“Spiritual” is big business these days. Make sure that – before spending your hard-earned money – you know what you’re buying. Remember, mindfulness is free and so is aspiring to become a better person. But, we live in a material world, and Hey! Who doesn’t like to shop?? So, here are 4 common spiritual products which don’t do what people think they do. 

Spiritual Products #1 – Home Cleansing Sage Sticks

Many consider ritualistically burning sage in their home to be cleansing. They believe that it absorbs conflicts, anger, and evil. Many walk around with burning sage after moving into a new house or when experiencing “bad” situations in their life. were Some people simply do a seasonal “cleanse” now and then.

Now, the burning of herbs in this sense has been around for thousands of years. But, it doesn’t ward off spirits or clean a space’s chi or energy. For thousands of years, our ancestors used the smoke from different herbs, for their health benefits. Sage, along with rosemary, coconut husks and other natural smoky materials naturally have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, and anti-oxidant properties. They’ve long helped protect people from harmful illnesses (or “evils”). Our ancestors knew that using this smoke in their homes would keep them healthier and happier. That’s why they used it. Nothing to do with “energy” or the metaphysical.

Spiritual Products #2 – Himalayan Salt Lamps

These lamps are popular in crystal and spiritual shops. Himalayan Salt Lamps are seen to have calming effects and good for your overall health. People believe they help improve moods, reduce negative influences from electricity, improve sleep and increase their energy levels. They’re also pretty to look at. These lamps are extremely popular these days. Households around the world now have one.

Before we discuss how salt lamps effect our health, let’s talk about the ocean. Many people love living near the ocean. As an Australian myself, I understand the draw of the deep blue green just as well as the other 80+% of Australians living on or near the coast. But, have you ever stopped to think about how the constant sea breeze affects your health? The constant inflow of salt particles, over time, causes similar health problems to that of a highly salty diet. In the long term, this barrage of sodium weakens people’s kidneys and lungs, causing a myriad of health issues. Additionally, because it’s air born, the salt particles dry out the skin and cause people to show accelerated signs of aging and lose their skin’s natural elasticity at a relatively young age.

Salt lamps also release salt, into the air with similar long-term effects. In the short term, chemicals present in addition to the salt particles have euphoric qualities. Basically meaning that people get a little micro-high from these lamps, which is why they’re enjoying all of that deep sleep.

Spiritual Products #3 – Tibetan Prayer Flags

These colorful square pieces of cloth are frequently considered as good luck items for any house, with powerful prayers and symbols written on each. People believe that the prayers and mandalas create positive energy for the surrounding area as the blow in the wind.

It’s not entirely far from the truth. Tibetan prayer flags are used for protection from evil entities and misfortune. Each of the prayers have a meaning and power too. However, without a monks blessing, they’re useless. The most powerful thing in the whole world is the mind. So, the power of any blessings, spells or prayers depends entirely on the person performing the ritual. Real Tibetan flags, when used, are accompanied by a blessing ceremony performed by monks with years of practice cultivating the powers and focus of the mind. It’s their mind’s power which creates the effectiveness of the flags’ protection. So, although authentic Tibetan flags can be powerful objects, without the right mind or prayer, they’re not much more than just pieces of cloth.

Spiritual Products – Feng Shui Water Features

Traditional Chinese Feng Shui associates Water with money. This is why they consider it good “chi” to have flowing water within a house. They believe it represents the flowing of money into a person’s life. It’s also commonly said that flowing water pools positive or auspicious chi energy. In turn, allowing wealth and abundance to flow into your life with fresh opportunities.

But, like we explain in our new book “Your Home Reveals Everything About You”, this is because of antiquated advice used over 2,000 years ago. In the past when we all mostly farmers, having water on your property meant you were able to grow crops and feed animals. How much water you had literally determined your wealth. That’s why it was seen as good luck or beneficial to have water on your property.

The problem is that we don’t grow our own crops anymore (well, most of us don’t). Also, water is pumped directly into our homes without needing to dig it up or carry it. It’s already good luck just be to alive in a time of such wonderful convenience if you think about it. So the advice is outdated. But more importantly, it’s detrimental to our health and relationships. 

Think about it. When there is an unnatural body of water, bacteria and other organisms start to collect and thrive. As the water naturally evaporates slowly into the atmosphere, these pollutants spread into the surrounding atmosphere. If placed in your home, you breathe in these impurities, in turn affecting your immune system. Basically, having a water feature will make you sick more often, and moody, and result in more frequent arguments in the house.

Aim of the story

Be careful when buying “spiritual” products. Remember, everything in this world has a reason. But sometimes the reason is pure capitalism. Just think before buying things and always look for logic and reason when purchasing new age or spiritual products.