Symbolism and Magical Properties of Palo Santo –

Palo Santo has very ancient origins; Inca shamans used it in their religious rituals to ward off negative energies through dense smoke with great spiritual power. Are you curious to know more about its magical properties and uses?

Origins and history of Palo Santo

Palo Santo, or Bursera graveolens, is a tropical tree belonging to the Burseraceae family native to Central and South America, where it grows spontaneously especially in Peru and Ecuador.

Depending on the precise area in which this shrub is born (and dies), it acquires specific substances and properties from the soil.

Palo Santo, whose meaning corresponds to “sacred wood”, can reach heights of about 18 meters, has small leaves and produces dark green fruits.

Bursera graveolens has very ancient origins. It was used by Inca shamans and indigenous people of the Andes in their religious rituals to ward off negative energies and as a mystical tool to communicate with the gods. When burned, this wood produces a dense smoke with great spiritual power, so much so that it was used in indigenous ceremonies and rituals to light sacred fires.

Since ancient times, this tree was used in rituals and for therapeutic purposes for its medicinal properties. Thanks to its healing powers, its essence was used to cure skin and muscle problems; The water cooked from the bark was used to treat stomach ailments; and finally, the ash from its wood was used to heal wounds.

In fact, in Peru and Ecuador, Palo Santo smoke is still used today to scare away mosquitoes and flying insects of different types, in a completely natural way.

Palo Santo wood

The benefits derived from Bursera graveolens wood are only when the tree used dies from natural causes or old age, or after 90 years from its birth (average life of this shrub). To take advantage of this product, it is necessary to allow about 3-4 years to pass after death for the plant to continue its decomposition process.

In this period, the plant absorbs all the sacred energy and virtues, becoming charged with supernatural and positive properties; In this same period it produces an oil that, once burned, generates a dense, whitish smoke with high spiritual powers.

On a scientific level, in fact, the particular smell that the wood acquires during this period is due to the fact that, from the moment the tree rests on the ground and comes into contact with it, fungi and microorganisms grow inside.

Its aroma is somewhat reminiscent of a mixture of already known fragrances, with a very strong tone of mint and citrus.

For this reason, a very precious essential oil and artisanal objects such as incense are obtained from this wood, traditionally obtained by cutting with a machete and extracting sticks to burn them about 10 centimeters long, all without damaging the forest in any way.

The more years that pass before the tree is used for these purposes, the more it becomes charged with sacredness. Those who come into contact with it during this period of immobility fully respect the bush and the place where it is located, without attacking the surrounding nature. They limit themselves to absorbing, even with simple proximity, the first positive energies that the tree receives and, at the same time, emanates.

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Magical properties of Palo Santo

For cleansing rituals

Palo Santo is also generally used for energetic cleansing of environments, thanks to its medicinal properties.

When this wood is lit, the flame should last about a minute before going out. From there, the firewood gives off smoke that can generate very hot energy. The smoke emitted is also capable of keeping mosquitoes and other insects away.

This characteristic makes it one of the main products used by those who live in Ecuador and Peru. The effect is very similar to that of sage, from an energetic point of view. But it gives off a more enveloping aroma, considering that it belongs to the citrus family. Therefore, it gives off sweet notes of pine, mint and lemon.

To raise your vibration and focus

This aroma can raise vibrations, clear emotions, and is helpful in preparing for meditation as it supports a deep connection to source. As for meditation, however, the use of the smoke created by the combustion of the derivatives of this shrub facilitates the connection with nature, with the source of life and everything that surrounds us.

Often used for emotional and spiritual guidance, palo santo is an effective natural remedy for anxiety. When inhaled, it moves directly through the brain’s olfactory system, where it helps stimulate the body’s relaxation response to combat worry, anxiety, sleep disorders, and depression.

bring luck

Palo Santo enhances creativity and brings good luck. If you feel like you need a boost of luck, Palo Santo can help you, especially if you feel like the evil eye is on you and that’s why you can’t attract luck on your own. It is as if it leaves room for what comes next, also cultivating positivity and wealth.

To perform shamanic rituals

The very pleasant fragrance of Palo Santo is very often used in rituals involving the use of psychedelic substances, especially when it comes to voodoo traditions. So, let’s talk about Ayahuasca, psychedelic mushrooms, mescaline cactus, and salvia divinorum.

The effect of its oils that penetrate us through its vapors would be similar to that of sacred music, connecting us with the internal source of all harmonies and all healings. In fact, in the Mesoamerican esoteric heritage, as well as in the East and ancient Europe, the Divine is within us and is not to be sought in some ultracosmic heaven.

Magical Palo Santo Tea

When used as an herbal tea, Palo Santo allows you to create a protective shield around yourself while helping to boost the immune system and reduce inflammatory responses caused by diet, pollution, environmental stress and disease.

Ingredients:

How to make a cup of Palo Santo tea:

1. Cut a piece of Palo Santo into four pieces.
2. Place them in 500 liters of water.
3. Bring the water to a boil.
4. Let it boil with a lid for 5 minutes.
5. Filter the mixture and transfer the water to a cup.
6. Let the tea cool for 5 minutes.
7. Add additional elements to enhance the flavor, such as honey, cinnamon, or fresh herbs like rosemary or lavender. These herbs help you enhance the protective effect while attracting positivity and relaxation.

If you need more protection in your life or need to cleanse your energy of negativity, I can cast a spell for you! Take a look at my store and choose the perfect one for you and, if you can’t find what you need, rely on a custom spell available in white and black magic!

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