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Sacred Smoke: Clear Away Negative Energies and Purify Body, Mind, and Spirit
Learn how to create a sacred space free of negativity
This clear and contemporary guide explores the ritual use of smoke and scents to cleanse the energies of mind, body, and home. Here, aromatherapist and long-time herbalist Amy Blackthorn offers the essential tools for creating sacred space—a safe space free of negative energies—using herbs, incense, smoke, and other practices.
Written in an accessible style, free of jargon, Sacred Smoke has everything you need to know to get started on your practice of purification and cleansing, including:
The importance of self-care How to keep your home and family safe How to protect your home while you are away Adding crystals to your cleansing practice Using essential herbs and recipes for creating cleansing smokeSacred Smoke is an essential guide for anyone seeking to practice the ritual use of cleansing and clearing to protect and heal themselves, their home, and their family.
165 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2019
27 people are currently reading
330 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 3, 2021
I’ve always loved incense and burn it often. But what am I really doing? This book helped address that question and provided guidance in ways you can use sacred smoke in various forms to advance your life. Beautifully written and great for beginners and astute practitioners.
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October 30, 2021Worst god forsaken "witchcraft" book I've ever read!! This book is basically a liberal's barf take on smudging and sage bundles, it is nothing but whining and complaining and "warning" about cultural appropriation and ethics, who gives a sh*t?? Oh my god, everyone has their take on what they call things! I call smudging for what it is, S.M.U.D.G.I.N.G!! And I use everything you "warned" about in my practice and I've been practicing for almost a decade, I can tell this "author" is a newb and just wanting to check the box on the list of leftist ideals for witchcraft. Newsflash! Nobody gives a f*ck, call it whatever the hell you want, do whatever the hell you want. It's YOUR spiritual practice, not this Biden blower, not the neighbors, not anyone else's but YOUR own! If you want to smudge with white sage, DO IT! If you want to cleanse with lavender bundles, DO IT! Do what you feel is right in your gut! God this is the most leftist, Biden sucking, blowing out your rear, fraudulent, ridiculous, shameful, waste of paper, hysterical, liberal book on this subject you could EVER have the misfortune of picking up.
December 16, 2020
A big thank you to the publisher for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! I'm always so thankful to have these opportunities!
Usually when I read a book, I'll give my overall impressions of the book once I'm done. For this one, I got a little nitpicky and I took notes as I read.
There are several notes that the author makes at the beginning of the book that I really appreciate. Calling out cultural appropriation is something leaders need to address. If you're claiming to be an authority - so much so that you feel you're able to write a book about a subject - then I think that you have the responsibility to negate any harm that has been done in the field of the book you're writing. Well done to Blackthorn for that.
The second note the author makes right out the gate is on ethical consumption, which is also a huge point when writing a book about herbal work. I was quite happy with those two points within the first 30 pages or so.
A few brownie points were lost when Blackthorn mentions using a diamond as a magical tool (within a diamond ring context) only because of the information we have on the diamond trade. We just made a note on ethical consumption of herbs, and I was hoping that information would be relavent to the gemstone business as well. Plus, it's just a tad classist, sexist, and outdated, if I'm honest, to assume that women are the ones in charge of the home, and will be traditionally wearing diamonds, so why not use them for magic.
While using what you've got is a sentiment I can get behind the set up for this one didn't impress me very much.
Throughout the book there are several mini sections scattered throughout each chapter.
The Brass Tacks sections are practice sessions to help gain confidence with the herbal work - which I have not completed as of this writing. I find that the outlines and information here have been helpful though.
The Changing Seasons: Rites for the Passage of Time sections were helpful - I have not completed any of these at the time of this writing.
The Featured Herbs sections that come between chapters was also helpful - I liked the high lights! There is also a featured Resin that comes after the herb page.
