Abalone Shell
Abalone Shell ( Medium size approximately 10-11cm) great for using to extinguish your sage smudge sticks in your smudging rituals. Abalone are a type of mollusc similar to clams and oysters and the mother-of-pearl bearing shells are traditionally used in native American rituals, as it is believed that the combination of sage and shell would carry their messages up to heaven. These shells are approx 10 -11cm). Size and shape may vary slightly from the image shown.
Important Information
- Keep it under control: Don't leave smudge sticks unattended. The person conducting the ceremony should always be in control of the smudge stick.
- Use a fireproof container: Use a fireproof bowl or if using a shell (use white sand to protect the shell from over heating) to catch ashes and embers.
- Ensure good ventilation: Open windows or doors to allow fresh air to circulate.
- Keep it away from children and pets: Keep smudge sticks out of reach of children and pets.
- Avoid fabrics: Keep lit smudge sticks away from fabrics, curtains, draperies, and upholstered furniture.
- Extinguish properly: When you're done, snuff out the smudge stick completely in a sand or soil container.
Beginners Guide to Smudging
Maybe it’s been recommended by a friend or you’re just curious about the cleansing benefits of white sage and want to learn more before getting started. Here is a simple beginner's guide to cleansing your home with white sage.
Burning white sage is a ritual that has been used for centuries throughout many cultures for use during religious and spiritual practices.
Today, the smoke from white sage is most commonly used to cleanse you and your home of negative and stagnant energy - it’s like an energetic shower.
But, why is energetic cleansing so important? Well, think about how you feel when you’ve been in the company of uplifting positive people or at an event where everyone is enjoying themselves - have you felt that energetic shift that has you smiling for days? Conversely, when you’ve been around negative people, you feel absolutely drained.
So it’s clear that we’re influenced by the energy around us and that we can carry it with us long after an event has ended or the company has left! These fragments together with personal energy from negative experiences and unhealed emotions begin to build up and manifest into a sense of increased stress, feeling stuck and can even cause relationship difficulties with those we love.The practice of burning white sage with a clear intention can help to restore a sense of calm and while it can be used as often as required, it can be particularly useful:
- When moving into a new home.
- When you want to cleanse the energy from a particular room or object.
- When your mood or energy is low.
- When you need to ground and refocus your spiritual energy.
- When you have decluttered your space.
- After periods of stress or illness.
- After having company in your home.
While cleansing with white sage is ideal for clearing the air on an energetic level, it also has a few other practical uses. It releases negative ions that fight against things like dust and pollution. Research has also shown that it can clear 94% of bacteria (for up to 24hrs) which is why it’s great to use when you’ve not been feeling well.
Creating a cleansing ritual with white sage can be as simple or spiritual as you’d like but approaching it with intention and being present helps you make the most from this deeply calming practice..What Do I Need?
- Sage smudge stick
- Heat proof bowl - Important Information* For safety and to catch falling embers;
- use a heat proof bowl or if using an Abalone Shell use white sand to prevent the shell from over heating
- Candle/Matches - Either work but I prefer a natural candle to help achieve a healthy flame and a good amount of smoke to begin your sage ritual.
- Method to extinguish - Simply press the stick firmly into the fireproof container until it has been extinguished or use sand or earth. If you plan on re-lighting your sage stick then never use water to extinguish it.