WHAT IS SMUDGING?

Smudging is a spiritual cleansing tradition that many cultures around the world practice. It involves the burning of dried herbs and medicinal plants to help purify and clear all kinds of negative energy from areas, objects, and ourselves (body, mind, and spirit).

There are many different types of herbs/plants ("smudge") to smudge with, the most common ones being Sage, Sweetgrass, Lavender, Palo Santo, and Copal, here in North America.

Regardless of what one chooses to smudge with, this process should not be taken lightly. Everyone should respect the process and always go into smudging with positive, mindful, sincere thoughts, and intentions.

SMUDGING GUIDE

First and foremost, you should set your intentions and say a prayer or mantra prior to smudging. (Personally, I prefer repeating them over and over during the duration of the smudging. I also say a final prayer upon finishing.)

  • Before starting, open doors and windows. Only burn your smudge in a well-ventilated area. This also allows for proper energy flow.

  • Remove any decorative elements from the smudge bundle (ribbons, floral decor, crystals, charms, etc.). Any herbs, flowers, and string that are actually part of the smudge are ok to leave on for burning.

  • Hold the smudge at an angle over a fire-proof bowl and light it up for approx. 20-30 seconds.

  • Do not blow out the flame after lighting the smudge. Instead, fan out the flame with your hand or a feather, only embers and smoke should remain. (It is believed that blowing out the flame blows away the good energy.)

  • Once lit, make sure to place the smudge in a fire-proof bowl, or hold one right under it as you smudge to properly catch falling embers. Be careful when handling, as the bowl will get hot if the smudge is placed in it.

  • You can start by smudging yourself from top to bottom to get rid of any negative energy as you prepare to smudge different areas or objects.

  • When smudging an area, work your way around clockwise. Ensure that the smoke reaches ceiling to floor, and all corners including inside closets, cupboards, behind doors ~ properly cleansing the entire area.

  • To prevent embers from dying out, fan the embers softly with your hand or a smudge feather. In case smudge goes out, it is ok to re-light as needed.

  • Repeat as you go into each area.

  • When smudging other people or objects, you can also work from top to bottom, ensuring that a layer of smoke has adequately covered the person or object.

  • Never leave burning smudge unattended.

  • Once finished, snuff out the embers onto your fire-proof bowl. Some prefer putting a small amount of sand in the bowl to help extinguish the embers.

  • Check to make sure that the embers are properly extinguished.

SMUDGING PRAYER AND MANTRA EXAMPLES

Feel free to come up with your own prayer or mantra when smudging. Here are also a few examples that you can use as reference: (Source: Pinterest)

For Self:

"Into this smoke, I release all energies that no longer serve my greatest good, all negativity that surrounds me, and all the fears that limit me, I ask that only love, light, happiness and abundance fill my space.
~ And so it is."

"May I release all energies that are less than love. Help free my mind and body of all that no longer serves me. I send back any energies that aren't mine, with love. I anchor into myself and the present moment."

For Home:

"Smoke of Air and Fire of Earth, bless and cleanse this home and hearth. Drive away all harm and fear. Only good may enter here."

"May I ask that this home is cleansed of any heaviness, unwanted energy, and any negativity. May the loved ones that reside here be brought to a state of peace, of poise, and of perfect harmony in body, in mind and in spirit. May we be grateful for health, abundance, love, and happiness as a constant manifestation.
~So be it, so it is."

DISCLAIMER:

The information on this guide, as well as smudge and crystal properties from Bella Kai Crystals are based on metaphysical beliefs only, and are meant to serve as general guidelines. In no way should they be used as replacement for any official, professional treatment, and medical advice. Please seek treatment and/or advice from professionals when needed.