Better Smudge Yourself, before you Wreck Yourself

What is a smudge stick?

Smudge sticks may consist of a single herb, or it may be made up of a combination of herbs bound together with twine. The selection of herbs is based on the intention, with the underlying theme being to purify oneself or their space. Based on sacred rituals dating back to ancient civilizations, the art of smudging, (burning the bundled herbs) allows to move stuck energies and allow positive energy to enter and cleanse. Today, smudging is used for a variety of similar purposes, from cleansing spaces, balancing energy, and reducing negative energy. Bundles can be selected based on intention and you can even make your own smudge sticks with color magic added in by intentionally wrapping the stick in colored twine.

Common smudge bundles include:

White Sage Smudge Also known as California Sage, White Sage smudges are the most widely used smudging sticks. Very versatile and hugely effective, these smudges are used for a variety of purposes including meditation, protection, cleansing and purifying the body and chasing away evil spirits or energy. It provides a sweet, pungent scent of herbs.

Yerba Santa Smudge Yerba Santa or ‘Holy Herb’ got its name from monks in Spain who noted the plant’s powerful healing properties. Yerba Santa smudges have a heartening fragrance that stimulates courage, promotes healing and protection.

Blue Sage Smudge Also known as Desert Sage, has a light, divine aroma that no only cleanses but calls in peace and relaxation.

Cedar Smudge Cedar recalls ancient lineages of forests and nature and calls in wisdom and protection. The fresh, woodsy smell of a burning Cedar smudge works wonderfully to cleanse a new home of its old energies and unwanted spirits while inviting fresh, energetic vibes and protecting the new occupant from undesirable influences.

Palo Santo Smudge Palo Santo or ‘Holy Wood’ has a smooth, aromatic and spicy scent. Its holy reputation dates back to the Incas who burned it as part of their healing and cleansing ceremonies. Burning a Palo Santo smudge can help clear out negative energies, promote relaxation, joy and peace.

Dragon’s Blood. It is said to be a powerful cleansing and protection plant, and is often used in ritual and spell work. One of the most common benefits that people experience is an improved sense of well-being. This is likely due to the plant’s cleansing and purifying effects. Dragon’s blood sage can help to remove negative energy from our bodies and our environment, which can lead to a more positive outlook on life.

Rosemary. Known to relieve stress and call-in energies of peace. It can also remove negative energies from a space. Rosemary can be used to cleanse the aura in much the same way as you would cleanse a room. This herb is known to strengthen memory and can help you to achieve a higher level of consciousness so it is the perfect herb to burn prior to meditation.

How to Conduct a Smudging Ritual

The beauty of smudging is that it can be done anytime, anywhere and is a shared practice among the collective to purify and enhance our sacred space whether that be a home, church, altar, etc. However, there are a few practices you must adhere to smudging to ensure safety. To cleanse and energize your space, clear the clutter and open up the windows and drapes so clean, fresh air can enter easily to replace the old, negative air. Then light your smudge stick and use a feather or palm of your hand to fan the smoke around the space as well as your body. To cleanse your aura of any stagnant or negative energy within or surrounding you use a feather to draw the sacred smoke towards your body from front to back and head to toe. Setting your intentions and focusing on the ritual is an important part of the process. Last but not least, don’t forget to use a smudge bowl to catch the ashes from the burning smudge stick so your space remains clean, and you don't spread ashes around,