Using Smudging for Cleansing and Purification

Smudging, an ancient practice rooted in Native American traditions, involves the burning of white sage to cleanse negative energy from one's home, sacred space, and even oneself. This ritual has transcended cultural boundaries and now finds its place among various religious, healing, and spiritual groups.

The act of smudging holds great significance for those who partake in it. The burning of herbs, specifically white sage in this case, is believed to possess the power to purify the emotional, psychic, and spiritual realms. Negative energies, whether lingering from past experiences or originating from external sources, are thought to be dissipated and replaced with positive vibrations through the smoke produced by the burning sage.

For many Native American tribes, smudging is an integral part of their spiritual practices. The sacred smoke is considered a powerful tool for ceremony, prayer, and connecting with the divine. It is used to cleanse not only physical spaces but also individuals, ridding them of spiritual impurities and allowing for a fresh start.

However, beyond Native American customs, smudging has gained popularity among diverse spiritual and healing communities. People from different backgrounds and beliefs have recognized the potential benefits of utilizing smoke as a means of purification. By incorporating smudging into their routines, they seek to create harmonious environments and foster a deeper connection with themselves and the spiritual realm.

The process of smudging often involves the use of smudging tools like abalone shells, feathers, or handmade bundles known as smudge sticks. These tools help guide the dispersal of the smoke while adding ceremonial flair. The act of smudging itself is a deliberate and mindful practice, requiring focus and intention.

It is important to note that smudging should be approached with respect, understanding, and appreciation for its cultural origins. It is essential to honor and learn from the Native American communities who have safeguarded this tradition for generations. Cultural appropriation must be avoided, and individuals engaging in smudging should strive to do so in an authentic and informed manner.

In our modern lives, filled with daily stresses and anxieties, smudging offers a unique opportunity for cleansing and rejuvenation. By embracing this ancient practice, individuals can create sacred spaces that are free from negative energies, allowing room for positive growth and spiritual transformation.

As we navigate the complexities of our existence, the act of smudging can serve as a gentle reminder of our connection to the natural world and the power of intention. Through this ritual, we can cultivate a sense of serenity, balance, and harmony, both within ourselves and in the spaces we inhabit.

When should I smudge my home or even my self?

Before meditation
Before doing any intuitive or healing work and even afterwards.
If there has been fighting or arguing in the home or your sacred space.
You have been around negative places or people
If you are having night frights/nightmares.
Feeling uneasy in the home.
If you have been sick or others in the home are or have been sick or over emotional.
Someone came into the home that was carrying a lot of negative energy.

What do you need to get started?

When doing your home:
Keep a door or window open during the time and about an hour after for negative energy to leave.
Any one that is sick, very elderly or weak, small children should not be in the home when this is done.

You will need for doing your self or your space:

White Sage - loose or in a bundle
A white candle
A feather (optional but very useful)
Sage container if using loose sage - abalone shell, ashtray with sand in the bottom so it does not burn or crack.
Incense charcoal - designed to use for Incense.
Use only wooden matches to light.

You can also add to the sage if using loose:  

Cedar
Sandalwood
Sweet Grass
Loose tobacco
Dragons blood resin
Copal resin
Frankincense resin
Myrrh resin
Cedar tips
---- just to name a few.  If you do not have the above white sage is fine alone to use.

Things to make sure that you smudge in the home and space:

Every opening including the following:  doors, closets, windows, holes in walls; nail holes etc, electrical and all outlets, plumbing and ac pipes and openings, mirrors, telephones, tvs, computers, all electronics, radios, crystals, jewelry, animals - if they let you, and pictures.  
Also allow your higher self to show you what else may need to be smudged.

How it works?

Most important is your pure intent that what makes it work.  Negative energies and entities do not like sage.  When you command it to leave it will.  Negative / undesirable entities do not like the sage and will not stick around.