palo santo — holy wood
what is Palo Santo?
Palo Santo, or “holy wood,” is a sacred tree native to the forests of Peru, Ecuador, Guatemala, and Mexico. Its use as incense traces back to Indigenous peoples of Central and South America, who celebrated its spiritual properties. Traditionally, Peruvians would collect fallen branches of the Bursera graveolens tree, burning them like incense to purify and elevate energy.
Palo Santo is a powerful tool for cleansing the energy of spaces, objects, and people.
how to burn Palo Santo —
Begin by opening all windows and doors in the area you wish to purify. This allows energy to flow freely and the cleansing smoke to carry away anything that no longer serves.
Hold your Palo Santo stick downward at a 45-degree angle, ready to ignite. This position ensures an even burn.
Using a candle, lighter, or match, ignite the tip of the Palo Santo stick. Hold it to the flame for about 10-15 seconds, or until it catches fire.
Hold the stick upright, allowing the flame to burn for 10-20 seconds. As you watch the flame dance, embrace the transformation of wood into sacred smoke, releasing Palo Santo’s energy into your space.
Allow the flame to blow out naturally, leaving the stick to smoulder and release its aromatic smoke. With this smoke, move through your space, allowing it to purify the air, your energy, or any objects you wish to cleanse. The smoke will last about a minute, and you can relight the stick if needed.
When your ritual is complete, place the smouldering Palo Santo in a fireproof holder or dish, allowing it to burn out naturally.
Never leave a burning Palo Santo or incense stick unattended.
carrying the tradition with integrity —
As you incorporate Palo Santo into your spiritual rituals, remember that you are not just performing an act; you are participating in a tradition that is sacred and profound. By using this sacred wood mindfully, ethically, and with deep respect, you honour its origins and the Indigenous cultures that have cherished it for generations. Let your practice be a reflection of gratitude, so that the spirit of Palo Santo continues to be respected and preserved for the future.
love + peace.
