Have you ever had the experience of learning a new word or concept and then discover that you've been acquainted with this term or practice all along? This recently happened to me when I came across the practice of using limpias in a recent plant medicine webinar.
So what exactly is a "LIMPIA"? If like me you didn't already know, this word is a Spanish term that refers to cleansing. When you google just the word itself for images, you'll find pictures of mops, buckets, cleaning products and hand washing. Here I'm specifically referring to spiritual cleansing of the energy body (aka auric field), a practice that eliminates negative vibes or unwanted attachments. Limpia practices range from the very thorough ones performed by a trained, healer or simpler versions that you can do alone or with a partner or group.
If you've ever come away from what feels like an unhealthy environment or been in the presence of someone who radiates negativity, then that's the time to give yourself or your space a good limpia. Of course, there's nothing like a refreshing, cleansing shower, so think of a limpia as a spiritual bath that involves natural elements and often sacred items along with healing intentions. This results in a clearer and more aligned energy body.
There are a variety of ways to do this, depending on the situation and available items intended for this purpose. One of the most commonly known methods is smudging, the burning of plant matter like dried sage or sweetgrass, wood such as Palo Santo or tree resins. This can be combined with feathering in which a chosen feather is used to direct the smoke (or simply the air) around the body or area to be cleansed. Another method is mindfully guiding healing stones such as Amethyst or Selenite along the energy field.
Plants can also play a major role in performing a limpia. Bundles of freshly picked plants
made with a single one such as Lavender or a combinations of flowers, leaves and herbs are dipped in water and then sprinkled over the body. Using fresh plants is highly recommended but not always possible. Since they may not be available year round, plants that have been gathered during their growing season may be dried and prayed over with the intention of using them for limpias at other times of the year.
You can also add essential oils or plant essences to purified water in a spray bottle and spritz yourself or your surroundings.
There is a popular combination called Agua Florida or Florida Water that may be purchased or made yourself that will also serve the purpose. This is a blend of flowers and citrus, and I can tell you firsthand that it smells wonderful! If you're a DIY kind of person, here's a very short video that describes how to make your own. I've purchased it in the past, but I like the idea of putting your own prayers and intentions into the process.
Mexican curandera Paloma Cervantes says that some healers believe the best time to perform a limpia is outdoors, in the middle of the day when the sun is at its highest and strongest point. She doesn't say why, but some believe that the best days to do this are Tuesdays and Fridays. She herself performs long distance limpias, but it's certainly beneficial to engage in this practice in your own personal space or with others.
Traditionally, what would be considered intensive and thorough limpias are associated with healing ceremonies and rituals such as the ones Paloma offers, but the practice has crossed over into mainstream circles. Misha Almira who calls herself an energy conscious business mentor advises prospective clients that "a good limpia can support your career and personal goals as well as heal illness." In other words, clearing the auric field of unseen gunk and unwanted energies can help one achieve success and maintain health.
I make it part of my own spiritual practice to smudge myself and my area every morning as well as whenever or wherever else I might feel the need for a vibrational detox. Mountain Rose Herbs (see above) is a reliable source for smudging bundles. I've used some of the other practices described here too, and experimenting with the different methods is the best way to determine which ones resonate with you.
As always, thanks for letting me share my thoughts and journey with you. I welcome your input, so if you want to submit a comment, scroll down to the bottom of this post. If you are interested in booking a personal session, you can do this here:
You can also contact me via email at: my.plant.allies@gmail.com
For now, here's wishing you wellness, wisdom and bloomin' vibes!
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