Space clearing & enhancement

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For Alo Concepts, space clearing and enhancement is an integral factor in the journey of a design project if clients are open to the practice or if they request it themselves. After all, a home is much more than a physical space - it is a haven for rest, growth, memories, work, and relationships. People employ different methods for developing a sense of peace or harmony in their homes and while many are very familiar with burning bundles of sage (smudging), perhaps not everyone possesses a fuller understanding of its origins.

Kiran Dandwani, Design Executive at Alo Concepts, sometimes uses sage in combination with an understanding of other modalities, such as Feng Shui or aromatherapy.

“I seek a holistic approach when setting the intent for creating ‘sacred spaces. Smudging with sage sets the tone for the space and clears any old energy. There are other methods though. Some clients prefer using essential oils, colour therapy, or healing crystals.

"Once, at the start of a project, my client expressed that he wanted to get up in the morning and feel relaxed in his room before busy work days. That was a priority for him. So, I set the intent and before the marble application to the floors and walls, I added a few drops of essential oils that are conducive for grounding and peace to the concrete mixture that leveled the floor. I only did this, of course, because he said he was open to it. After moving back into that space, he said he noticed a difference," Dandwani explains.

Smudging: history and uses

Smudging is a sacred ceremony of most First Nations (the Indigenous peoples in Canada other than Metis or Inuit). First Nations people believe that these medicinal plants can provide protection from negative forces, which can sometimes be harmful.

With any deeply rooted tradition or ritual, revisiting its origins and ensuring that the authenticity of the practice remains intact is a worthwhile endeavour. Many cultures and communities have relied on medicinal plants and herbs for healing and still continue to do so.

In the case of First Nations clans, the practice of smudging has been practiced for many generations. However, as a result of their history being largely oral and unwritten, it is challenging to pinpoint specific dates and tribes that began the custom. Nevertheless, it remains clear from generational teachings and stories that the burning of sacred medicines from the Earth is powerful for healing.

It is important to note that with the practice of smudging, different First Nations communities have their own approaches.

The Anishinaabe* may go clockwise while smudging while the Haudenosaunee* may go counter-clockwise if they engage in a smudging practice.

*Anishinaabe: Anishinaabe means ‘original people’. It is a collective name for groups of indigenous people in Canada. Anishinaabe people are comprised of several Algonquian tribes.
*Haudenosaunee: The Haudenosaunee, or “people of the longhouse,” commonly referred to as Iroquois or Six Nations, are members of a confederacy of Aboriginal nations known as the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.

The Anishnawbe Health Clinic in Toronto notes that the four sacred medicines and plants are tobacco, sage, cedar, and sweetgrass. Sage has more medicinal properties. This evergreen subshrub is commonly found in the coastal plains in California. It is “used for releasing what is troubling the mind and for removing negative energy. It is also used for cleansing home and sacred items."

Native clans of the First Nations recognised the myriad of benefits of these plants and herbs long before Western medicine. In several studies, salvia apiana (white sage), is shown to exhibit "antioxidative and antimicrobial" properties.

Amy Shawanda, an Assistant Professor at McGill University, delves into the practice of smudging ceremonies in Northeastern Ontario. She explains that plants and natural elements are deeply honoured by the First Nations. Plants, such as sage, are considered sacred because they "open the doorway to reach out to the spiritual realm for guidance."

In the Anishinaabe teachings, the smudging ceremony begins with the Elders and Knowledge Keepers who share their understanding of the ceremony, why it is done, the intent, spiritual significance, and how to smudge. The smell of sage in itself provides a sense of calm.

Hongratanaworakit, in the 'Physiological Effects of Aromatherapy', reflects on the teachings given and passed down by Elders. In a conversation with two of them, they said that the spiritual smudging ceremony is the cleansing of the heart, body, and mind.

“It’s also very symbolic. Symbolism is the key. When we speak about smudging, we pray the smoke carries our prayers. Like the eagle it flies the highest in creation and it carries up your prayer. Eagles take our prayers up to the Creator."

Dandwani, respecting the general origins behind smudging, elaborates on how she integrates that understanding during her practice.

"It is usually about clearing an old energy, especially when it comes to a new home or a renovation. When a client has that particular intent, they often trust me as an objective designer to help them with their intent or transformation for a space. I take my time with setting the intent, acknowledging the gift in the sage bundle in front of me, and letting the process flow from there."

Integrating these holistic practices into design is not to be taken lightly - it is a wholehearted practice. Dandwani has spent years studying these tools and recognises their tremendous value. She finds that assisting with creating a space that is sacred and uplifting is truly fulfilling.

In collaboration with www.rootistry.com