According to folklore, and depending on whether the reader readily believes any of it, the smoke from a Palo Santo stick is said to smell especially acrid to those who have the most to cleanse. When I first started using Palo Santo, I found the scent of the smoke challenging, but not disagreeable. Over the years it’s wavered, but mostly I enjoy it now.
Last night there was a sourness in the smoke of the new batch I lit. As much for the newness, as for what has been weighing on the mind of late, I’m afraid. To offset the world, I find it best to up my meditation time. Gradually, just a few extra minutes a day, until we make it out of the winter wilderness.
The Palo Santo always smells sweeter in the spring.
The soul feels better then too.