I will also state that there are a lot of break down for which parts of plants to use, why to use those specific parts, and other practical information that seems incredibly helpful. If you keep a Book of Shadows, Grimoire, or other such magical journal, I would recommend having it nearby to transcribe some of the information so that it's more easily accessible to you.
The Chapter on Spellwork has a decent amount of spells to try out - many with the classic, basic desires that go along with a 101 book: Finances/Money, Happiness, Energetic Cleansing etc.
After the spellwork chapter there is a chapter on combining incense and smoke work with stones. Good overview - still not too happy with the diamond story especially now that this section is in here.
Overall, a decent book if you're new to the world of herbwork/herbology and using incense. If you're old hat then this will be a lot of review. The recipes and DIY/gardening sections were decent.
4 Triquetras here!
Usually when I read a book, I'll give my overall impressions of the book once I'm done. For this one, I got a little nitpicky and I took notes as I read.
There are several notes that the author makes at the beginning of the book that I really appreciate. Calling out cultural appropriation is something leaders need to address. If you're claiming to be an authority - so much so that you feel you're able to write a book about a subject - then I think that you have the responsibility to negate any harm that has been done in the field of the book you're writing. Well done to Blackthorn for that.
The second note the author makes right out the gate is on ethical consumption, which is also a huge point when writing a book about herbal work. I was quite happy with those two points within the first 30 pages or so.
A few brownie points were lost when Blackthorn mentions using a diamond as a magical tool (within a diamond ring context) only because of the information we have on the diamond trade. We just made a note on ethical consumption of herbs, and I was hoping that information would be relavent to the gemstone business as well. Plus, it's just a tad classist, sexist, and outdated, if I'm honest, to assume that women are the ones in charge of the home, and will be traditionally wearing diamonds, so why not use them for magic.
While using what you've got is a sentiment I can get behind the set up for this one didn't impress me very much.
Throughout the book there are several mini sections scattered throughout each chapter.
The Brass Tacks sections are practice sessions to help gain confidence with the herbal work - which I have not completed as of this writing. I find that the outlines and information here have been helpful though.
The Changing Seasons: Rites for the Passage of Time sections were helpful - I have not completed any of these at the time of this writing.
The Featured Herbs sections that come between chapters was also helpful - I liked the high lights! There is also a featured Resin that comes after the herb page.
I will also state that there are a lot of break down for which parts of plants to use, why to use those specific parts, and other practical information that seems incredibly helpful. If you keep a Book of Shadows, Grimoire, or other such magical journal, I would recommend having it nearby to transcribe some of the information so that it's more easily accessible to you.
The Chapter on Spellwork has a decent amount of spells to try out - many with the classic, basic desires that go along with a 101 book: Finances/Money, Happiness, Energetic Cleansing etc.
After the spellwork chapter there is a chapter on combining incense and smoke work with stones. Good overview - still not too happy with the diamond story especially now that this section is in here.
Overall, a decent book if you're new to the world of herbwork/herbology and using incense. If you're old hat then this will be a lot of review. The recipes and DIY/gardening sections were decent.
4 Triquetras here!
January 15, 2022
Good for beginners. I was expecting something about resins and herbs to clear space and create rituals etc, not a beginner guide to witchcraft but it was a great read. Lots of information on different herbs and their energetic properties as well as how to use them safely. It’s going on the shelf with my botanical books where it belongs. Don’t be put off by the “spells”
March 14, 2020
Excellent read.
June 28, 2020
Simple, fun and accurate.
August 8, 2020
This book is a copyright violation of Harvest McCampbell's book with the same title and subject.
October 3, 2023
The tone of the book is an attempt at "Kitchen table talk" that has become so popular today. But like most attempts, it comes across as mildly childish. Not so much as some books I've recently read, however- and certainly nowhere near enough to make me put the book down; it's at least tolerable.
