s a favorite for emotional healing, self-love, or when creating space for meaningful connection.
🔵 Blue Sage (Salvia azurea)
Known for its gentle, fresh aroma, blue sage is often used to invite peace, clarity, and calming energy into a space.
🌿 Yerba Santa
Translated as “Holy Herb,” yerba santa is wonderful for emotional healing and spiritual support. It's especially helpful during times of grief, transition, or when you're ready to let go of the past.
🌵 Desert Sage (Artemisia tridentata)
Used for protection and purification, desert sage has a crisp, woodsy scent and is great for outdoor energy clearing or grounding.
🌱 White Sage + Rosemary
This blend brings together the powerful cleansing of white sage with the mental clarity and protective energy of rosemary. It's ideal for clearing your space before meditation, work, or focused tasks.
🌑 Black Sage (Mugwort)
Also known as dream sage, it’s often used to support introspection and reflection. A great option for journaling or preparing for rest.
About Palo Santo
🔥 Palo Santo ("Holy Wood")
Palo Santo is a fragrant wood from South America, traditionally burned for spiritual purification, emotional clarity, and to invite positive energy. Its scent is sweeter and more subtle than sage—think warm vanilla and citrus notes.
While sage is used to clear energy, Palo Santo is often used to invite in calm, creativity, and blessings. It's a beautiful follow-up to sage cleansing, especially when setting intentions for a fresh start or peaceful mood.
We encourage sourcing Palo Santo responsibly, as overharvesting has led to concerns about sustainability. All Palo Santo sold at 12 Stones and Lavender is ethically sourced from naturally fallen branches.
How to Cleanse Your Space with Sage
- Start with a Clear Intention
Before lighting your sage, decide what you want to clear out—and what you want to invite in. A simple sentence like “I release old, stagnant energy and welcome peace and clarity” can go a long way. - Prepare Your Space
Open a few windows or doors to allow the old energy (and the smoke) to exit. This also invites fresh air and flow. - Light the Bundle
Use a lighter or match to ignite the tip of the sage bundle. Let it burn for 10–20 seconds, then gently blow out the flame. The bundle should smolder and release smoke. - Cleanse the Space
Move through the room slowly and intentionally, letting the smoke drift into corners, around windows, and over doorways. You can use your hand or a feather to guide the smoke. - Cleanse Objects or Yourself
Hold crystals, tools, or other objects in the smoke to clear residual energy. You can also fan the smoke around your body—from head to toe—with the intention of grounding and renewal. - Extinguish Safely
Press the burning tip into a fireproof bowl, shell, or dish of sand until fully extinguished. Never leave a burning bundle unattended.
Why Energy Matters
Over time, environments can hold on to what we’ve experienced in them—stress, conflict, grief, even illness. Regular cleansing helps “reset” the atmosphere, creating a clear canvas for the energy you actually want in your life. It’s like energetic spring cleaning for your soul and space.
Want to Learn More?
For more information on the benefits of burning sage—including scientific insights on its antimicrobial and mood-boosting properties—check out this article from Healthline:
👉 The Benefits of Burning Sage
👉 The Benefits of Burning Sage
Let your space reflect your energy—and your energy reflect your intention.
✨ Stay grounded. Stay clear. Stay connected.
✨ Stay grounded. Stay clear. Stay connected.
