S is for Sage
Sage: a plant or shrub of the mint family with aromatic grayish green leaves used in cooking.
Note: The sage she would be using is white sage.
…
Masako had picked up old protection rituals from visiting America. She now ordered sage and sweetgrass bundles.
Once they arrived, she would start clearing away the negative energy that would stagnate inside the house, in a practice called smudging. She would make the sage smolder until it let off a steady, thick stream of smoke, then she would carry it around the house, letting the smoke clear the negative energy. The sweetgrass would follow, bringing in positive energy.
When she was done, the house felt peaceful and protected. No spirit could cross the threshold of her building after the practice.