Out of all the elements, fire is the most purifying. A sacred fire can burn away even the darkest impurities, imperfections, and evils in our world. Working with fire is like pushing an energetic "reset button." Fire is a powerful force that can burn through even the densest of energies. Of course, we can't directly walk through fire to cleanse ourselves. That would be completely crazy! But we can invoke the Spirit of the fire and use smoke in sacred ways to help purify ourselves and our homes.
One of the ways we can utilize the cleansing power of fire is through the ancient practice of smudging. Smudging is an Indigenous practice used to purify and clear the energy in your home and your auric field.
Typically, smudging is done by using the smoke from a bundle of dried herbs such as sage, lavender or rosemary. Palo Santo, tree resins, and tobacco can also be used for this practice. The smoke from these plants, harnesses the purifying properties of the fire and helps to carry away any intrusive or toxic energy from your home and/or your body.
Types of Smudge
There are many different types of herbs, woods, and resins that you can use to smudge yourself and your space. Here are ten of the most popular plants used for smudging:
White sage: clears negative energies from a person, place, or object
Palo Santo: good for illnesses and relaxes an overwhelmed mental state
Tobacco: increases communication and connection with Spirit
Rosemary: used for purification, protection, and clarity of mind
Myrrh resin: supports the healing of physical ailments and grounds and centers the energy
Mugwort: repels negative entities and wards off evil and negativity
Frankincense resin: overcomes spiritual darkness and lower vibrations
Juniper berry: heals our deepest fears and unresolved issues
Lavender: calms the nervous system and soothes anxious feelings
Cedar: used to bless a new home and invite new beginnings
Once you figure out what kind of plant that you want to smudge with, then you can simply look online or go to your favorite metaphysical shop and purchase from a safe and trusted seller. If you have an herb garden, you can make your own smudge wands.
Prayers and Intentions
Before smudging, you always want to set an intention or say a prayer. You want to approach the act of smudging as a sacred ritual and with reverence. Remember, you are literally lighting a plant on fire. This plant has feelings and emotions. This plant was once alive. And so, you really want to approach smudging with as much heart and soul as you can. Take a moment to honor the plant for assisting you in this sacred practice.
Of course, just like with any energy work, having a clear intention is very important. Without a clear intention or prayer, energy work is simply wishful thinking, and is not very effective. However, if you have a strong intention when practicing energy work, then Spirit is present. And, when Spirit is present, anything can happen!
A simple prayer that I like to use when I smudge goes like this:
Into this smoke, I release all energies that are not in my highest Divine alignment. May they be carried away by the smoke and exit now through the windows, doors, and cracks in the walls. May myself and this space be filled with God's pure, white light. I thank you. I love you. I bless you. So, it is.
How to Smudge
Once you've centered yourself and set a proper intention, you will light the end of your smudge stick, incense, resin, or dried herbs on fire for about 10 to 30 seconds. You want to create a strong smolder with a good amount of smoke.
Then, you're going to take that smoke and smudge yourself by gently wafting the smoke over your entire auric field and over each chakra. You can start either at your feet and work your way up or you can start at your head and work your way downwards. Make sure you try to smudge both the front and the back of your body and also both the left and right side. You want to get 360 degrees all the way around your body and pay special attention to your chakras and/or troublesome areas.
Some people like to use a large feather, but you can also simply use your hands to waft the smoke all around you. You may also notice if there are any areas in your body that need extra attention. For example, when I smudge myself, especially if I've just done an energy session with a client, I make sure to allow the smoke to hover over my hands for several seconds. As a healer, my hands are reaching into other people's energy fields and often mingling with energies that are unwanted or unhelpful. So, I really want to clear my hands.
Finally, you'll continue to smudge the room or your house. To do this, you simply start walking around the perimeter of your space. As you do, you will begin to waft the smoke all throughout your home.
You want to pay close attention to corners, doorways, and other small spaces like closets, because this is where energy often likes to get stuck or linger. When smudging my home, I walk around with a heat proof dish or an abalone shell to keep the ashes from falling on my floors and staining my carpet. If you have a big space, you may also need to relight your smudge sticks if they start to run out of smoke.
Once your smudging session is complete, you want to extinguish the smoke by either placing it into dry rice or sand or simply putting it in a very safe place where it's not going to catch anything on fire. Then, be sure to say a quick prayer of thanks and gratitude to the plants, the Fire, and your Spirit Guides for assisting.
Final Thoughts
I personally feel like smudging is a must have tool for everybody. There's just something about smudging with a plant that gets deep into those layers where maybe other cleansing tools, such as crystals or water can't quite get into. Smudging is one of those practices that takes a little bit more time, but that's also because it works in a very different, deeper way. Personally, I usually smudge myself after every healing session, so I am clearing my energy multiple times per week. And then, as far as my home goes, I will aim to smudge it once a month. A good rule of thumb is to do clearing practices, such as smudging, with each new moon. But, honestly, you can smudge whenever you wish.
Some people have allergies or respiratory issues that makes it hard to be around any kind of smoke. So, if that's you, then you may be interested in recreating one of my Smokeless Smudge Spray recipes.
Become the Healer of Your Home
Did you enjoy this sacred cleansing ritual? In my newest online mastery course, you will discover dozens of cleansing practices, ceremonies and exercises to enhance your healing journey. My online course also includes exclusive recipes and rituals to assist in further cleansing unwanted and unhelpful energies from you and hour home.
With Love,
Kelsey
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