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Smudging is a sacred practice that dates back over 4500 years and is used for medicinal, spiritual, and cultural practices. Although it is most commonly used known in Western society as a way to clear away negative energies and unwanted spirits, smudging with sage and other sacred herbs also has powerful antibacterial benefits that scientific studies have shown "over 94% reduction of bacterial counts by 60 min (Nautiyal, C. S., Chauhan, P. S., & Nene, Y. L., 2007)".
White Sage has become a fundamental go-to herb for cleansing rituals as it represents protection, prosperity, blessings, wisdom, and immortality. However, there are many other herbs, each with its own unique qualities and energy, that are great such as:
Palo Santo
Juniper
Rosemary
Lavender Sage
Cedar
Sweetgrass
Frankincense
Myrrh
Rose
Lavender
Bayberry
Juniper
Mugwort
When choosing to smudge, it is essential to ensure you purchase your herbs from a sustainable and trustworthy source. It is also essential to consider whether traditional smoke smudging suits your space or if you live with certain restrictions against smoke (apartment complex, sensitive lungs, etc.). If there are restrictions, another good option is a smudge spray that you can purchase pre-made or make your own using essential oils and energetically cleansed water.
You can smudge your space, self, and items as often as you feel necessary. It is helpful to smudge after hosting guests, after a bad argument, when you feel a negative presence, and when you are feeling stressed, anxious, or angry.
As you begin your smudging practice, you will start to adopt a unique method that feels right to you. Feel confident within yourself to let your intuition guide you. You can couple smudging with intentional commands, a prayer, Mantra, a spell, or simply with intention. But it is important to focus on defined intentions, at least while smudging. The energy will lead and guide the process. Some sample mantras can be found on the Mantras page.
When smudging, you work with the four elements; Fire, Earth, Air, and Water. Use them as such:
Fire- used to burn the sacred herbs
Earth-the herbs and wood or their oils used to create a spray
Air-used when fanning the smoke with a feather and in the smoke itself.
water- in a vessel carried as you smudge and to extinguish the herbs and wood when the smudging ritual is completed or in a smudging spray.
There are some ingredients that are needed to cleanse your space.
Items:
White Sage (Must) (herb or essential oil)
Palo Santo wood (Optional but highly suggested) (herb or essential oil)
Feather when using smoldering herbs to direct the smoke
small vessel with water (shell or bowl) when using smoldering herbs
Crystals are an optional but helpful tool for smudging or ritual practice. As every crystal has its own unique energy characteristics, it is up to you to determine which crystal will best serve your needs:
Rose Quartz
Black Tourmaline
Selenite
Clear Quartz
Labradorite
Black Obsidian
Amethyst
Auralite 23
Time to Smudge
Crack open a window in every single room in the house (if you are smudging the whole home) or just in the room you are working in. This will help give the negative energy or spirits a way out. Start with the white sage by lighting it until it is evenly lit, and gently blow on the end till it begins to smolder. In each room (and repeated as often as you feel necessary), say your chosen mantra or prayer while guiding the sage smoke to cleanse every inch of the home. Ensure you get every corner, including cabinets, closets, pantry, space under stairs, basements, garage, and so on.
While smudging, repeat a mantra or prayer to put power and direction into your smudging ritual. It is highly suggested to take time to plan out how you will smudge and to create your own personalized prayer. It can be difficult to think of a prayer especially if you are new to the practice so please feel free to use one that I have provided below.
Smudging Mantras/Prayers
General Cleansing of negative energy
"I clear this space and all within of any negative energy. I release you with love and call upon you to be used for a positive purpose outside of this home where you may be needed. Only light and love may remain."
After a family member's passing
"With Love and Light we honor and release you, (family member's name) from this earth and from this space. May your soul be at rest in peace and love, to be reunited with loved ones. I Cleanse this home of spirits and negative energies. May only love and light remain."
Cleansing yourself or another person
"May these hands be cleansed so they can create beautiful things and support those in need. May these feet be cleansed so that they may take you/me where you/I need to go and have the strength to continue to take you/me forward during challenging times. May this heart be cleansed so that it may accept love in whole abundance and return love to all that need it. May this throat be cleansed so it may speak the truth with loving intention. May this brain be cleansed so that it may be clear of unnecessary thoughts and filled with valuable thoughts to help you/myself for your/my highest well-being. May this body be cleansed of all impurities hidden and stored within it so that it may breathe, intake vital Prana and nutrients necessary to eliminate pain, and function at optimal levels. May the spirit be cleansed of all negative attachments and influences to be in a stronger connection to Source, the Mind, and the Body to guide you/me through this life along your/my highest potentiality. I am cleansed! I am cleansed! I am cleansed!
Once you are done with the process, carefully extinguish the herb bundle into the water bowl and ensure it is put out. You can repeat this process as many times as you need and as often as you need, but be sure to do it safely and be mindful of any restrictions that should be taken into consideration. Enjoy this newly restored energy and make the most of it by maintaining positive energy in your space by offering love and light to the world.
Reference:
Becker, E. (2022) Sage Smudging 101: How To Sage Your House And Welcome Positive Energy Responsibly. Women's Health. Retrieved from: https://www.womenshealthmag.com/life/a28847931/sage-smudging/
Nautiyal, C. S., Chauhan, P. S., & Nene, Y. L. (2007). Medicinal smoke reduces airborne bacteria. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 114(3), 446–451. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2007.08.038
Nautiyal, C. S., Chauhan, P. S., & Nene, Y. L. (2007). Medicinal smoke reduces airborne bacteria. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 114(3), 446–451. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2007.08.038