The advice in the book is actually fairly decent. I appreciate the regular warnings about appropriation, especially on such a sensitive topic as Smoke Cleansing where appropriation frequently abounds. I also like the formatting of the book as well. It's also nice to see small plant monographs interspersed throughout each section- though they aren't always mentioned or used in each section's exercises, which is a little annoying at times.
It does suffer in that she repeats herself unnecessarily throughout the text. She also often gets off topic frequently. Additionally, some things are just worded ... Weirdly, and she occasionally says things out of order; overall, past the first chapter about Smoke Cleansing the Self, the book almost seems to roll sideways in a few ways. Or, in other words: The book starts off rather strong but sadly starts to degrade in quality the longer it goes on.
The most laughable information I found, though, was the suggestion that you could develop what the author referred to as "magically resistant staph" by using the same Smoke Cleansing allies and methods every time you cleanse- and that you should therefore "switch it up" frequently to prevent this from happening, otherwise you won't be banishing things as effectively (or at all).
While there is some merit to the specific example she used in the book- which was that of an entity that was resistant to a specific Herb ... The issue is not "magically resistant Staph" as a general concept, but rather the fact that ... Yes. Some entities require more effort or specific herbs and protocols to banish. And I have no idea where the author got this overall idea that such resistance can develop overall, but it's an entirely modern one- and certainly one unique unto her; the multitudes of historical Smoke Cleansing traditions that do, in fact, use the same herbs repeatedly as central staples to their very traditions (such as Smudging and Saining- both of which are mentioned in her book in the section about appropriation no less), would very heavily disagree with this statement.
Overall, though ... I don't hate it. It could be better in more than a few ways- and compared to other works of hers that I've read, it is on of her better works. It's probably one of the better Eclectic NeoPagan (I hesitate to call it NeoWiccan despite the much heavier than usual- these days- Wiccan influences) books out there on Smoke Cleansing. And it's definitely beginner friendly, and the organization is quite nice. If you're past the beginner stage, however, and aren't any kind of stranger to Smoke Cleansing? I don't think you'll find anything of use here.
The advice in the book is actually fairly decent. I appreciate the regular warnings about appropriation, especially on such a sensitive topic as Smoke Cleansing where appropriation frequently abounds. I also like the formatting of the book as well. It's also nice to see small plant monographs interspersed throughout each section- though they aren't always mentioned or used in each section's exercises, which is a little annoying at times.
It does suffer in that she repeats herself unnecessarily throughout the text. She also often gets off topic frequently. Additionally, some things are just worded ... Weirdly, and she occasionally says things out of order; overall, past the first chapter about Smoke Cleansing the Self, the book almost seems to roll sideways in a few ways. Or, in other words: The book starts off rather strong but sadly starts to degrade in quality the longer it goes on.
The most laughable information I found, though, was the suggestion that you could develop what the author referred to as "magically resistant staph" by using the same Smoke Cleansing allies and methods every time you cleanse- and that you should therefore "switch it up" frequently to prevent this from happening, otherwise you won't be banishing things as effectively (or at all).
While there is some merit to the specific example she used in the book- which was that of an entity that was resistant to a specific Herb ... The issue is not "magically resistant Staph" as a general concept, but rather the fact that ... Yes. Some entities require more effort or specific herbs and protocols to banish. And I have no idea where the author got this overall idea that such resistance can develop overall, but it's an entirely modern one- and certainly one unique unto her; the multitudes of historical Smoke Cleansing traditions that do, in fact, use the same herbs repeatedly as central staples to their very traditions (such as Smudging and Saining- both of which are mentioned in her book in the section about appropriation no less), would very heavily disagree with this statement.
Overall, though ... I don't hate it. It could be better in more than a few ways- and compared to other works of hers that I've read, it is on of her better works. It's probably one of the better Eclectic NeoPagan (I hesitate to call it NeoWiccan despite the much heavier than usual- these days- Wiccan influences) books out there on Smoke Cleansing. And it's definitely beginner friendly, and the organization is quite nice. If you're past the beginner stage, however, and aren't any kind of stranger to Smoke Cleansing? I don't think you'll find anything of use here.
