Cleanse Your Body and Space with the Art of Smudging

Feeling a bit stagnant around your home lately? Had an argument with someone in your household and now every time you enter the house, it feels... meh? What you're actually feeling physically are the lower vibrational energies that are present in your space. So... what can you do about it? So glad you asked! The cheapest and the most effective way to clear negative energy from any space and even from yourself is smudging.

What is smudging?

Smudging is a Native American ritual that is used to clear and cleanse the space by burning various herbs and plant materials. It is believed that the smoke produced during this ritual absorbs the negative energy present in the room and is carried out through openings such as open windows and doors. You can also smudge yourself or other people who might be feeling "low."

When should I do this smudging ritual?

Smudging can be done at any given time, as many times as you'd like and there are no "number" of times you have to smudge per week. However, it is always good to smudge when you move into a new house/space, after any negative emotions that were exerted into the space, feeling spirits that make you feel uncomfortable/scared, and any other times when the energy in the room may feel stale and need to "clear things up a bit"! The same timing when you "know" you need to clean your bathroom because it's dirty. What do I need for this smudging ritual?

Here are the 4 essential items you need to gather for this ritual:

+ Shell / Smudging Bowl Abalone shells are commonly used for the smudging ritual but any kind of shell that has a large mouth opening will do. You can also use a clay bowl instead of a shell. Plastic bowls and other synthetic materials during the ritual are NOT recommended! (We're dealing with fire here, folks! Please use your best judgement!)

+ White Sage / Smudge Stick Make sure you get "white sage" and not just regular sage. You will find smudge sticks at pretty much any metaphysical shops around town or I get mine actually at WholeFoods! It has been by far the cheapest and the largest smudge stick I can find!

+ Lighting Agent (match, lighter, etc.) I use a Bernzomatic lighter which I had a HUGE success in burning all kinds of plant materials. Some people prefer to use matches over a lighter because you are honoring the nature world by igniting a wood from Earth, rather than butane. I haven't really had any success in lighting sage with a match, unless I use tons of it. People also don't like to introduce butane into the ritual but honestly, I'm not a huge fan of the smell of phosphorus either. So your choice!