Kumbh Mela 2013

Kumbh Mela 2013 is one of the biggest Hindu Pilgrimage and festival in Hinduism from January 14 - February 3rd.  Pilgrims gather at the sacred river to bathe and purify their souls, and cleanse from sins.  It happens every 12 years.  The last Festival had an estimated 70 million participants and this current one is expected to have over 100 million participants.  People come from all over the world, to bathe in the sacred rivers, to witness the Sadhus (dressed in orange), naga baba's (naked as symbol complete aparigrapha), yogis,  and other devotees immerse themselves in this sacred ritual to cleanse their souls and purify from any negative energy.

The river Ganga-Yamuna and mythical Saraswati are said to hold the necatar from the Kumbh (pitcher) of the Gods after the seas were churned.  Aside from witnessing the mass baptismal like purification of Hindu devotees, people who participate enjoy spiritual discourses, devotional kirtan, and feeding of many people (holy people and poor).

Burning Sage - Clearing Energy

Sage is an herb known for its healing and medicinal properties. The botanical name for sage is "Salvia Apiana" which comes from the Latin root Salvare, which means "to heal or to save". Since ancient times people have used Sage to clear negative energy, and bring purification to homes, objects, etc. Sometimes sage is bundled up into smudge sticks, white dried sage or even dessert sage is burned to give off a smoke & aroma said to clear out any negative energy. Some people say it improves their Spiritual practices, and some say say that it creates happiness and abundance to their lives and homes. You can also use loose leaves and burn them in an Abalone Shell or some sort of bowl so that the ash does not get everywhere. Many people who do healing work, use Sage as part of their ritual practice. It really creates a lovely energy and has a sweet fragrance. It is a wonderful addition to cleanse the energy of a Yoga Studio, or Reiki Healing Space. Also, burning of sage is great to use for your Crystals. Sage will make your crystals sing, and your homes ring with abundance of Joy and Bliss. Recently, my fellow Yogi and dear friend Joseph shared some Fresh Sage that was grown by his friend. A huge box of Lavendar Sage and other varieties....so wonderful! I like to think of Sage as a Spiritual Shower. If you are looking for something to set the energy of your home, cleanse for your crystals or yourself, look into burning some sage and embrace the energy. ~ Om Shanti