We are beyond excited to welcome 2020 and all the wonderful things that we know are in store for us and the people we care most about in our lives. It has been a positive change that has appeared in many different areas ...shaping our practice with our new (now almost a year and a half) Broker to changing our surroundings....Yes, more new decorating this 
year and parts of our real estate practice are changing as well. In some areas getting rid of the old...in others, changing and "tweaking" patterns, fine tuning...expanding...it is a freeing sort of atmosphere that has an air of positivity like we have never felt before at any other time. It must be obvious because people we know have commented on the renewed energy and changes.
To some people it may seem "silly ceremonial" and everyone is entitled to their opinion of course. To us....it is symbolic of the physical, mental and spiritual attitude that we welcome in this new decade. We have been to house warmings and listed homes where Buyers and Sellers have chosen to begin the sale OR begin their new lives with a smudging 
ceremony. The beauty of it is that it can be personalized any way you wish to welcome a new beginning...to kindle the positive energy to bring the best possible results. It begins with white sage bundles or some people refer to them as sticks. The ritual of burning sage is referred to as "Smudging."
This tradition is rooted in Native American culture and the belief was that it promoted mental and physical healing, wisdom and longevity. It is a cleansing ritual and people who are Buying or Selling a home sometimes use it to erase any negativity that may be in the way of their next "happily ever after."
The word "sage" itself is derived from the Latin word, Salvere...which means "to heal." You can choose how that applies to your life.
Traditionally, people use an abalone shell to hold the sage and a feather 
to "distribute" or fan the smoke. If you wish, these "kits" are easily found on line or you may use another fire proof container and fan. What you use is not as important as the thought you give to what you wish to create, Gather the sage, a fireproof container (or shell) a long match or lighter and a feather or fan.
You will want to open doors and/or windows before you begin for two reasons. One is the belief that the negativity is released...and the other in terms of practicality, you want to create a path for the smoke as well. Set firmly in your mind, before you begin, exactly what you wish released from the space...your mind, your life. As you carry away the negative energy....you make way for all the good that replaces it. No matter how positive you believe you are...there is always room for more positive energy in your life.
You choose what you wish to say aloud or to yourself as you fan the smoke. You will be holding the sage that has burnt for 20 to 30 seconds and gently blow out the flame so that the embers appear and smoke billows. A popular mantra is "I release what no longer serves me."
Walk around your space...your whole house...your office ...whatever you feel would be most beneficial to you. Guide the smoke to windows and doors. Give special attention to spaces in front of mirrors, corners, and in hallways and foyers. Some people also believe that there is great benefit to "saging or smudging" technology ...phones, laptops, printers/scanners holding the saging "wand or stick" underneath them and then waving it around them.
Be careful not to directly inhale the smoke...and should an ember fall during the process, stamp it out immediately. When you have finished your cleansing ritual, gently press the tip of the sage into the container you have used...or the ground. Do not use liquid to extinguish it since that will ruin the stick from being used again.
May 2020 and the entire decade that follows bring you all things positive in every area of your life. May you know good health, happiness and prosperity and be surrounded by the positive life forces and people that foster your affirmation of a new beginning. Amen and Women.
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