Beginner’s Guide to Energy Cleansing with Palo Santo and Sage 🌿
A gentle, beginner-friendly guide to energy cleansing using Palo Santo and sage to reset your space and reconnect with yourself.
Beginner’s Guide to Energy Cleansing with Palo Santo and Sage
TL;DR: ⚡️
Curious about energy cleansing but not sure where to start? This guide walks you through beginner steps using Palo Santo and sage to clear stagnant energy and create a grounded, peaceful space. No perfection needed — just intention, presence, and a little curiosity. Includes simple how-to rituals, first-time tips, and a free printable to support your practice.
Before we dive in...
1:1 Reiki sessions are now available—virtual or in person. If you’ve been feeling off, overwhelmed, or just want a quiet space to reconnect, this might be a good fit.
To book, email info@vibrationalbloom.com, visit vibrationalbloom.com, or send me a DM.
By Jess | The Bloom Collective
Clearing Energy for the First Time? Start Here.
Not too long ago, I kept seeing people on Instagram and TikTok lighting Palo Santo or sage, waving smoke around their homes with ease, talking about cleansing energy and “clearing their space.” And honestly? It kind of intimidated me.
I was curious - but totally unsure where to start.
Was there a right or wrong way to do it?
Would I be doing it wrong if I didn’t know all the spiritual meanings?
I felt like everyone else just knew what they were doing.
But here’s what I’ve learned since beginning my own practice:
You don’t have to be a spiritual expert to cleanse your space.
All you really need is an open heart, a grounded intention, and a little patience with yourself.
So if you’ve ever felt drawn to sage or Palo Santo but didn’t know how to begin, this guide is for you. I’ll walk you through how I started, what worked for me, and how you can start gently shifting the energy in your space—without the pressure to do it perfectly.
Why Cleanse Your Space?
Just like we clean our homes physically, our energetic spaces need attention too.
Emotions, stress, conversations, and even other people can leave behind lingering energy. Over time, that buildup can feel like:
Heaviness
Anxiety or distraction
Feeling emotionally drained
A vibe that feels “off” and hard to name
Cleansing helps you:
Reset the energy in a room after stress or emotional moments
Create a sacred container for practices like meditation, journaling, or Reiki
Invite in peace, clarity, and fresh energy
Feel more grounded, clear, and aligned
My First Time Cleansing a Room
I remember standing in the middle of my room, holding a Palo Santo stick, unsure what to do next. I lit it, let it smoke, and awkwardly waved it around like I’d seen in videos.
But the second I paused, closed my eyes, and set an intention - it clicked.
I wasn’t just burning wood. I was creating space.
Space for myself, for healing, for calm.
So don’t overthink it. This is a practice meant to feel supportive, not perfect.
How to Cleanse with Palo Santo (Beginner-Friendly Steps)
Palo Santo (Spanish for “holy wood”) has a sweet, earthy scent and offers gentle, uplifting energy. It’s perfect for beginners or daily use.
Step-by-Step:
1. Set Your Intention
Take a breath and get clear. Say (out loud or in your mind):
“I clear away any energy that no longer serves me. I welcome in peace and clarity.”
2. Light the Tip
Use a candle or lighter to light the end of the stick. Let it burn for about 30 seconds.
3. Blow Out the Flame
Gently blow it out. You’ll see soft smoke rising.
4. Walk Through Your Space
Move through your room slowly, letting the smoke drift into corners, near windows, and especially around doorways—places where energy tends to stick.
5. Close with Gratitude
When you’re done, place the Palo Santo in a fireproof bowl. Take one last breath and thank the space for receiving your intention.
How to Cleanse with Sage (For Deeper Clearing) 🌬️
White sage is powerful and deeply purifying. It’s great when the energy feels especially heavy - after illness, emotional release, or conflict.
Step-by-Step:
1. Start with a Centering Breath
Breathe in and set your intention:
“I release all stagnant or heavy energy and invite in harmony, light, and love.”
2. Light the Sage Bundle
Let it catch fire, then blow it out after 15–30 seconds. You want smoke, not flames.
3. Let the Smoke Guide You
Slowly wave the sage around the room. Focus on corners, closets, mirrors, and behind doors.
Open a window or door to allow the energy to move out. 🪟
4. Extinguish Safely
Press the bundle gently into a bowl of sand, dirt, or a fire-safe dish until it’s out completely.
Extra Beginner Tips 🤝🏻
Don’t rush. Even just cleansing one room or corner is powerful.
Use your hand or a feather to guide the smoke gently.
No pressure to get it perfect. Trust your intuition—it gets easier each time.
If smoke isn’t for you, try essential oil sprays, Reiki, or sound bowls for energetic cleansing.
Not as Woo Woo as You Thought 💭
I used to think this was something only “spiritual” people did. But the truth is - we’re all energetic beings.
And we all deserve to feel clear, grounded, and supported in our space.
Now, lighting Palo Santo or sage feels like a reset button for my home and my soul. It helps me reconnect with my body, my breath, and my inner calm.
If you’ve been thinking about trying it, let this be your sign.
You don’t have to be an expert. You just have to begin.
Have you ever tried cleansing your space? 💬
Or are you just starting to explore it? I’d love to hear how it feels for you - drop a comment, share your experience, or send me a DM.
Field Notes from the Bloom 🪻
Just like I do with my closest friends, when I find something that inspires, grounds, or shifts my energy — I have to share it. That’s why I created this space. A soulful collection of sounds, insights, and conversations to support your growth, reflection, and everyday magic.
Field Notes from the Bloom is a permanent, evolving playlist curated to meet you where you are. Whether you’re journaling, moving through a slow morning, or simply needing to reconnect with your breath, this is your sonic sanctuary.
Podcast of the Week 🎙️
This week’s listen is a powerful reminder to trust the pause, release what no longer serves, and lean into divine timing:
Dare to Detach – Date Yourself Instead
From the Date Yourself Instead podcast — this one is for anyone feeling stuck or unsure if their manifestations are working. It’s a loving nudge to let go, reset, and remember that the universe is always aligning what’s meant for you.
Bloom Beats of the Week 🎧
Your weekly dose of sonic energy. Think soft rhythm, ambient movement, and music that grounds you while opening your heart. Curated to match the vibe — whether you’re journaling, flowing, or just resetting your space.
This week’s track:
Forever Baby by Carlita & Janet Planet
This one’s smooth, dreamy, and a little hypnotic. Perfect for slow mornings, walking meditations, or solo dance breaks in your kitchen. Let it loop while you reset.
Printable Support for Your Energy Work 🕊️
Want to deepen your practice with printable tools? I’m so excited to share that my Weekly Clarity Planner is now available for you. You can find it along with other digital wellness resources over on my Etsy shop. Perfect for pairing with your space-cleansing rituals and weekly resets.🌟
This planner has become one of my favorite ways to create mindful structure in my week. It helps me stay grounded, clear, and connected to my energy, even on the busiest days.
Let’s Stay Connected 📱
New posts go live every Thursday at 6 PM MST — tune in each week for fresh reflections and rituals.
💻 Website: www.vibrationalbloom.com
📸 Instagram: @vibrationalbloom
🎥 TikTok: @vibrationalbloom
Follow along for rituals for real life, reflections, and everyday ways to stay grounded and inspired!
With warmth and light,
Jess 🪻
Nature Ritualist, Reiki Guide & Founder of Vibrational Bloom
