What is Smudging? How do you do it?
What is smudging?
Smudging has been used for thousands of years as a way of cleansing the mind, body, spirit and environment of negative energies. Smudging was used by indigenous peoples from all over the world, many of the ceremonies, even though they developed independently and are unconnected, share the same basic principles. It is still used in one form or another in many religions, and is usually comprised of burning sacred plants or incense such as White Sage, Cedar, Palo Santo, Frankincense, Myrrh and Copal among many others.
Why would I smudge?
There are many reasons for smudging. For some it is used for cleansing. There are many who believe that smudging can dispel negative energies, thoughts, and emotions. Many people will cleanse crystals before use by passing them through the smoke, others use it for helping cleanse auras and chakras. There are people who use smudging for self-care, emotionally creating space for reflection and gratitude, which in turn increases energy levels. Depending on what is used, there are many who believe that plants and herbs hold antimicrobial properties. Some use smudging for meditation, finding that the calming aroma of smudge sticks can help with relieving stress and anxiety and improve focus and tranquillity. There are those who use smudging for bringing them closer to their deity, spiritually smudging can sweep away impurities and create a sacred environment.
How would I smudge?
There are many ways in which you can smudge. First you need to consider why you are smudging? Are you clearing a space of negativity, are you cleansing spiritual tools, are you seeking more enlightenment? Whatever the reason you need to begin with focusing on your goal.
For example, you may feel that there is negative energy around you and you wish to banish it.
Begin by making sure you have time to perform the ritual, turn your phone off and make sure you are not going to be disturbed. Be mindful of smoke alarms and anything that might be flammable in the area you are smudging.
Next, decide on what you need to perform the ritual, in this case White Sage, Palo Santo or Cedarwood would be good. A smudging bowl is also needed to collect debris, traditionally an abalone shell would be preferable but any ceramic bowl will suffice. Finally you will need a fan to fan the smoke, a feather is traditionally used.
So, you have your White Sage stick and something to light it with, you have your bowl and your fan, what you need now is a clear intention in your mind of what you wish to achieve. Think of a simple mantra, do not demand anything, always ask politely.
A mantra can ask for many things from many sources. Prosperity, peace, love, inspiration, or health. You can ask a deity, the universe, mother nature, whomever you are comfortable with. In this case I would use the following cleansing mantra.
“Into this smoke I release all energies that no longer serve my greatest good. I ask The Universe to bless me with peace and light. So mote it be”
Now that everything is ready, you can begin your ritual.
Clear the negative energy from your mind, picture a wide beam of light white appearing above you, allow it to envelop you, feel its warmth and comforting embrace.
Light your White Sage stick. Hold it at a downward angle of around 45 degrees and light it at the bottom. Allow the Sage to burn for around 30 seconds and then blow it out.
Place the stick into your smudging bowl and then begin to slowly say your mantra as you cleanse yourself with the smoke. Cup your hands and bring the smoke into your heart, over your head, and down the front and back of your body. You can also cleanse your hands with the smoke as if you were washing them.
Pick up your feather and begin to fan the smoke around you in a clockwise direction, again slowly repeating your mantra. Work from head to toe pushing the smoke down your body towards your feet.
When you are happy that you have fully smudged yourself, you can then open a window or door to allow the negative energies to leave.
Extinguish the remaining sage by pressing the burning end into your smudging bowl, as I do this, I like to give thanks for the cleansing. “I give thanks to The Universe for blessing me with peace and light”
That’s it.
You then adapt the ritual for cleansing large spaces, small objects, other people, sending blessings to others or what ever it is you are using the ritual for.
Blessings
Belle X