Question on saging....

[Lindsey]

I normally sage around my apt. and around my body (saying a little three line positive chant three times)everyday. I once heard that I then need to "seal" the saging with incense. Who can tell me about saging not only for protection and to invite positive energies, but any other reasons and rituals any of you use?

Thanks to anyone for your input. :-)

[get the red out]

1. I have only just begun saging

I have only in the past few months begun saging, the psychic and reiki practitioner who recommended it didn't say anything about the incense, though I use some of that independently. I have noticed a definite improvement in the energies around my home. I pay special attention to saging the radios and TV where my husband has his right wing hate shows come through. Seriously, there is a difference in him since I started doing this. He has become completely understanding that I will not listen to that or come into the living room when Fox is on the TV. These positive changes had been taking place already but they seem to have accelerated.

I notice some differences in myself as well, I am becoming less "shrill" (in my own mind). Whatever it is doing, or is happening, it is certainly positive.

I love incense too, it seems to have a positive effect as well. Who knows, maybe it is my positive intentions and prayers as I light the incense of sage? I don't know what is doing good, just that some good seems to have been done.

[winyanstaz]

2. Saging or smudging is enough..all by itself without "sealing" ...

I am not sure where that idea even came from but people like to make stuff up for whatever reason. :)
The reason we usually smudge with certain ingredients and not others is that sage, sweet grass and sacred cedar all burn at a rate that changes the rate of vibration of negativity. It cleanses that energy out of a place as well as being a tool to focus our Intent.
However you can also use regular incense as it is also a good tool. For example some people prefer to use lavender to smudge and that is also good.
They are all tools.
There is no tool that is more important than your intent.
In fact, if you have enough one pointedness and Intent..you really don't need any tools at all.
However tools do help us keep a focus and thats why we use them.
As long as you begin in the east and move clockwise as you call upon each of the directions...and be sure to end at the east (to close the circle) when you are smudging an area...you are doing it right.
I always enjoy the feeling after a good smudging.
As thought-forms tend to hang around each other in little clouds it is always nice to take the time to clean them out every once in a while.
If you are smudging a person..the Native American way is to tap the right hand (held palm up) with your smudge fan as you begin..move clockwise around the person using your smudge fan/feather to "comb" out the negativity starting at the head and moving to the feet.
As you come back to the front and close the circle..tap the left hand to signify the smudging is done.
The reason the palms are tapped is simple. It is to capture the second attention (sub-conscious) to signify something spiritually important is happening.
Peace to you and yours....

[Callie McAllie]

3. LOL. I need to get my eyes checked.

I saw your subject line and thought it said "Questions on aging...."

I am getting old.

[Sweet Freedom]

4. I saw questions on sagging.

I'm getting old too. :rofl:

[Cleita]

5. Me too at first glance.

I thought she was talking about me.

:rofl:

[southerncrone]

6. Me three! Guess that's what's on my mind these days!

Can't answer about saging, but sagging.......I could write volumes! LOL
Wonder what it really means that all 3 of us saw the same thing? Hmmm.:rofl:

[MorningGlow]

7. I agree with Winyanstaz

I've been a practicing witch for more than 15 years, and my elder also was an honorary member of the Seneca Tribe, and I've never heard of sealing the saging.

But you're doing the right thing, saging your place and yourself on a regular basis. (Hee--must be easier in an apartment--I can't imagine doing my entire house every day--I'm jealous!)

The other responses in this thread seem to have it covered--protection, yes, positive energies, yes. I have also used it to cleanse my sacred space (altar area) and remove any negative energies from new tools I'm going to use in magic or new jewelry before I wear it (NEVER put on jewelry till you've cleaned it--you might end up picking up somebody else's bad energy). :hi: