Want to learn more about how to use a smudge stick? This blogpost contains a step by step guide on how to use a smudge stick the right way.
Smudging has its origins in various indigenous cultures around the world, including Native Americans. Smudging has been used for thousands of years, though it is impossible to say exactly when smudging began. Nowadays, smudging is both ceremonial and an every day practice.
You are going to learn how to prepare properly for a smudging session, how to use a smudge stick the right way and how to pick the right herbs for your smudge stick.
After reading this post you will have the knowledge needed to make the most out of your smudging rituals.
This post is all about how to use a smudge stick the correct way.
How To Use A Smudge Stick
What Is A Smudge Stick?
A smudge stick is a bundle of herbs, mostly dried white sage, bound with a string in a small cluster. ”Smudging” is the actual practice of burning the dried white sage to produce a positive-energy and cleansing smoke cloud, more about the ritual follows later in this post.
One of the most common made mistakes is burning the whole stick, know that there is no need to use the entire bundle for a smudging session. Separating pieces of sage allows the air to penetrate and will produce more smoke.
What Is A Smudging Ritual?
Smudging has its origins in various indigenous cultures around the world, including Native Americans. Smudging has been used for thousands of years, though it is impossible to say exactly when smudging began. Nowadays, smudging is both ceremonial and an every day practice.
During a smudging ritual, the smoke produced by burning the smudge stick is believed to carry away negative energy, emotions, and entities, while also promoting purification, healing, and spiritual protection. The herbs commonly used in smudging rituals include sage, cedar, sweetgrass, lavender, and palo santo, each with its own unique properties and associations. I believe it’s very important to approach the smudging ritual with respect, as it is a sacred ritual.
Benefits Of Burning Sage
The most known benefit of burning sage is to cleanse out negative energy from a space. However, there are many more lesser-known benefits that come with smudging. Studies show that burning sage and cleansing the body with the smoke kills bacteria.
Is Smudging Safe?
As you will be working with fire it is important to be cautious. Always ensure you are using a fireproof bowl/ ceramic dish to catch the ashes. Never ever leave burning herbs unattended, and make sure the smudge stick is fully extinguished after your smudging session. Also be careful with inhaling the produced smoke as it can be irritating to the lungs and respiratory system. Make sure you open windows and doors for proper ventilation.
How To Choose The Right Herbs
Of course you can buy your smudge stick, but if you really want to do it the right way, pick the sage yourself and offer something in return. Make sure you are educated on the purpose, the traditional use and are using it with the right intent. It is all about intention. It is an intimate ceremonial moment, so keep it private and don’t go filming yourself or spread it on social media as this takes away the magic of the moment. Remember you are doing this for you :).
What Do You Need
- A fire source – match, lighter or lit candle
- Smudge stick
- A ceramic dish or metal bowl
- A feather (optional)
Step-by-step guide
