Palo Santo

A bit of history

Palo Santo, which translates as "holy wood" or "sacred wood" in Spanish, is a tree native to South America, primarily found in countries such as Peru, Ecuador, and parts of Central America. The wood from the Palo Santo tree has been used for centuries by indigenous cultures in rituals, ceremonies, and healing practices due to its believed spiritual and magical qualities. 

The use of Palo Santo has a long history deeply rooted in the indigenous cultures of the region, particularly among the Inca, Inca descendants, and various indigenous tribes. It was traditionally burned as incense during ceremonies, rituals, and shamanic healing sessions to purify the energy, and promote healing.

The name Palo Santo comes from the times of Spanish Colonisation of the South America, when the wood was used by Catholic missionaries in their religious ceremonies as incense and for purification purposes. The scientific name of Palo Santo is Bursera graveolens.

The scent of Palo Santo is distinctive and unique, characterised by its sweet, woody aroma with hints of citrus, mint, and pine. When burned as incense, Palo Santo releases a fragrant smoke that is both uplifting and grounding. The scent is often described as calming, cleansing, and spiritually uplifting, which is why it is commonly used in meditation, energy cleansing rituals, and spiritual ceremonies. It’s beautiful benefits include:

Cleansing and purification: Palo Santo is often burned as incense or used in smudging rituals to cleanse spaces, objects, and individuals of negative energies or spirits. It is believed to clear away stagnant energy, purify the space, and promote a sense of calm and clarity.

Attracting positive energy: Burning Palo Santo is thought to attract positive energy, blessings, and good fortune into one's life. It is often used to set intentions, manifest desires, or enhance the energy of rituals and ceremonies.

Spiritual protection: Burning Palo Santo is thought to create a barrier against negative influences and energies, allowing only positive energies to enter.

Healing properties: Palo Santo is often used in traditional medicine practices for its healing benefits. It helps to alleviate stress, anxiety, depression, and other emotional imbalances, as well as physical ailments such as headaches, colds, and inflammation.

Enhancing spiritual connection: Palo Santo is considered a sacred tool for enhancing spiritual awareness, meditation, and connection to higher realms. It is believed to elevate consciousness, deepen introspection, and facilitate communication with the divine or spiritual guides.

Grounding and centering: Palo Santo helps you feel more rooted, balanced, and centred in the present moment. It can aid in meditation practices by promoting a sense of inner peace and harmony.

Here's a simple guide on how to use Palo Santo:

Prepare your space: Choose a well-ventilated area where you can safely burn the Palo Santo without risk of fire or smoke damage. Open windows or doors to allow airflow.

Express gratitude: Before you begin, take a moment to thank Palo Santo for its magical properties and the cleansing energy it provides, silently or verbally.

Set your intention: Set an intention for your Palo Santo ritual. This could be anything from cleansing negative energy to inviting positivity and protection.

Use Palo Santo to cleanse your gemstone jewellery pieces and create a bond with them, empowering affirmations and aspirations you put into each piece.

Light the Palo Santo: Hold one end of the Palo Santo stick over an open flame (such as candle, match or lighter) for about 30 seconds until it catches fire. Allow it to burn for a few moments until the flame naturally extinguishes itself, leaving behind a glowing ember.

Cleanse yourself: Start with passing the smoke of the Palo Santo over yourself to cleanse their own energy. Simply wave the smoke around your body, starting from your head and moving down to your feet.

Fan the smoke: Once the Palo Santo is smouldering, gently blow on the ember to produce smoke. You can also use a feather or your hand to fan the smoke, helping it spread throughout the space.

Smudge your space: Walk around your space, holding the burning Palo Santo stick, and guide the smoke into every corner, room, or object you wish to cleanse or protect. 

If you want to cleanse specific objects or items, such as jewellery, hold them in the smoke of Palo Santo for a few moments to purify them.

Be mindful: As you smudge, remain focused on your intention and visualise the smoke carrying away any negative energy or impurities, leaving behind a sense of peace, clarity, and positivity.

Extinguish the Palo Santo: Once you've finished smudging, gently tap the smouldering end of the Palo Santo stick against a fireproof surface (such as a ceramic bowl or dish) to extinguish the ember. Ensure the stick is completely out before storing it.

Remember to handle Palo Santo with care, respect, and mindfulness, honouring its sacred properties and the traditions associated with its use.