Using Sage and Bells to Clear Bad Things
Clearing bad energy from a space is standard practice in Feng Shui. It is often done to clear the energies that are left behind by negative people or situations. These energies are thought to leave an astral imprint that affects those who have to live in it. The simplest way to clear negative energy from a bad energy from a home is to walk in a counterclockwise circle, starting from the front door and moving through all the rooms, while banging a small gong or ringing a tiny bell. Bells that ring a pure tone of high C, such as Balinese temple bells, are thought to best for this purpose.
The second way is to light a "smudge". Smudges are bundles of sage, pine, copal or other plant material that are wrapped with thread or ribbon and lit on fire so that they continuously emit a thick smoke. The best thing to do is put the smudge in a large fireproof bowl and carry it through your home, starting at the front door and moving through all the rooms in a counter-clockwise circle.
Sage Sprigs - The most common substance used for cleansing is sage. The word sage comes from the Latin word Salvia that means, "to heal." There are also varieties of sage, which are from the Artemisia family of plants. This includes mugwort which s used for cleansing and protection. White sage is used for cleansing and protection. Combining branches of pine and white sages together and burning them is used to attract prosperity.
Cedar and Juniper branches - These evergreen boughs have historically been used to help cleanse, purify and protect ones belongings. Sometimes brooms are made from them to use the smoke "sweep" to cleanse a home during a house blessing.
Sweetgrass - This musty smelling grass is used to drive out bad influences and draw good influences into the home. It is often used after a prayer or ritual to "hold" the magic" in its place.
Copal - this aromatic plant resin is mainly used in South American rituals. The touch of the strongly scented smoke from burning copal is thought to cleanse and purify any object or person.
Frankincense and Myrrh - these "biblical” resins are used in Africa, the Middle East and Europe for ceremonies and rituals. Burned together they are thought to balance yin and yang, or the masculine and feminine energies in a place or dwelling. Either is thought to draw blessings into a home.
Tobacco - Tobacco is burned to float prayers upwards to the Creator where they will be heard and answered. Burning a tobacco along with sage, cedar or sweet grass is thought to enhance the magical intentions of the smudge.
Smudges and resins can be bought commercially from occult, new age and gift shops. You can also use a feather or a branch with leaves to waft the smoke in the desired direction.
The practice is also thought to created negative ions in the air that remove static and create a positive atmosphere. Not only do people usually feel good afterwards, it also creates a space for the free flowing of positive energies and prayers.
