Ancient Healing Meets Modern Car

Shamanic inspiration often surfaces in interesting ways. Shamanism is not just about being spiritual, it is about walking in this world in a spiritual fashion. I always find it amusing when I receive a new idea that can do both.

In the Peruvian shamanic tradition sacred palo santo wood (or holy wood) is used for offerings in ceremony and as an incense for smudging and clearing of heavy energies. It has a wonderful scent that is difficult to describe, but everyone who smells it finds it unique and delightful. Unlit, its aroma and energy can produce a relaxation response, which is why I like to keep some out at home and in my office.

One day I suddenly had a vision of creating a palo santo wood pendant that could be used as a car air freshener. If blessed shamanically the palo santo wood could also assist in keeping the space in the car clear while assisting in reducing driving stress!

I smiled as I realized that this natural wood could be a more beautiful, sustainable and spiritual alternative to the popular, but chemically enhanced “Christmas tree” air fresheners I see hanging from many rear view mirrors. The palo santo wood is longer lasting, too, making it economical and earth friendly. You can rejuvenate the scent by sanding lightly with a nail file, or simply scratching it with a thumbnail.

So, I now offer the Palo Santo Wood Car Air Freshener Pendant under my Peruvian and Shamanic Gifts page on my website. A package contains three energetically blessed pieces of palo santo, each decorated with a different hand-painted bead from Peru (two Inca designs and one desert scene with llama), strung on a hand-cut leather thong to hang or carry. And with three I figured you can use them all throughout your house, too, they work great as a closet or drawer sachet, or you could pass one along as a gift.

I like the thought that the pendant might bring down the stress level of people stuck in traffic (I live in Seattle where gridlock on I-5 is becoming a major occurrence), or perhaps might help a driver stay grounded, balanced and centered for an overall safer driving experience. I can’t wait to see how other ancient traditions might suggest adaptations for our modern world.