How to Use Palo Santo Sticks for Meditation

Quick answer

Light the tip of a Palo Santo stick, let it burn for a few seconds, then blow out the flame to let the smoke rise. Use the smoke to cleanse your meditation space and yourself before you begin your practice.

How to use Palo Santo sticks for meditation

1. Prepare your space: Sit comfortably in your meditation area. Have a fireproof dish or shell ready to catch ash. Hold the Palo Santo stick at a 45-degree angle. A common mistake is holding the stick too upright, which can cause uneven burning.
2. Light the stick: Use a lighter or match to ignite the tip of the stick. Let it burn for about 20–30 seconds, then blow out the flame so it smolders and produces smoke. Do not let it burn like a candle—you want smoke, not a flame.
3. Cleanse your space: Gently wave the smoking stick around your meditation area, moving clockwise. Focus on corners, doorways, and the area where you will sit. Let the smoke rise naturally. Avoid waving the stick too fast, which can extinguish the ember or create too much smoke at once.
4. Cleanse yourself: Bring the smoke toward your body, starting at your feet and moving upward. Use your hand to waft the smoke over your head and down your arms. Set an intention for your meditation as you do this. A common mistake is skipping the intention—without it, the ritual feels empty.
5. Extinguish safely: Press the burning tip firmly into your fireproof dish or sand until the ember is completely out. Store the stick in a dry place for future use. Never leave a smoldering stick unattended, and ensure it is fully extinguished before storing.

Product facts

• Palo santo sticks: Palo Santo (Bursera Graveolens) has been used by medicine men for centuries during ritual prayers and ceremonies for its metaphysical cleansing properties. This traditional use makes Palo Santo a meaningful tool for setting an intention before meditation, not just a scented stick.