In Spain, where traditions and modern practices often intertwine, I once decided to perform an unusual full moon ritual. In the evening, as moonlight flooded the room, I lit a bundle of white sage. At first, it seemed like just an interesting experiment, but within minutes I felt the air grow lighter and my thoughts clearer. It was as if someone had opened a window into another dimension, a place free from fatigue and anxiety.
White sage, or Salvia apiana, has long been known for its cleansing properties. In Spain, you can find it at local markets, where vendors say this fragrant smoke has been used for centuries to dispel negativity and protect the home. I never believed in magic until I tried it myself: when I slowly walk around my apartment with a smoldering bundle, it feels like the walls absorb the light and the corners lose their shadows. In these moments, it’s especially important to focus on what you want to let go of—old grudges, fatigue, unnecessary habits.
The Power of the Full Moon
The full moon in Spain always feels special—the moon hangs low, as if watching every move. On these nights, I notice even animals behave differently, and people become more sensitive. It’s believed that this is the best time to free yourself from what holds you back. I use this moment for inner work: before the sage ritual, I sit by the window, close my eyes, and quietly articulate what I want to release. Sometimes it’s fears, sometimes just the fatigue of routine.
When sage smoke rises to the ceiling, I imagine all the unnecessary things leaving with it. In this moment, it’s important not to get distracted—even if the city outside is noisy, a surprising calm settles inside. After the ritual, I always open the windows to let in fresh air and allow the energy to renew. This simple act makes it feel like the home truly becomes different—brighter, freer.
Cleansing Ritual
For the ritual, I only needed three things: a bundle of white sage, a fireproof bowl, and a little time for myself. I start by tidying up the room so nothing interferes with the process. Then I light the sage, let it burn briefly, and extinguish the flame so just the smoke remains. I slowly walk around the apartment, pausing at doors and windows and paying extra attention to the corners—the places believed to accumulate negative energy.
While the smoke fills the space, I repeat to myself: “Let all that I no longer need be gone.” Sometimes I add a candle or crystals—like amethyst or clear quartz—to enhance the effect. After completing a circuit, I extinguish the sage in the bowl without using water so I can reuse it later. It’s important to thank the moon for its support—this adds a special sense of completion to the ritual.
Personal Experience
After my first ritual, I noticed the air in the house felt lighter and my mood improved. Even if it’s just a psychological effect, it works—there’s a sense that a new chapter has begun. I started doing these cleansings regularly, especially during times when I felt tired or tense. Sometimes I invite friends over—the process becomes even more powerful together, as collective energy amplifies the result.
Friends who have tried the ritual said it helped them fall asleep faster and made their dreams more vivid. Some mentioned the feeling of heaviness disappeared, others felt their home became cozier. I can’t explain it scientifically, but what matters to me is that this simple ritual helps me feel better and mark a fresh start.
Tips and nuances
If you decide to try, perform the ritual in the evening when the moon is high. Take your time—give yourself space to reflect and focus. You can write down what you want to let go of on a piece of paper and burn it after the cleansing for added symbolism. Don’t forget to air out the room so the energy can fully renew.
Use only natural sage—it has a gentle scent and won’t cause headaches. If possible, pair the ritual with meditation or soft music. The main thing is to do everything mindfully, with clear intention. That way, even an ordinary evening can become the start of something new.
If you didn’t know, white sage is more than just a fragrant herb—it’s a plant with a rich history. In Spain, it’s used not only in rituals but also in everyday life: added to sachets for linens, used in aromatherapy, and even in cooking. Sage is believed to not only cleanse spaces but also protect the home from negative influences. In recent years, interest in these practices has been growing, with more and more people discovering the power of simple natural rituals.
