Smudging Instructions

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Space: Ensure the space you want to cleanse is well-ventilated. Open windows or doors to allow the smoke to escape. It's also a good idea to declutter the space and remove any flammable items nearby.
  2. Light the Sage Stick: Hold the sage stick by the end opposite the bundle tightly in one hand. Use the lighter or matches to ignite the tip of the bundle. Allow the flame to catch for a few seconds, then gently blow it out so that the sage is smoldering and producing smoke.
  3. Set Your Intention: Before you begin smudging, it's helpful to set an intention for the cleansing. This could be a simple statement or prayer expressing your desire for purification, clarity, or protection.
  4. Extinguish Safely: Once you've finished smudging, carefully extinguish the sage stick by pressing the lit end into a heat-resistant container such as a ceramic bowl or abalone shell filled with sand or salt. Ensure the stick is completely out before leaving it unattended.
  5. Dispose of Ashes: Once the sage stick has cooled completely, you can dispose of the ashes in a respectful manner, such as burying them in the earth or scattering them in the wind.

Smudging the Body:

Smudging is a personal and intuitive practice, so individuals may choose to focus on specific areas of the body based on their own intentions and needs.

  • Head: Smudging the head is often done to clear mental clutter, purify thoughts, and invite clarity and focus. It can also be used to release negative thought patterns or energy blockages.
  • Heart: Smudging the heart area is intended to cleanse emotional energy, promote emotional healing, and invite feelings of love, compassion, and openness. It can help release emotional burdens and foster emotional balance.
  • Hands: Smudging the hands is believed to cleanse one's actions, intentions, and interactions with others. It can be used to purify one's work or creative endeavors and to invite positive energy into daily activities.
  • Feet: Smudging the feet is thought to ground and stabilize energy, as well as to release any stagnant or heavy energy that may be stored in the lower body. It can help one feel more connected to the earth and rooted in the present moment.
  • Back: Smudging the back is often done to clear energy that may be lingering from past experiences, relationships, or interactions. It can promote release, renewal, and letting go of what no longer serves one's highest good.
  • Aura/Overall Body: Smudging the entire body or aura is a comprehensive cleansing ritual that aims to purify and balance one's energy field. It can help remove energetic attachments, protect against negative influences, and restore overall energetic harmony.

 

Smudging your Space:

  • Begin at the front door or entrance of your home. Move clockwise around each room, waving the smoldering sage bundle to spread the smoke. 
  • Pay special attention to corners, doorways, windows, and high traffic areas where negative energy may accumulate.
  • As you move through each room, visualize or state your intention for cleansing and purification.
  • Spend extra time smudging areas where negative energy may be particularly strong or where you feel tension or discomfort.
  • You can also smudge mirrors, electronics, and objects with which you interact frequently to cleanse their energy.