What is Smudging?
Smudging is a way of cleansing and neutralizing a space, an object or someone’s energy. This invites positive energy into the space and gets rid of the bad energy, think of it as “out with old and in with new” or just plain old “spreading good vibes”.
Using Sage & Smudging are century-old practices, but they are still commonly performed today. Smudging uses plant material, it is then burnt, and the smoke purifies the air.
Sage
Sage is used for so many different things and different varieties of sage have different uses. For Instance, it helps with sore throats, repels insects, helps with constipation, menstruation, pregnancy, anxiety and so much more. White Sage is one of the most common and sacred herbs to use when smudging. Popular among the indigenous North American people it is used for ceremonial practices, prayer and clearing negative energy.
Palo Santo
Palo Santo is also popular for smudging. A sacred Fragrance tree found in South America one of my favourite fragrances, it smells sweet and minty and is such an uplifting scent. Some attributes of Palo Santo - Removes negative energy, disinfects the air, drives away mosquitoes & insects, relaxes the mind & body.
Safety First!
It’s recommended to have a candle nearby to relight the smudge stick during the smudging ceremony. Matches or a lighter is used to light the candle. And you will light the smudge stick with the candle flame.
Don’t set your house on fire! It's useful to have a fireproof container, like a small clay bowl, to hold underneath the smudge stick to catch any ashes or embers. Indigenous people often use an abalone shell for this, bringing in a water element to the ritual. I recommend you use an abalone shell or container (bowl or plate) that you love and only use for smudging ceremonies.
Once again don’t set your house on fire! A bowl of sand is a must. It is used to properly extinguish the smudge stick safely after the ritual is complete.
Before the Smudge Sesh!!
Before we light it up, lets first see how it is performed. then you can choose your own unique way to smudge.
Allow enough space and time for the ritual so you don’t feel rushed. Meditation is a great way to slow your heart rate and create a calming environment. Try meditating before the smudging sesh begins, but don’t worry it's not a must. Just have some idea of what you want your intent to be.
Intention is key.
Remember when performing a space clearing, the intention is key. Before you start, take some time to contemplate what your wishes are for your home and family. When you clear your house, there’s a vacuum that’s created. You want to welcome your intentions into the newly cleared and open space. There are lots of mantras, prayers, wishes and even poems you can use for your ritual, so don’t be afraid to chant and sing till your heart's content.
There is no wrong way to do this...
Now that you have all your tools begin the “good vibes only ritual” Remember to enjoy this time and be in the moment.
Always start at the front of your house or dwelling.
Start at the front door of the home and light your smudge stick. Then, begin to move around the home. Move mindfully and with care, walking clockwise around the entire perimeter of the home.
Be sure to allow the smoke to drift into even the hidden spaces, like inside closets, basements and dark corners.
If there are stairs, just go up or down when you encounter them. Then keep moving clockwise until you meet the stairs again.
Continue to the main floor. Finishing your Smudge Sesh When you arrive back at the front door, chant your final good vibes, mantra, prayer or whatever your heart desires. Visualize the entire home is filled with bright white sunlight. Then speak your intention one last time to close the smudging ceremony. (Smudge Sesh as I call it)
And there you have it you're all finished!
Make sure you have put your Sage & Palo Santo out correctly!
How often should we smudge?
Smudging can be done monthly, annually or whenever you like, it’s especially powerful to perform a space clearing when you first move into a home, or on the lunar new year.
Some people just like to burn it for the scent and that's totally great as well!
I also like to smudge when there has been bad energy in the house, when someone has been sick or has a cold or flu in the house as sage and Palo Santo disinfects the air “win-win”.
So there you have it!!
Try smudging today it is truly a magical experience and I have seen the benefits that smudging can Bring. Can't wait to hear all about your smudging goodness! Smudge kits available here
Sage, Palo Santo and Abalone Shell Smudging kit – The Soap of Requirement