Smudging-Cleansing your Space

Smudging and Cleansing your Space

First and foremost, what is smudging?  It is when you burn certain herbs and wave the smoke around you and your home.  The purpose of doing this is to cleanse your space and yourself of negative energies and invite good spirits in.

I have been doing this for a very long time and as with anything, I am sure things have changed and new ways of smudging is out there.  I am also sure there are new herbs to use and most likely a brand new way of doing it.  But since I am old school, I am going to share the herbs I burn and the way I do it.

Smudging is often referred to as a simple ritual which is used a lot to prepare for inner work and cleansing your energy, others energy and your surrounding area. There is a wide range of different herbs you can use.  I personally use: White Sage, Lavender, Rosemary, Cedar and Sweet-grass. I am going to break these herbs down and write a simple explanation for what each one does.  Often you can purchase smudge sticks which have a mixture of herbs, you can purchase loose herbs and burn in a fire proof earthen pot, you can also use charcoal brinks to sprinkle some of the herbs on and spiritually bathe in the smoke.  I have also used an abalone shell for years. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT light your smudge with a wooden match representing fire because it was naturally given to us from Spirit.  Be sure that whatever container you use to burn your herbs it is fire proof. 

To smudge you place the herbs in the container or light your smudging stick and set it in the earthen fire proof container.  Cup your hands the way you do when you are washing your face and gather the smoke and wash it over you as if you were bathing.  You can also use a smudging feather, I have done both.  If I am in a group I will use the smudging feather.  If I am alone, I spiritually bathe in the smoke. As you are waving the smoke around you, you are spiritually washing the negative energies away.

To smudge or cleanse your space, you light some herbs in an earthen container and walk around each room so you and the smoke are actually pushing the old/negative energy out of the door. Often to do a deep cleanse, you would open the drawers and the close and smudge every area again, pushing the energy of the door. Often you would follow and do another smudging with sweet-grass and/or a lavender and rosemary mixture.  This is purifying your space and inviting sweet good energy in.

There have been many times when I do a deep smudging, I will verbally say an affirmation out loud.  Calling on my spirit guides, angels, protectors and the Divine to help me cleanse my home of all negativity.  Each person that begins to smudge will use their own methods.  When you feel comfortable enough you will add extra affirmations, cleanse your space the way that feels right for you and you will eventually create your own special smudging blend. Smudging like everything on your spiritual path, is private and individually done. It is a sacred moment between you and the Divine.

Here are some of my favorite Smudging herbs:

Lavender- Protection, purification, cleansing, relaxing and love

Rosemary- Protection, purification, sleep, love

White Sage-purification, cleansing 

Sweet-grass- Invites sweet energy into your home

Cedar Tips- Healing, purification, protection

I have an online store called:  WhiteOak Art Designs and Herbs

I am going to list some things from Amazon, or you very well may have these things on hand.  I also like burning a white and black candle together, it helps with balancing the energy in your home. 

I was told once long time ago:  When you think of smudging, see it as the sage being the warrior driving all of the bad energy away and Sweet-grass being the who invites all of the good energy in.