About this item for hundreds of years, sage has been considered a sacred, cleansing, purifying, and protective plant in many cultures. Sage Smudging is a ritual where the leaves of the Sage plant are burned, and the smoke is directed into and onto areas that are in need of clearing and protection. The idea is that as the leaves are burned, and you speak express your gratitude for it's assistance, the spirit of the sage plant releases it's energy of protection and clearing into the space or onto the object that needs clearing. As the smoke moves through the room or over a surface, the smoke attaches itself to any heavy, negative energy that is within the space, object or being. As the smoke clears, the spirit of Sage carries with it the negative energy that was once attached, back up to the Spiritual Light. As the smoke moves through the room or over a surface, the smoke attaches itself to any heavy, negative energy that is within the space, object or being. As the smoke clears, the spirit of Sage carries with it the negative energy that was once attached, back up to the Spiritual Light. Few Safety Tips: Have a heatproof bowl to put some sage leaves in it. Be safe and keep the air as still as possible when you smudge. No fans, or open doors and windows. Any gust of wind could further ignite the sage and blow sparks and ashes out of the bowl Light the sage at the very tips of the leaves using a matchstick. Once it is lit, and the flame is blown out, it will smoke. The movement and release of the energy comes with the smoke and not the orange flames.