Palo Santo
Rituals, Energy Cleansing and Daily Practices
There’s something deeply grounding about the sweet, woodsy scent of Palo Santo. Known as the “holy wood”, Palo Santo has been used for centuries in South America for its spiritual and cleansing properties. At Kibō, we believe in the quiet power of ritual and intention and Palo Santo is one of our favorite tools for reconnecting with yourself, your space, and your energy.
Here’s how you can use Palo Santo in your daily life – whether you’re starting a new chapter, setting an intention, or simply needing to clear the air.
WHAT IS PALO SANTO?
Palo Santo (Bursera graveolens) is a sacred tree native to South America, particularly Peru and Ecuador. Traditionally used by Indigenous healers and shamans, it’s been burned to purify spaces, cleanse the aura, and invite in positive energy. Its soft, citrusy scent is said to calm the mind, elevate the spirit, and deepen connection to the present moment.
HOW TO BURN PALO SANTO?
- Light the tip of the stickwith a match or lighter.
- Let it burn for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, then gently blow it out.
- The stick should continue to smolder, releasing fragrant smoke.
- Hold the stick in one hand, and with intention, allow the smoke to drift around your body, room, or objects.
Tip: Use a fire-safe bowl (like ceramic or abalone shell) to catch ash as you move.
RITUALS AND WAYS TO USE PALO SANTO:
Morning Grounding Ritual: Begin your day with clarity. Light Palo Santo while you stretch, meditate, journal, or set your daily intentions. Let the scent anchor your awareness and open up creative energy.
Energetic Space Cleansing: Feel like your space is holding tension or “stale” energy? Move through each room with the smoke, especially corners and doorways. Imagine the smoke lifting heaviness and inviting in light.
Crystal & Jewelry Cleansing: Crystals absorb and hold energy. Pass your jewelry or crystals through the smoke to cleanse and reset their vibration. This is especially powerful after intense days or emotional periods.
Before Meditation or Breathwork: Use Palo Santo to shift into a calm, open state before meditation. The scent supports focus and helps quiet the mental noise.
Letting Go Ritual: Burn Palo Santo as a symbolic way of releasing what no longer serves you – habits, thoughts, or energies. Breathe out what you’re ready to leave behind.
There’s no single way to use Palo Santo, what matters most is your intention. Trust your instincts. Whether you’re using it once a week or every morning, let it be a sacred moment of pause, a moment just for YOU.
In a world that often feels rushed and loud, Palo Santo invites us to slow down and return to ourselves.