Over the past decade, the practice of "smudging," or burning sage, to cleanse your home of negative energy has become incredibly mainstream. Walk into any gift shop or candle store and you're likely to find sage bundles along side Palo Santo incense and small ceramic trays or abalone shells. But in recent years, it's come to light that this practice may not be appropriate for everyone to take part in.
"Given the concerns around cultural appropriation and the over-harvesting of white sage...it's crucial to acknowledge that the practice of smudging with sage is rooted in Indigenous cultures and should be respected as their spiritual practice," says herbalist Barbi Gardiner, founder of The Outdoor Apothecary.
For this reason, we decided to turn to astrologers, mystics, and healers for their favorite alternative methods of cleansing—and a little more information on what exactly we should be trying to get rid of.
"Negative energy can manifest in various forms, such as lingering feelings of sadness, anxiety, or tension within a space," explains Benjamin Stubbs, a mindset coach and author of The 30 Day Happiness Bootcamp. "It can also be influenced by external factors like arguments, stress, or even the residue of past events."
If this sounds like something you're dealing with, read on to learn about nine different ways to cleanse your home of negative energy without sage.
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How to Cleanse Your Home of Negative Energy Without Sage
1. Salt
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Of all the smudging alternatives on this list, experts most recommended using salt, which, as Kumiko Kanayama, founder and grandmaster at The Five Lights Center of Shiatsu, says is "a simple and effective practice used by shiatsu practitioners in Japan."
"Simply put salt in tiny dishes by the front door of your residence," she explains. "In shiatsu, this is believed to cleanse 'Ki Energy,' which is the life force energy of each person, as they come in and out of your space."
She says you can also place small bowls of salt throughout your home. But because it absorbs negative energy, you should replace them regularly and be "sure to dump or bury the old salt outside your home."
Natalie Viglione, a life, business, and spiritual coach who runs Team Gu and the Disrupt Now Program, shares that you can also dissolve salt in water and "sprinkle the solution around the perimeter of the home, making sure to cover all the corners and doorways."
And finally, according to psychic reader and astrologerEmily Newman, if you're feeling negative energy within yourself, you can use salt in a bath. "Add a pinch of rock salt in water and rinse your body first."
2. Sound therapy
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Sound therapy is also highly recommended, as the vibrations can disperse negative energy.
"You can use tools like Tibetan singing bowls, bells, or chimes to create harmonious sounds throughout your home," says Rebecca Farrar, professional astrologer and mystic. "Or I like to hum and sing as well. Walk through each room, focusing on the corners and high-energy areas, while producing the sounds."
Newman suggests setting an intention before engaging in a sound therapy practice.
3. Lavender, rosemary, or cedar smoke
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If you want to smudge in a different capacity, Gardiner suggests herbal smoke alternatives such as lavender, rosemary, or cedar. "These plants have their own unique cleansing properties and can be used in a similar manner to traditional smudging."
"To perform a cleansing ritual, gather dried herbs, bundle them together, and light them carefully," she explains. "As the herbs smolder, gently move the smoke throughout the space, focusing on areas that may hold stagnant or negative energy. The act of mindfully moving the smoke can help shift the energy and create a sense of renewal within the space."
However, Gardiner points out that smoke cleansing also has its roots in various cultural traditions. "By utilizing alternative herbs, we respect the diversity of traditions and demonstrate our commitment to cultural sensitivity and sustainability," she says.
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4. Essential oils and incense
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Another way to clean negative energy with herbs is by using essential oils.
Lifestyle expertChantelle Hartman Malarkey says eucalyptus, rosemary, and lemon essential oils are known to "sweep out bad energy."
In addition, metaphysical expert and astrologerLinda Berry recommends rose "to relieve stress and anxiety" and lavender as "a good overall spiritual scent."
"You can create a spray by diluting a few drops of essential oil in water and misting it around your house, paying attention to areas that feel heavy or stagnant," suggests Farrar. "You can also use an oil diffuser to spread the aroma throughout the space. I add essential oils to my mop water and cleaning sprays for an added benefit."
The same scents can also be used as incense, but Malarkey adds that sandalwood and jasmine will aid in air purification.
Whether you're burning incense or oils, Berry explains that it's the smoke collecting the negative energy, so it's important to keep a window or door open so it can leave your home.
5. Crystals
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Crystals are a great way to cleanse negative energy. "Ancient Egyptians, Native American Tribes, Ancient Greeks, and Hindu and Buddhist cultures all used crystals in different ways to heal and protect their space," shares Alicia Giles, astrologer and owner of Moments Crystals. It's also a very important component of astrology.
To take inspiration from these sacred practices, Giles recommends placing certain crystals around the home. "This will enhance the flow of energy and symbolic nature of the crystals to cleanse, calm, and protect the home."
Captolia Eaton, professional witch and spiritual business coach, says black stones like Black Obsidian and Black Tourmaline are best for clearing negative energy.
"Black Obsidian works as an etheric vacuum cleaner, absorbing all of the negative energetic debris in the environment like a vacuum picks up dust," she explains. "And Black Tourmaline is also a great crystal for clearing negative energy as it is highly protective and deflects any incoming negativity back to the sender."
For these crystals to be most effective, Eaton says you'll want to "cleanse" the stones themselves of the negative energy they absorb. You can do this by placing Selenite near them.
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6. Clean and declutter
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You need to clean anyway, but if you do so with intention and mindfulness, it can affect the energy throughout your home, says Giles.
"Begin by setting your intention, visualizing your space being cleared of negativity and filled with positive vibrations," she recommends. "Be fully present in the moment, using all your senses to experience the physical act of cleaning. See the dust being swept away, feel the water cleansing surfaces...and smell the fresh scent of cleanliness."
It's also important to keep clutter at bay, as this "often reflects emotional clutter within ourselves," notes Stubbs.
He encourages getting rid of any items that no longer bring you joy or serve you. "By doing so, you create space for positive energy to flow freely, allowing room for new and uplifting experiences."
7. Light and air
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One easy way to cleanse your space of negative energy is to simply open the windows.
"Sunlight has a positive effect on our mood and overall well-being, while fresh air can remove stagnant energy," says Stubbs. "Use sheer curtains to maximize natural light and add mirrors strategically to reflect light and energy throughout your space."
8. Water near the bed
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Some people recommend keeping a dish of water under the bed, but Berry says as long as you put a glass of water near your bed, it will help cleanse the home of negative energy.
"It collects the negative energy and negative entities around you when you are sleeping," she explains.
Of course, you'll never want to drink this water, but when you wake up in the morning, "take the glass with your left hand and throw the water in the toilet," advises Berry. "Then fill the glass three times with water from the sink and empty it into the toilet. Then flush the toilet. Each time you empty the water into the toilet say: 'I am releasing the negative energy collected in this water.'"
She says you'll want to repeat this practice daily until you feel that the negative energy has been cleared.
