Honoring Palo Santo
If you travel to any country in the world you will probably hear about a variety of herbs and plants that the locals swear by. There is something sacred about how much plants can elevate our wellbeing and I believe it all begins with understanding them. Palo Santo is a treasure of South America and has been used in ceremonies, rituals, and as a staple energy tool there for centuries. It's aroma is pretty incredible, a full fresh scent with hints of citrus and mint, which makes it one of the most fragrant woods. It's an uplifting scent that both lifts the spirit while grounding the body & mind.
Palo Santo comes from the Palo Santo tree which is native to the coast of South America. The name literally translates to holy wood. When the wood is burning it is believed to have medicinal and therapeutic healing qualities. Shamans and medicine people used it often for spiritual purifying, energy cleansing, and healing. Palo Santo is used often for protection against draining negative forces, inspiring creativity, infusing blessings, and bringing love and good fortune. It's also used to alleviate physical symptoms like common colds, stress, headaches, anxiety, inflammation, emotional trauma, and so much more.
To use your Palo Santo simply hold one stick at a 45 degree angle, hold over flame for about 45 seconds or until fire catches. Let it burn for 30-120 seconds and blow out. Walk around the space and let the smoke clear the energy. We like to set our intentions this way every morning. Open windows to clear the air and allow energy to flow in. You can leave it on an ashtray and it should go out on its own. You can also use Palo Santo to bless yourself, your space, your crystals, even your car.. Keep your mind steady on your intentions, mantras, or meditations and allow the smoke to raise them up.
Always practice care when dealing with fire and never leave lit fire unattended.
Freedom Tribe sources our Palo Santo from Ecuador and is sustainably harvested only from fallen branches. You can get discounted bundles in our shop!
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