Smudging with Palo Santo involves burning the wood and using its fragrant smoke to cleanse and purify spaces, objects, or individuals. Here’s what it means to smudge with Palo Santo: 

Cleansing Negative Energy

Smudging with Palo Santo is primarily done to cleanse a space or person of negative energy. The smoke is believed to clear out stagnant or harmful energy, leaving the space or person feeling lighter, more positive, and more balanced. This cleansing effect is like smudging with sage, but Palo Santo is often considered to have a more uplifting and sweeter energy. 

Inviting Positive Energy

In addition to cleansing, Palo Santo is also used to invite positive energy into a space or around a person. The wood is known for its ability to raise vibrations, promote a sense of peace, and enhance spiritual connection. Smudging with Palo Santo can help to create a sacred and harmonious environment that supports meditation, prayer, or other spiritual practices. 

Spiritual Connection

Many people use Palo Santo to deepen their spiritual connection. The act of smudging with Palo Santo can serve as a ritual to prepare the mind and spirit for meditation, reflection, or prayer. The calming and grounding properties of the wood make it an ideal tool for enhancing spiritual awareness and focus. 

Healing and Protection

Smudging with Palo Santo is also used for healing and protection. The smoke is believed to have therapeutic properties that can help with emotional healing, reduce stress, and alleviate symptoms of anxiety. Additionally, it is thought to create a protective barrier against negative influences or spiritual harm. 

Cultural Significance

In many Indigenous cultures of South America, smudging with Palo Santo is a sacred practice used in ceremonies and healing rituals. It is considered a powerful tool for connecting with the divine, invoking blessings, and honouring the spirits of the ancestors. 

In essence, smudging with Palo Santo is a ritual that involves using the sacred wood to cleanse, protect, and uplift the energy of a space, object, or person. It is a practice that is deeply rooted in spiritual traditions and is used to promote overall well-being and harmony.

Author: Coralee Roberts

Coralee is a passionate health and wellness advocate with a deep understanding of holistic living. Driven by a desire to empower herself and others to achieve optimal health and well-being, she has been practicing smudging and energy cleansing for several years. In 2024, Coralee decided to formalize her knowledge and completed a certificate in smudging, deepening her understanding of this transformative practice. Through her writing and teachings, Coralee aims to inspire and support others on their own paths towards wellness and resilience.