Sage herb is burned to cleanse physical space, objects or individuals. The smoke generated attaches itself to the negative energy and as the smoke dissipates, so does the negative energy. People often cleanse themselves and their space after difficult events, with communication problems on the rise, when feeling down or depressed, during times of meditation or other ritual. Smudging is also excellent to practice prior to a gathering or ritual or as people arrive and before commencing a ritual or celebration. This leads to open minds and hearts and the eradication of any lingering negativity.