THE BASICS OF SMUDGING

 

A smudging ceremony involves the indigenous ritual used to cleanse the air of bad energy and invite positive vibes. It is closely related to different spiritual traditions such as in Native American cultures called a smoke offering. Burning the herbs or a plant-like material provides smoke that fills that air with an apothecary scent for healing, blessing, and purifying your space.

A smudge bundle mix of different herbs depends on the intention. When picking the herbs you should research what spiritual aid it provides and the scent. The most popular herb used for smudging is white sage. White sage purifies and has a very heavy scent requiring you to open all windows and doors to clear out the smell. Some of my favorite herbs I like to mix with sage are sweetgrass and lavender that give the incense a more sweet and flowery scent.

For beginners what you need is a ceramic bowl, smudge bundle, and lighter. Your intention for the smudging ceremony must be already thought of and meditated/prayed on. Now, take your lighter, hold the smudge bundle from one side and burn the tip of the smudge bundle on the other side you are not holding. Blow on it to ignite the burning fire further and keep the bundle lit. Carefully, without touching anything with the burning tip, walk around your space and wave the burning tip around to spread the smoke. For self-smudging ceremonies, closely waving the burning tip of the bundle around your body starting from your head to your toes (NOT TOUCHING YOUR SKIN OR YOU WILL BURN). Use the bowl to place your smudge bundle after blessing your home with the smoke in every room or waving it around your body.

Visualize the bad energy leaving and make room in your mind for positivity with good intention. It is believed that when the smoke ascends into the air your intentions or wishes will mingle with the universe in compromising agreement.