Cleanse body, mind and spirit with Palo Santo Wood
 
Bundle of 5 pieces of Palo Santo wood, approximately 10cm long.

For centuries the indigenous shamans of the Andes and Amazon have been using Palo Santo (“Holy Wood” in Spanish) for spiritual purification and energy cleansing rituals and ceremonies. When this sacred wood is burned it’s believed to clear negative energy and restore calm, and strengthen the spiritual connection with the metaphysical and physical world.

Palo Santo or Bursera graveolens, is a wild tree native from the Yucatán Peninsula to Peru and Venezuela. Palo Santo has a pleasant fragrance of sweet pine, mint, and lemon scents.

Palo Santo is also used for space clearing in the home and to promote the flow of positive energy, It’s pleasant aroma produces a relaxation and calmness. It reduces stress, anxiety while enhancing clarity and concentration. The process of using the Palo Santo smoke is called smudging.

Palo Santo can also be use to cleanse healing tools such as instruments, crystals, wands, and altars.

Caution: Keep out of reach of children. Make sure you use a fireproof receptacle. Never leave embers unattended. Use in a well-ventilated area. 
 
How to use Palo Santo Smudge

Traditionally Palo Santo can be burned in an abalone shell, but any fireproof bowl will do. 
To light the wood the easiest way is to light a candle first, then hold the stick of Palo Santo in the flame. It only needs to burn a little as your intention is to create smoke from the wood. Tongs can be use if the stick is too short. Take care not to burn your fingers.

Place the smouldering Palo Santo wood into your chosen shell or bowl. If you are using a shell check each time that the integrity of the shell is safe and there are no holes in the bottom. Be aware that the bottom of the shell will get hot after a while and you may need to place it on a fireproof plate or dish.

Gently fan the smoke around your body to cleanse your spirit. You can fan the smoke with your hand, any handheld fan, or you can make or purchase a ceremonial feather fan. Be careful that your fanning doesn’t blow burning embers from your shell or bowl.

To cleanse your house, move around each room gently fanning the smoke. Open windows and doors before you start. Pay special attention to doorways and corners where stagnant energy lingers, over your bed or anywhere you feel needs uplifting energy. 
 
Combine Palo Santo wood with White Sage smudge or other dried herbs like rosemary, lavender cedar, juniper or sweetgrass to create different aromas.

You can make your practice of smudging ceremonial by including creating an altar, lighting candles, chanting, praying, mudras and setting your intention, or just as simple as making your room smell nice.