A Guide to Smudging From The Smudge Sisters:
Smudging—the act of burning herbs or 'medicines' to cleanse one's energy or space of negativity has become a common practice these days, however, it should always be performed with the utmost respect. While there are many ways and variations on how a smudging ceremony can be performed, each culture has its own unique rituals, so please keep in mind that the information provided is only a general guide, and does not reflect all the complexities and variations that are found among the many different Spiritual, First Nations or Indigenous Peoples.
With that said, let's begin!
First and foremost, there is no wrong way to perform a smudge, the most important thing is that you smudge with the purest of intentions. Be prepared, take a few moments and consider what it is that you are trying to accomplish, and set your mantra or simple affirmation.
For example, if you are smudging your home to cleanse and remove negative energy you may want to recite one of the following:
“I let go and release what no longer serves me”
“Surround this space and everyone in it with positive energy and white light”
"I clear this space of any negative energy so that I may live my highest good'
Be mindful of your thoughts and feelings, before you begin to smudge, try to focus on positive and uplifting thoughts.
Once you've cleared your mind and decided on your mantra you will need to gather the following:
🌿Your Smudge Stick or Sage Bundle
🌿Match or Candle (we prefer a candle as it makes re-lighting easier throughout the process)
🌿Feather (or you may use your hand to help disperse the smoke)
🌿Small Glass / or clay Bowl (or large shell, this will help catch any burning ambers)
🌿Salt or Sand (to help extinguish your Smudge Stick)
1. Place the salt or sand in the bottom of your glass bowl, open a few windows and doors allowing the smoke and negative energy to easily escape.
2. Light your smudge stick at a 45-degree angle over your flameproof bowl until a small flame has caught, and allow to burn for a few seconds, while holding your smudge stick over the bowl gently blow on the flame until it goes out. The cedar will smoulder and you'll see orange ambers as the smoke appears, now you are ready to begin. Remember that it’s the smoke that does the work, so the smudge stick does not have to remain lit, and you may continue to gently blow the end, now and again so it continues to smoulder.
3. Walk around your home carefully using a feather or your hand to waft the smoke into all areas of your space. Include all small spaces that collect negative energy like corners, windows, and behind doors while reciting your mantra or affirmation.
Remember that the goal is to allow a light amount of smoke to move around your space - there’s no need to create a thick cloud of smoke! You may need to relight your smudge stick several times to make it around the whole house - and that's completely fine. Simply relight it over your flameproof bowl and lightly blow it out as before, then carry on where you left off.
4. Once finished we suggest you honour the elements. You can do so by offering a few words of gratitude to our creator or whatever feels right for you as you finish.
5. Use the salt or sand inside your bowl to extinguish your smudge stick, or alternatively, you can extinguish it outside by lightly pressing the stick into the earth, then placing your smudge stick in a 'special or designated space' for future use.
NEVER leave your lit smudge stick unattended.
May you enjoy the many blessings and benefits offered by the sacred act of Smudging.
Thank You~Wela’lin~Maarsii
The Smudge Sisters
sealed with a green kiss ~ Team GK