November 20, 2023
Amy Blackthron has this annoying habit of making such good referance books I wish I had the room to add a shelf to my work desk to keep her books on hand. Putting them on my main reference bookshelf out in my living area feels like its too far away for how often I referance them. I love using incense and this lets me expand on my smoke practice in a more meaningful way. As soon as I go near my altar my husband just opens the window because he knows I'll be burning something!
Ive been slowly building a collection of dried herbs to use for my practice and its nice to see how many ways i can use them. She was even kind enough to include a recipe I could use for when smoke isn't the best idea for my guests, or if I want to make a big batch to gift to my loved ones.
I'm very excited to see what she comes out with next!
Ive been slowly building a collection of dried herbs to use for my practice and its nice to see how many ways i can use them. She was even kind enough to include a recipe I could use for when smoke isn't the best idea for my guests, or if I want to make a big batch to gift to my loved ones.
I'm very excited to see what she comes out with next!
May 12, 2020
I enjoyed the author's previous book and I'm very interested in incense, smoke cleaning, etc, so I figured this would be the perfect book for me. Unfortunately, it was very disjointed and jumped all over the place. The information was also nothing new. I understand that it's a beginner book, but I've read single chapters of generic witchcraft 101 books that covered this subject in the same amount of detail. If you're looking for a deeper dive, as I was, look elsewhere. That being said, it did have some solid information that would be very useful if you're completely new to the subject. I also really love the author's voice and found it to be a very engaging read.
September 6, 2023
I'm glad I picked up this book. I'll be honest, the picture on the cover made me hesitate, given the author is not Indigenous. That said, she addresses this often in the book, talks about reciprocity, and alternatives too - which I really appreciated. I really loved the author's writing style. For a small book, it's packed with helpful tips, spells, and combos to use, and with so many easy to find herbs & plants. Worth a read!
July 30, 2022
Good introduction to the more popular plants, resins and herbs that are used as "incense" or for cleansing. However, instead of a more serious-minded read, the narrative comes across as some airy-fairy, witchcraft practice. Useful as a reference (hence the 3 stars), but otherwise not a concise or clearly written book.
December 11, 2019
I loved the author's voice, but this was so disjointed and barely touched the actual topic
August 18, 2020
I found this to be a concisely written overview of the topic, and it's a worthwhile addition to any library.
July 19, 2021
Loved it!!! It has clear concise information. It is an enjoyable read not dry at all. Great for beginners. I even learned some things I had not considered. It is a keeper for my collection.
August 26, 2022
I've bookmarked so many pages in this book for return use. Amy writes in an easy-to-read conversational style. Can't wait to read her other books.
July 19, 2023
Lots of useful info. A little disorganized.
February 14, 2021
Inspiring and motivating read
Blackthorn's voice and spirit is so during and motivating to read. She feels like a friend by the end of the book, and you want to have few with her for sure! I felt reinvigorated in my path and my view of incense as a sacred act, bit just another tool in ritual. Her recipes are great but really this is a book to get you in the path to making this own concoctions and giving read the confidence to try new the and think creatively. The storytelling in incense is something I'll consider more deeply in the future thanks to this book! Also, shout out to Amy for bring very transparent about ethics and spirituality, with regards to Native tribes in particular.
Blackthorn's voice and spirit is so during and motivating to read. She feels like a friend by the end of the book, and you want to have few with her for sure! I felt reinvigorated in my path and my view of incense as a sacred act, bit just another tool in ritual. Her recipes are great but really this is a book to get you in the path to making this own concoctions and giving read the confidence to try new the and think creatively. The storytelling in incense is something I'll consider more deeply in the future thanks to this book! Also, shout out to Amy for bring very transparent about ethics and spirituality, with regards to Native tribes in particular.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews