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The practice of smudging herbs and resin as incense has been around for thousands of years. Nearly every region and culture understand that plants are powerful, and one can derive different benefits from the different parts of plants. That goes for smudging plants, brewing teas, or massaging oils.  Have you ever found yourself lost between using a smudging stick or resin incense as a cosmic enhancer? Don't worry! We've all been there in the beginning. We read so many nice things about everything we cannot decide which to try first. It is not uncommon at all.  To understand which is better, you must know that the answer is different for different people.  This article aims to help you understand the differences so you can choose for yourself based on your priorities. So, without further ado, let's get into the differences.   Price  When it comes to cost, resin incense is far more expensive than herbal smudging sticks. That is because the harvesting process of resin incense is time-consuming and requires manual labor. The resin is drawn out from the tree through hand-made incisions in the bark. The workers must ensure the trees are not too badly hurt and continue to thrive. Trees that produce true frankincense, myrrh, or dragon's blood are endangered or protected species. Their use and sale are regulated, which drives up the price.  Of course, the results and effects of burning resin incense more than make up for the money spent. In fact, a little goes a long way, so they last you a while. On the other hand, smudge sticks are more accessible to source, which is why they are more budget-friendly.  However, smudging sticks come in different grades, which can wildly affect their impact and power. There is no comparison between a smudge stick made in a plant with local herbs harvested by a mechanical chopper and a hand-crafted smudge stick made from sustainably harvested genuine herbs from their native land. So don't waste money on cheap sticks that lack any essence or soul.       Method of Burning You can hold burning smudge sticks in your hand or a smudge bowl. On the other hand, resin incense requires a proper smudge bowl with a grill or filled with gravel to allow oxygen to flow from all directions. Resin incense also needs charcoal to burn correctly. So you can say that burning smudge sticks are less effort and resin is more high maintenance.  The act of meticulously preparing the space for smudging and the tools is also a meditation in itself. Some people are fond of the extra steps it takes to burn resin incense. Both smudge sticks and resin incense produce fragrant smoke. However, the smoke does different jobs. A smudge stick affects specific things you smudge with its smoke with full intention. While resin incense spreads its impact universally, amplified by the user's intention.  For example, smudge sticks are like targeted heat lamps, while resin incense is like a star radiating heat everywhere. Part of the Plant Smudging sticks are usually made of the leaves or bark of a tree or plant. They may or may not include part of its flowers or fruit. While at the same time, resin incense is the dried sap of threes, their lifeblood.  Smudging sticks are centered in the present, while resin incense focuses on lingering effects and the future. How so? Since the leaves of trees and plants fall once a year. Even evergreen leaves fall eventually. That means that the effect of their smudge sticks reflects their transient nature. In comparison, the trunk of a tree stays even when leaves fall. It is reliable, and the sap never stops flowing so long as there is no other obstruction.  The sap of plants carries nourishment and energy, while the leaves create that food and energy. Both parts deal with the circulation and transfer of energy and sustenance of the plant.   Spiritual Uses Some people choose to use smudge sticks and resin incense interchangeably. They both have different uses since they have separate properties. You could try using both for the same practice on different occasions and notice the difference in the result.  Even individual smudging sticks and resins have uses that are different than one another. Resin incenses set and guide your meditation and practices while smudging sticks act on their purpose alongside your meditation.  While resin incense merges its power with yours, smudging sticks use their power beside you.  You Can Use Them Together If you are still confused about which to use, you can take advantage of both together. There is nothing wrong with using herbs and resins together that have similar purposes. For example, white sage and frankincense can be used together to cleanse a space of intense negativity. At the same time, myrrh and rosemary can calm the mind of a troubled sleeper.  Cedar leaf smudge sticks and dragon blood can help increase your confidence and strengthen your intentions to pursue your beloved. The power and passion of cedar thrives with the deep sensuality of dragon's blood. This mix is practically a love potion.  Using herbs and resin incenses creates a powerful smoke blend that is often as effective as either alone. Be careful not to use contradicting herbs and resins together. They would cancel each other's benefits. For example, using gold copal and blue sage together. While gold copal is meant for divination and blue sage is a healing cleanser, they will not act in conjunction well.  Conclusion Resin incense and smudging sticks have different benefits and work in different ways. They are valued at different price points, but the way you use either can economize your investments. Choosing the one you need depends on your goals and the intentions of using them. You can even use them both together for a super-powered concoction of smoke. Both are rich with benefits and have a deep history and mythology. The choice comes down to what you like more. Feel free to experiment with both!

Burning Herbs for incense dates back thousands of years to the first ancient civilizations. Mesopotamians and ancient Egyptians used it to ward off negative and unwanted energies. The practice of burning herbs as incense was also used by the ancient Greeks, Romans, Indians, and Chinese.  It is a worldwide practice used to protect oneself from negative influences, and you can see the practice of burning incense in several places worldwide.  Native American Use Burning sage is an ancient practice of Aboriginal Native American tribes. Sage is one of the four items gifted to the Native Americans for the practice of smudging. The other three are Sweetgrass, Tobacco, and Cedar.  All of these items are for everyday use as well as special ceremonies. They can be used individually or mixed. Smudging is sacred, and it is how Native Americans cleanse themselves and commune with the Divine. Why White Sage Sage comes from the Latin word "Salvia," which literally means healing plant. While all varieties of sage are uplifting, white sage is the preferred variety of sage for this purpose since it is sweet and light. It represents sweetness and all that is good. You can use white sage to cleanse yourself and your home from negative influences and attract goodness for yourself.  A representation of how white sage repels the bad and attracts good things is in nature. Planting white sage in your garden repels pests and attracts good pollinators like bees and butterflies.    Uses of Burning White Sage Purify the Home Burning White Sage purifies the air from any negative feelings or energy. Burning or smudging one's home helps create a positive atmosphere perfect for inner healing and meditation.  It is a great morning ritual to burn a white sage smudging stick and walk around your whole house to start the day fresh and remove any unwanted energies. Ward off Repetitive and Negative Thoughts It works if we burn sweet white sage with the faithful intention of clearing our thoughts from the constant bombardment of negative thoughts that bother us. First of all, the practice breaks the pattern of thoughts that are happening. Secondly, the sweet aroma of the white sage smudging stick calms our senses. Thirdly, this ancient ritual unblocks our mind chakra from anything putting negative pressure on it and releasing us from the previous burden of the thoughts and feelings causing us pain.  Avoid Unwanted Energies There is no doubt that unwanted energies and negative influences exist. Accumulation of negative energy will start putting us in harm's way and slowly build up the strength of its presence. Even ancient Egyptians burned herbs to ward off malicious energy. The power of burning sage is acknowledged worldwide. Smudging your home and yourself is enough to ward off energies from causing you harm. When you start to meditate and make yourself mentally stronger, it tends to avoid you anyway, but keeping a clear space is good nonetheless. Attract Good Energies Good energies are friendly and form a protective barrier for people they become attached to. A protective barrier attracts good things while keeping bad things away. It could be as simple as finding a dirham on your way to the store and finding out you would have been one dirham short without it.  With how the world has become, we need all the luck and help we can get. Burning sage attracts good feelings and energy the same way planting it in your garden attracts butterflies. The better energy comes in contact with you, the better your chances for being protected with a shield of goodness. Cleanse Your Crystals, Gemstones, Ores, and Oils If you use spiritual crystals, stones, ores, or special oils for your hair and body, you must wonder what happens to the negative energy they battle or remove from you? Stones are like sponges. They suck away all the bad things according to their specific property.  If you want your spiritual arsenal to stay powerful, you can cleanse it by smudging it with white sage. Place the sage in a smudge bowl, light it, and rub the object between your hands as if you are washing it with water over the smoke.  Conclusion Use white sage to cleanse your mind, body, and home and attract good things to your life. Focus on what is sweet and good in life and protect yourself from negative thoughts and negative energy with the simple ritual of burning sage. Take advantage of smudging sage to ward off the evil eye. When sourcing your white sage, ensure that you use handmade sticks harvested with love and care. The intentions behind the people who handle your smudging sticks are very important. Since it has to burn, it should be tied with 100% cotton and no synthetic thread that would ruin the smell. Sustainably farmed white sage is a way to get quality sage without worrying that it has any negative energies from waste and greed.  Buy white sage smudging sticks so you can smudge your mouth to say good things, your ears to hear good things, your hair so that it grows nice and healthy, and most importantly, your heart to feel-good feelings.

What is Palo Santo? Palo Santo is an incense that comes from a very special tree (Bursera Graveolens) that grows in Peru and other prats of South America. It is a sacred tree to the tribes who live in this region and its wood has been used by indigenous peoples for thousands of years in their traditional healing and spiritual ceremonies. Its name translates as "Holy Wood" from the Spanish. Only naturally fallen trees and branches can be used for authentic preparation of the Palo Santo incense. Palo Santo wood must be matured from 3 to 6 years to release its fragrant resin, and cut by hands into sticks for preparation of the incense. - Aromatically Palo Santo has sweet, piney tones with a rich woodsy aroma.  - It is believed that Palo Snato calms, heals, cleanses, resets and brings balance. When burnt, the wood gives off a pleasant mixture of  sweet, piney tones with rich woodsy aroma. It is an invigorating and grounding fragrance that is believed to bring a number of health and well-being benefits.  Whether you knew it or not, you will almost certainly have experienced this scent somewhere in the air. It is beloved of most healers, therapists, crystal workers and those who simply want to feel good!   How to Use Palo Santo Give yourself an intention while lighting Palo Santo. Keep one side of the stick tilted and give it a time to burn. It can smolder black initially for its natural resin content, once flame is off Palo Santo will release bight smoke revealing its unique healing aroma. When you use Palo Santo, ensure that your space is ventilated.     Underrated Benefits of Palo Santo Refreshes and clears a space, creating sweet, woodsy relaxing aroma. Resets, heals and protects the aura, or energy body from unwanted energies.  The spiritual benefits of Palo Santo lie in its grounding, yet stimulating energies. Breathing in the scent of Palo Santo can help to deepen your connection with both this Earth and Your inner self. Widely used by healers, crystal workers, mediation and yoga practitioners

The Top Ten Benefits of Selenite Selenite is a valuable addition to any healing crystal collection. Its use in energy healing goes back several thousands of years, with references to its abilities to protect the individual’s aura from the effects of negative external influences found in texts from ancient Greece and European folklore.  Spiritual Development  Selenite works with you to form a deep connection to your spiritual body by opening, activating and cleansing your Crown chakra of energy blockages or restrictions.    Protection Selenite is an extremely protective stone and can be used to form a protective grid around either your physical body or your home, car, or workspace. It works to keep out harmful or negative vibrations from the world around you, creating a deep sense of safety, peace and calm for both body and mind.    Insight and Judgement Selenite clears the mind and encourages clarity of thought. It promotes trust in your own judgment and intuition and connects intellectual, rational thought with the deeper “knowing” of the Heart chakra. The Spine  Selenite is believed to align the spinal column and promote flexibility. It is also said to guard against seizures and fits.   Toxins and Free Radicals  It has a neutralizing effect on some poisons and toxins, especially those produced in the body by heavy metals. Selenite is said to inhibit the production of free radicals in the bloodstream.   Infants and Children  Selenite is said to be an excellent crystal for breastfeeding mothers, facilitating lactation and encouraging nurturing of children.  Healing the Energy Body Selenite is highly regarded for its effectiveness in healing the energy body or biomagnetic field.  Spiritual Comfort  This crystal connects you to your guides and angels when used in meditation for this effect.    Cleansing the Chakras Selenite can be used to perform a total chakra cleanse, working on each of the seven main chakras to release and clear negative energies, finishing at the Crown, where it forms a thread of white, crystal light connecting you to Divine consciousness Balances the Emotions  The effect of Selenite on emotions is both supportive and transformative. It can ignite a spark of joy within you through even the darkest of times.    How to Cleanse and Clear Your Selenite Crystals Selenite is porous and should never be placed in, or cleansed with, water as it will eventually dissolve.  Instead, use a soft brush or cloth to remove surface dirt or debris from your crystals. When you have cleaned the crystal physically, you will need to charge it so that it retains its high, fine vibrational frequency. The best way to clear negative energies that your crystal has absorbed is to place it in moonlight, preferably during a full moon, overnight. You can also put it near to a chunk of Amethyst for twelve hours.  How to Program Your Selenite Crystals To program your Selenite crystals, you should begin by entering a deeply relaxed, meditative state. Hold the crystals lightly in your hands and tune in to their vibrations. At the same time, allow the energies of the Selenite to enter into your aura so that your energies are aligned with those of your crystal.  When you feel ready, simply form a clear, positive intention for your crystal and send it telepathically down through your fingers and into the stone.  Selenite will “hold” this program for a few days, and you may want to create a grid of selenite along with other crystals if you have a specific intention for healing in mind. Renew and reaffirm your initial intention every day for at least seven days. When you feel that the work is complete, clear and cleanse your Selenite crystal as above.

Where Does Palo Santo Come From?  Palo Santo means “holy wood” in Spanish and comes from a tree that is native to Peru, Ecuador, and other South American countries. It produces a very fragrant resin, and, contrary to the urban myth, it is not a rainforest species, but rather grows in dry tropical forests  What is Palo Santo Used For?  Palo Santo has a multitude of uses and its distinctive aroma creates a sweet-smelling space wherever it is stored or burnt.  Palo Santo is said to have healing properties for both mind and body. It is also widely used as an energy cleanser in much the same way as White or Blue Sage is used by healers and shamans in rituals and ceremonies.  Palo Santo is available in different forms, the most common of these being the wood of the tree. You can also get Palo Santo as a Powder, which can be heated using charcoal in a burner to perfume the atmosphere. This means that Palo Santo can be used in a variety of ways.  The healing properties of Palo Santo depend upon the presence of limonene in the wood. It is said to be very beneficial for Throat pain Arthritis and Headaches. Uses for this fragrant wood include: Purifying sacred spaces before performing rituals and ceremonies, Inhaling the fragrance of the incense to enhance the spiritual experience of meditation. Applying topically to relieve pain in joints and sore muscles after intense physical exercise.   Burning the wood of Palo Santo produces smoke that forms an effective insect repellant. Leave it smoldering in outside spaces where you intend to spend time or place it near to open windows and doors to deter bugs from entering your home. You can rub the wood directly onto your skin to help protect you from bites (just make sure you choose a smooth, splinter-free stick first!)  Is Palo Santo Sustainably Sourced?  Some confusion has arisen regarding the status of Palo Santo, which has led to some misinformation about it being endangered. The tree that grows in Peru, Ecuador, and Mexico is called Bursera Graveolens and is the one that produces the rich and sweet-smelling wood with which we are familiar. This tree is not in any danger of extinction, or in need of protection. If you are buying Palo Santo Sticks from us, you are actually helping the communities that produce them. These communities are interested in preserving the tree’s natural habitat and ensuring that they have a sustainable supply of wood to sell.

What is Selenite? Selenite is a variety of gypsum. It occurs in different guises known as Desert Rose, Satin Spar and Gypsum Flower. All gypsum is composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate. You will see Selenite carved into wands and crystal towers in crystal and gemstone stores, as well as tumbled stones and raw pieces of all shapes and sizes. It is usually pearly white in color and has an opaque, clay-like structure.  Where Can Selenite be Found? Selenite is an ancient stone and can be found all around the world, from Brazil to Mexico, Argentina, Greece and Japan. Deposits of Selenite are also found in the USA, Poland, Russia, and Australia. Selenite also occurs in references throughout human history and has a long tradition of use in healing and sacred rituals. It is named for the Greek Goddess of the moon, Selene, and has a high, light, feminine vibration that makes it a very spiritual stone.  What are the Uses of Selenite? Selenite crystals are versatile and can be put to a number of uses. A crystal tower or point of Selenite can be placed near your computer to shield you from harmful electromagnetic emanations. It can also be placed in the home, where its gentle vibration promotes peace and tranquility. Selenite is aligned to the Crown chakra and is excellent for meditation and spiritual work. It opens the Crown chakra to Divine wisdom and support and helps to strengthen your belief in your own intellectual and intuitive powers. Selenite is often used in energy healing to repair holes in the aura, especially in wand form, and can also be useful for anchoring the light body to the vibration of the Earth. Selenite in its pure, white translucent form is a stone with a magical, mystical reputation, said to inhabit the spaces between light and matter.  Different varieties of Selenite are believed to possess different metaphysical properties for use in energy healing.  Desert Rose Selenite is said to aid the dissolving of self-imposed mental programs that have been running for too long. It can be used to strengthen new affirmations of purpose and intent. Fishtail Selenite, so-called because of the resemblance of the crystals to the tail fin of a fish, is said to be extremely calming and stabilizing and is good for balancing emotions. It is often referred to as Angel’s Wing Selenite and is used in spiritual development work to establish stronger connections with the angelic realms. Green Selenite, which is not as common as the pearly white variety, is said to boost self-esteem and self-confidence. It assists in working towards the highest good.