How to Burn Palo Santo (Holy Wood) & Its Ancestral Origins

How to Burn Palo Santo (Holy Wood) & Its Ancestral Origins

For centuries, Palo Santo—meaning “Holy Wood” in Spanish—has been used in sacred rituals for cleansing, prayer, and spiritual connection. Its sweet, grounding aroma carries a sense of warmth and reverence, inviting us to slow down and reconnect with intention.

But beyond the trend, Palo Santo holds deep ancestral roots that deserve to be honored and understood.

Palo Santo comes from the tree known botanically as Bursera graveolens, native to parts of South America, especially Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador, as well as coastal regions of other Latin American countries. For many communities, Palo Santo is not simply incense—it is medicine, spirit, and teacher.

For generations, Indigenous communities have used Palo Santo in spiritual ceremonies, healing rituals, and energy cleansing practices. It has traditionally been burned:

• To clear stagnant or heavy energy
• Before prayer or meditation
• During healing ceremonies
• To bless homes and sacred spaces

Importantly, Palo Santo wood used ceremonially should be sustainable, meaning that it is gathered only from trees that have died naturally and rested on the forest floor for several years. This aging process allows the wood to develop its aromatic resins, what gives Palo Santo its distinctive scent and spiritual significance. And, this concious sourcing it is also very important as mass- production of Palo Santo is cutting down live trees before they’ve had a chance to mature. This has disrupt the delicate balance of forest ecosystems and contributing to deforestation.

Burning Palo Santo is simple, but the way you approach it matters.

1. Set Your Intention

Before lighting the stick, pause.
Take a breath.
Call in your intention—whether that is protection, connection, gratitude, clarity, or release.

2. Light the Stick

Hold the Palo Santo stick at a slight angle and light the tip with a candle or match. Let it burn for about 30–60 seconds.

3. Blow Out the Flame

Gently blow out the flame. The stick should produce a steady stream of fragrant smoke.

4. Cleanse Your Space

Move the smoke around your body, room, or objects you wish to cleanse. You may use your hand or a feather to guide the smoke.

There are certain moves with the Palo Santo that are used for specific intention with the use of the Palo Santo:

·      🔁 Move clockwise around to create an energetic equilibrium and promote protection 

·      ↕️ Move from down to up to increase vibrational frequency and help us to connect with ourselves and the divine

·     ↔️  Move it right to left to release negative energy and incentivize renovation, new beginnings

If cleansing a home:

• Focus on doorways and corners where energy tends to settle
• Keep a window slightly open to allow stagnant energy to release

5. Extinguish Safely

Place the stick in a fireproof dish. Palo Santo often self-extinguishes. It can be relit multiple times until fully burned.

Because of increased global demand, Palo Santo has been at risk of overharvesting. Ethical sourcing matters deeply.

When purchasing Palo Santo, look for suppliers who:

• Harvest only naturally fallen wood
• Work directly with Indigenous or local communities
• Follow government reforestation and forestry regulations

Honoring Palo Santo means honoring the people and ecosystems it comes from. That is why we only offer sustainable Palo Santo from La Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia.

Many people describe Palo Santo’s aroma as:

• Sweet and woody
• Slightly citrusy
• Warm and comforting

Energetically, it is often associated with:

• Grounding
• Protection
• Emotional clarity
• Inviting positive energy

Unlike some cleansing herbs that are used primarily to remove energy, Palo Santo is often said to both clear and invite—making space for light, calm, and intention.

In today’s world, sacred tools can easily become aesthetic objects. Returning to the roots of Palo Santo reminds us that it carries generations of wisdom and ceremony.

When we burn Palo Santo, we are not just lighting wood.
We are participating—however humbly—in an ancestral practice of prayer, purification, and connection.

May you use it with gratitude, intention, and respect. 🌿

Why IndiArts Collective?

(We might be a bit biased), But here's why we're a great choice:

✅ Sustainable option- Our Palo Santo is sustainably harvested in the sacred mountain of la Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia and we only offer Palo Santo from fallen trees

✅ Transparent story - you can confidently share where your Palo Santo comes from

✅ Direct partnership with indigenous communities - your purchase truly supports indigenous families in Colombia

✅ Wholesale pricing - makes offering ceremonies financially sustainable  

✅ Canadian business - easier logistics, faster and cheaper shipping 

✅ Support when you need it - we're here to answer questions and help you succeed. 

We offer wholesale pricing for yoga instructors, wellness centers, and anyone regularly using Palo Santo. Reach out to learn more! 😊

Get your Palo Santo from us today!

About IndiArts Collective

We're a Colombian-Canadian mission-driven business empowering South American artisans and preserving indigenous traditions. Founded by Valentina in 2016, we believe that business can be a force for good - supporting communities, protecting traditions, and creating genuine connections across cultures.

When you choose IndiArts, you're joining a partnership with South American indigenous artisans rooted in respect, fairness, culture, and heart. ❤️