WHAT IS PALO SANTO?
Indigenous Palo Santo (found in Ecuador and Peru), or and Bulnesia Sarmientoi (found in parts of Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Bolivia) is a sacred tree traditionally used by Indigenous communities as a sacred practice. Shamans burn Palo Santo sticks in bundles to cleanse their space and ward off spirits. Palo Santo in Spanish is holy stick.
The therapeutic benefits of Palo Santo are many, with it being highly medicinal and healing. The only way to get the full benefit of this tree is by letting it die naturally and allowing it a four-to-ten-year resting period on the forest floor. The highest quality oils form in the aged heartwood, which is used in sacred ceremonies and to heal by specific local cultures.
HOW TO USE PALO SANTO
Using Palo Santo is really very simple. You can use it either to clear a space of negative or unwanted energies; for meditation; or for cleansing your crystals.
Cleansing the Home
- Take one stick and light it with a candle, match or lighter.
- Allow the Palo Santo stick to burn for 30 seconds to a minute, then carefully blow it out.
- Move around the space in which you wish to clear the energy – be it your bedroom, office, car or your entire home – allowing the smoke to waft around each area.
- As you take the Palo Santo stick into the corners of each room or space you are cleansing, say aloud: “I ask that the plant spirit of Palo Santo please infuse this space with blessings”.
- A rich smell will fill the air, bringing peace and clarity to the moment.
- Once you feel you have cleansed your space, place the Palo Santo stick in a fireproof bowl and allow the embers to burn out.
- Remember to always exercise care and caution when working with fire.
Creating a Morning Ritual with Palo Santo
- Arise in the morning with intention.
- Light candles and allow some sunlight in.
- Light a stick of Palo Santo and allow it to burn for 30 seconds to 1 minute, before carefully blowing it out.
- Place the Palo Santo in a fireproof bowl.
- Sit quietly for 10 – 15 minutes and focus on your intentions for the day, holding gratitude and thanks in your heart.
- Stretch your arms, legs, hands, feet, neck and back.
- Start your day feeling refreshed and positive!
Crystals with Palo Santo
- Place your crystals together in an area.
- Light the Palo Santo stick, allow it to burn for up to a minute then blow it out.
- Allow the smoke from the stick to envelope the crystals and the area they are in.
- Once the stick has burnt out, your crystals will be cleansed, and you can start afresh with new intentions.
If you would like to purchase Palo Santo, click Palo Santo Sticks
IMPORTANT NOTE
It is important purchase ethically sourced Palo Santo.
Palo Santo, known for its fragrant and spiritually uplifting qualities, has become increasingly popular in recent years as a sacred wood used for smudging, meditation, and energetic cleansing. However, as demand for Palo Santo has risen, concerns about sustainability and ethical sourcing have emerged. It is essential to prioritize the purchase of ethically sourced Palo Santo to ensure its long-term availability and support the well-being of the communities involved.
- Protecting the Environment: Palo Santo comes from the Bursera graveolens tree, which grows in certain regions of South America, particularly in Ecuador and Peru. Unsustainable harvesting practices can deplete the tree populations and harm the delicate ecosystems where they thrive. By choosing ethically sourced Palo Santo, you support suppliers and organizations that prioritize responsible harvesting methods, such as only using fallen or naturally deceased branches. This approach ensures the preservation of the tree species and protects the biodiversity of the surrounding habitats.
- Respecting Indigenous Communities: Palo Santo holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for indigenous communities in South America. These communities have a long-standing relationship with the tree and have traditionally used it in sacred ceremonies and healing practices. Ethical sourcing practices involve working directly with indigenous communities, providing fair compensation, and respecting their traditional knowledge and rights. By purchasing ethically sourced Palo Santo, you contribute to the economic empowerment and well-being of these communities, helping to preserve their cultural heritage for future generations.
- Quality and Authenticity: Ethically sourced Palo Santo is often of higher quality, ensuring that you experience the true aroma and energetic benefits that Palo Santo is known for. This is because the wood is allowed to age naturally and fully develop its aromatic properties over time. Additionally, ethically sourced Palo Santo is typically free from harmful chemicals or additives, ensuring a pure and authentic experience.
- Transparency and Traceability: Ethical Palo Santo suppliers often prioritize transparency and provide information about the sourcing and production process. They may have certifications or partnerships with organizations that promote sustainable practices and social responsibility. By purchasing from these suppliers, you can have confidence in knowing where your Palo Santo comes from and how it was obtained, allowing you to make informed choices aligned with your values.
Choosing ethically sourced Palo Santo is crucial for environmental conservation, supporting indigenous communities, and ensuring the authenticity and quality of the product. By being mindful of the source of your Palo Santo and supporting ethical suppliers, you contribute to the sustainability of this sacred resource and help to protect the forests and communities that rely on it. Let’s embrace the sacredness of Palo Santo while honouring the delicate balance between its availability and the well-being of our planet and its people.