SMUDGING MADE VERY SIMPLE
So, you’ve seen those beautiful bundles of white sage and maybe even overheard conversations about smudging but you’re not really sure what it’s all about or even how to get started…
Burning white sage is an age old ritual known as smudging and it can be used to cleanse you and your home of negative and stagnant energy - it’s like an energetic shower. But, why is it so important? Well think about how you feel when you’ve been in the company of uplifting positive people or at a event where everyone is enjoying themselves - have you felt that energetic shift that has you smiling for days.
The same can be said for the energy within buildings, how many us choose a home that feels right after wandering around so many others that didn’t?
So it makes sense that we all carry energy - both our own and fragments of other people’s - around with us and into our home every day. This energy isn’t always as positive as we’d like and over time it can accumulate and stagnate which can lead to low moods, a feeling of being stuck and even cause difficulties with those you live with.
While smudging with white sage is ideal for clearing the air on an energetic level, it also has a few other practical uses. It releases negative ions that fight against things like dust and pollution. Research has also shown that it can clear 94% of bacteria (for up to 24hrs) which is why it’s great to use when you’ve not been feeling well.
And, there’s no absolutely right or wrong way to smudge your home, you can create your own smudging ritual and it can be as simple or spiritual as you’d like. It is a very calming ritual though and so please try and find at least 15-20 minutes to enjoy it.
So, what do i need?
Burning white sage is an age old ritual known as smudging and it can be used to cleanse you and your home of negative and stagnant energy - it’s like an energetic shower. But, why is it so important? Well think about how you feel when you’ve been in the company of uplifting positive people or at a event where everyone is enjoying themselves - have you felt that energetic shift that has you smiling for days.
The same can be said for the energy within buildings, how many us choose a home that feels right after wandering around so many others that didn’t?
So it makes sense that we all carry energy - both our own and fragments of other people’s - around with us and into our home every day. This energy isn’t always as positive as we’d like and over time it can accumulate and stagnate which can lead to low moods, a feeling of being stuck and even cause difficulties with those you live with.
While smudging with white sage is ideal for clearing the air on an energetic level, it also has a few other practical uses. It releases negative ions that fight against things like dust and pollution. Research has also shown that it can clear 94% of bacteria (for up to 24hrs) which is why it’s great to use when you’ve not been feeling well.
And, there’s no absolutely right or wrong way to smudge your home, you can create your own smudging ritual and it can be as simple or spiritual as you’d like. It is a very calming ritual though and so please try and find at least 15-20 minutes to enjoy it.
So, what do i need?
- Smudge Stick; look for sustainable californian white sage from a reputable source click here for more information
- Fireproof container; a bowl or plate that you do not mind getting a little stained and is 100% fireproof.
- Candle/matches; I prefer to carefully light my sage from a candle but lighting it by any means is just as good.
- Way to extinguish: Use a bowl of sand, earth or simply press the stick into the fireproof container until it has been extinguished.
Should I say anything?
I like to set an intention before i get started, something simple like ‘Please cleanse my home of any energy or negativity that does not support me and my family’ works just fine. You can also say a prayer or affirmation. Or, simply take a moment to feel centred before you begin, it’s more important that it feels right for you.
How do I get started?
Open a few windows and doors to help any smoke and negative energy leave easily.
Light your sage stick over your flameproof bowl until a small flame has caught. While holding your sage over the bowl lightly blow on the flame until it goes out. The sage will then smoke gently like incense. Remember that it’s the smoke that does the work and so the stick does not have to remain lit.
Walk around your home clockwise, carefully Using your hands or a feather to waft the smoke into all areas of your space. Include all small spaces that collect negative energy like corners, windows and behind doors. It’s also good to open cupboards and wardrobes because they can also hold stagnant energy.
Remember that the goal is to allow a light amount of smoke to move around your space there’s no need to create a thick cloud of smoke!
You may need to relight the sage stick to make it around the whole house - simply relight it over your flameproof bowl and lightly blow it out as before. Then carry on where you left off.
There are some who believe the sage stick should be left to smoulder rather than extinguish - this should only be done if you are able to stay with it while it burns. If not then extinguish it by lightly pressing the stick into earth, sand or into your fireproof dish. Never leave a lit sage stick unattended.
Smudging your home can be done whenever you like, there’s no need to wait for a certain day or moon cycle - I use it daily but weekly or monthly is just fine too. Just like everything in life, trust your intuition and you can’t go wrong. Enjoy!
I like to set an intention before i get started, something simple like ‘Please cleanse my home of any energy or negativity that does not support me and my family’ works just fine. You can also say a prayer or affirmation. Or, simply take a moment to feel centred before you begin, it’s more important that it feels right for you.
How do I get started?
Open a few windows and doors to help any smoke and negative energy leave easily.
Light your sage stick over your flameproof bowl until a small flame has caught. While holding your sage over the bowl lightly blow on the flame until it goes out. The sage will then smoke gently like incense. Remember that it’s the smoke that does the work and so the stick does not have to remain lit.
Walk around your home clockwise, carefully Using your hands or a feather to waft the smoke into all areas of your space. Include all small spaces that collect negative energy like corners, windows and behind doors. It’s also good to open cupboards and wardrobes because they can also hold stagnant energy.
Remember that the goal is to allow a light amount of smoke to move around your space there’s no need to create a thick cloud of smoke!
You may need to relight the sage stick to make it around the whole house - simply relight it over your flameproof bowl and lightly blow it out as before. Then carry on where you left off.
There are some who believe the sage stick should be left to smoulder rather than extinguish - this should only be done if you are able to stay with it while it burns. If not then extinguish it by lightly pressing the stick into earth, sand or into your fireproof dish. Never leave a lit sage stick unattended.
Smudging your home can be done whenever you like, there’s no need to wait for a certain day or moon cycle - I use it daily but weekly or monthly is just fine too. Just like everything in life, trust your intuition and you can’t go wrong. Enjoy!
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