Smudging Properly
Smudging is usually done to clear negativity from an area, but there is much more to it than that. Smudging is also a time for reflection an...d prayer and giving thanks. The most important thing to remember when smudging is that there are many different ways to smudge, but no wrong way. The Universe knows what you are trying to accomplish, and will guide you in your actions.
There are primarily four herb choices for smudging: sage, sweet-grass, cedar, and tobacco. They can be used alone, or bundled together in any combination. This bundle is what we refer to as a smudge stick or smudge bundle. Sage is the most sacred of the herbs, and the most commonly used, and is burned primarily for protection. It does not seem to make a difference whether one uses California Sage, Iowa Sage, Dalmatian Sage, or any other type. Over the years, I have experimented with many different varieties, and they all did a great job protecting and purifying the area.
Smudging is usually done to clear negativity from an area, but there is much more to it than that. Smudging is also a time for reflection an...d prayer and giving thanks. The most important thing to remember when smudging is that there are many different ways to smudge, but no wrong way. The Universe knows what you are trying to accomplish, and will guide you in your actions.
There are primarily four herb choices for smudging: sage, sweet-grass, cedar, and tobacco. They can be used alone, or bundled together in any combination. This bundle is what we refer to as a smudge stick or smudge bundle. Sage is the most sacred of the herbs, and the most commonly used, and is burned primarily for protection. It does not seem to make a difference whether one uses California Sage, Iowa Sage, Dalmatian Sage, or any other type. Over the years, I have experimented with many different varieties, and they all did a great job protecting and purifying the area.
Sweet-grass is used to dispel negative energy. Cedar is used mainly for purifying and also to introduce positive energy. Tobacco helps to carry the smoke, with your intentions, to the Heavens. It is also considered an offering. I do not recommend processed tobacco such as that found in cigarettes (Marlboro, Camels etc.) Non-processed tobacco, such as the Native American brands, seems to work much better. An even better choice would be any part of the nicotiana plant; an ornamental annual found at many local garden centers.
Open all the closet doors, cupboards, storage areas, etc. prior to starting the smudge. You want the smoke to be able to flow freely into all areas. Light your smudge with a match, or from a candle when possible. I prefer not to use a lighter since lighters do not come from and return to the Earth. Once the smudge is lit, allow it to smolder for a few seconds, and start to produce smoke. Pass the smudge around your head and body a few times to cleanse your body and aura prior to actually smudging the chosen area. For this article, we will assume we are cleansing a house. Once you have cleansed yourself, go to the lowest part of the house with the smoking smudge bundle. Trace the outline of the entry area 2-3 times. Then move with the smoking bundle around the perimeter of the room in a clockwise direction. Stop at any doorways you might encounter, and again trace the opening 2-3 times, then enter into that new, adjoining room. Again, move clockwise around the room, and return through the door to the first room, and continue in a clockwise manner as before. Repeat the earlier instruction each time you come to a new adjoining room.
Once all rooms on this lower level have been treated, move up to the next floor, and repeat the movements. Continue to do this for as many floors as your area might have. You can smudge any time the area starts to feel negatively charged, or if the area is simply feeling "dead." I recommend at least 3-4 times per year.
After smudging, you should light incense to replace the negative energy that has been removed. As you know, nature abhors a vacuum, and if you do not designate energy to replace the recently cleared negativity, the void will most likely be filled with more of the same.
Smudging is a simple, fast, cost-effective way to help your areas feel better. Native Americans have long advocated smudging as a way to cleanse and create sacred space. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions!
Open all the closet doors, cupboards, storage areas, etc. prior to starting the smudge. You want the smoke to be able to flow freely into all areas. Light your smudge with a match, or from a candle when possible. I prefer not to use a lighter since lighters do not come from and return to the Earth. Once the smudge is lit, allow it to smolder for a few seconds, and start to produce smoke. Pass the smudge around your head and body a few times to cleanse your body and aura prior to actually smudging the chosen area. For this article, we will assume we are cleansing a house. Once you have cleansed yourself, go to the lowest part of the house with the smoking smudge bundle. Trace the outline of the entry area 2-3 times. Then move with the smoking bundle around the perimeter of the room in a clockwise direction. Stop at any doorways you might encounter, and again trace the opening 2-3 times, then enter into that new, adjoining room. Again, move clockwise around the room, and return through the door to the first room, and continue in a clockwise manner as before. Repeat the earlier instruction each time you come to a new adjoining room.
Once all rooms on this lower level have been treated, move up to the next floor, and repeat the movements. Continue to do this for as many floors as your area might have. You can smudge any time the area starts to feel negatively charged, or if the area is simply feeling "dead." I recommend at least 3-4 times per year.
After smudging, you should light incense to replace the negative energy that has been removed. As you know, nature abhors a vacuum, and if you do not designate energy to replace the recently cleared negativity, the void will most likely be filled with more of the same.
Smudging is a simple, fast, cost-effective way to help your areas feel better. Native Americans have long advocated smudging as a way to cleanse and create sacred space. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions!
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