In the journey of holistic healing and energy work, few practices are as transformative and uplifting as Reiki. As a Reiki Master here in Toronto, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the profound shifts and healing that this ancient practice can bring to people’s lives. But what happens after a Reiki session? How do we ensure that the positive energy and balance we’ve cultivated during the session continue to thrive? This is where the sacred wisdom of Palo Santo and the cleansing tradition of white sage come into play.

Understanding Energy Clearing:  To truly appreciate the power of Palo Santo and white sage, we must first understand the concept of energy clearing. Energy clearing is a fundamental aspect of holistic practices like Reiki. It involves removing stagnant or negative energy from our physical, mental, energetic, and spiritual bodies. Just as a cluttered room can affect our peace of mind, stagnant energy can disrupt our overall well-being.

Palo Santo: The Sacred Wood of Healing: Palo Santo, often referred to as “Holy Wood,” carries with it a rich history of use in shamanic and healing practices. This sacred wood is a staple in my own practice for clearing energy after Reiki sessions. Palo Santo is known for its distinct, uplifting aroma and its ability to purify and elevate energy. When ignited, its smoke carries with it a sense of tranquility and healing. 

The Benefits of Palo Santo After Reiki: So, why choose Palo Santo for clearing energy after Reiki? Palo Santo has a unique ability to complement the healing effects of Reiki. It acts as a gentle yet potent ally in dispelling any residual or negative energy that may linger after a session. The result is a space and a self that resonate with harmony and balance. 

The Smudging Ceremony: One of the most profound ways to harness the power of Palo Santo and white sage is through a smudging ceremony. This ancient ritual involves the intentional burning of these sacred tools to purify and cleanse spaces, whether it be your home, your car, or your workspace. The act of smudging is deeply rooted in intention-setting and mindfulness.

 How to Perform a Smudging Ceremony: To perform a smudging ceremony with Palo Santo and white sage, follow these steps: 

  1. Set Your Intention: Begin by setting a clear and positive intention for the ceremony. What energy do you wish to invite into your space? 
  2. Ignite the Palo Santo: Light the Palo Santo stick and allow it to smolder, releasing its fragrant smoke.
  3. Begin the Cleansing: Starting at the entrance of the space, move clockwise, wafting the smoke with a feather or your hand. Focus on corners, doorways, and areas where energy tends to collect. 
  4. Express Gratitude: As you smudge, express gratitude for the cleansing and purifying effects of Palo Santo.
  5. Repeat with White Sage: For a more thorough cleansing, you can follow the same steps with white sage, which has its own unique purifying properties. In my own home, my husband and I have incorporated Palo Santo into our daily routine. We use it to clear away the energetic residue we encounter throughout the day, whether it’s from interactions with people at the grocery store or even the energy of passing cars. We also use Palo Santo to cleanse our children, Dylan and Faith. Given their interactions with various individuals throughout the day, we’ve found that a Palo Santo clearing after their evening shower helps them release any accumulated energy and ensures they enter a peaceful and restful state before bed.  

The power of Palo Santo and white sage in clearing away negative and stagnant energy is nothing short of transformative. Just as Reiki restores balance within, these sacred tools help us maintain that balance in our external environment. Energy clearing is a vital part of overall well-being, and it’s a practice that resonates with people and families alike.  

You don’t need to search far and wide to begin your journey with Palo Santo and white sage. These sacred tools are readily available, even on platforms like Amazon. If the idea of implementing these practices resonates with you, take that first step—order Palo Santo or white sage, and experience for yourself the profound effects of incorporating them into your daily routine. As you engage in these rituals, you’ll find that each clearing becomes a layer of intention and self-care, deepening your connection to the harmonious flow of energy in your life. The path to clarity and balance is one that Palo Santo and white sage invite you to explore. May you find healing, tranquility, and transformation along this sacred journey. — Feel free to make any adjustments or additions as needed, Julie. I hope this blog helps others understand the power of Palo Santo and white sage in maintaining positive energy after Reiki sessions.