What is Smudging
Smudging is a way to cleanse a space and to invite positive energy into that space. When smudging an area, you burn plant material. The smoke fills and purifies the area.
Smudging can also be used for religious ceremonies, rituals of cleansing, or blessings. The ceremony's purpose, how smudging is performed, and its substances will vary significantly between different groups.
This blog post will go over the steps to take to smudge your home, cleanse it of negative energy, and invite positive energy into the house. What types of smudging prayers you should use, the different types of herbs, and what they are for, what you will need, and how often you should smudge your home.
Smudging Prayer
There are many different prayers that you can say when you are smudging your home. You can use the ones I provide to you, or you can change them slightly to better suit your needs. I always recommend that the prayers be reworded to best suit the particular situation, but of course, it is up to you.
"I cleanse and clear this space of any energy that is not working in my favor. This space is sacred, and it honors the highest good of all involved. May any negative energy move toward the light."
"In the name of the Eternal Lady and Lord, I bid thee to part. I consecrate and clear this space of all negative energies, let nothing but joy linger here."
"Smoke of high refine, purify this space of mine. Purged and purified be this place that I have chosen as my space. Herbs of Mother Earth give blessings to me and my space, this rite, this sacred sphere. Protect and cleanse this sacred place of mine."
"I command any negativity, any low vibrational energy, and non-benevolent beings within this space to leave and go to the light. You are not welcome here. I command you to leave and go to the light."
Which Sage or Herbs should you use to Smudge your Home
Using sacred smoke from herbs and plants is an ancient way to cleanse the energy of something, such as a space or person. The process is pretty simple, but it's powerful.
While there are many different herbs and types of incense, you can use to cleanse your area. You will want to take into consideration what the purpose is for smudging.
Below is a list of some of the most popular types of herbs and incense that you can use to smudge your area. You can purchase these herbs and incense in prepared bundles from different online and brick retailers. You can also grow the herbs in your garden.
White Sage
White Sage is one of the most popular choices when it comes to smudging your home. It is sacred to many different groups of indigenous people and is used in various rituals. White Sage is excellent for getting rid of negative energy and resetting the vibrations in a room. You can also use garden sage. White Sage might be referred to as sacred sage, while garden sage will usually be referred to as sage.
Palo Santo
Palo Santo is a wood that needs to die naturally for its power to remain. Make sure to purchase it from a reputable source to ensure it will perform adequately. Palo Santo is best for clearing negative energy from a room and keeping positive energy grounded.
Angelica
Angelica has been used for centuries to treat digestive problems and flavor wines, liqueurs, and candy. It is particularly useful when you want to use it to purify a room and for protection purposes.
Cedar
Cedar is an excellent choice when it comes to purifying your home or a person. Cedar trees are ancient, wise, and powerful. Cedar is often used to cleanse a house or apartment when first moving in, inviting unwanted spirits to leave and protecting a person, place, or object from unwanted influences.
Mugwort
Mugwort is used to assist in psychic visions and lucid dreams. You can also use it to clear out stuck negative energy from an area.
What you will need to Smudge your Home
Smudge Stick
You will need to gather the following items before smudging your home.
First, you will need to decide on what type of herbs you are going to use. Once you select the herbs, get a smudge stick of that type of herb.
Fireproof Container or Bowl
Now you will need a fireproof container, bowl, or plate that you do not mind getting stained. You can also use a small clay bowl for this.
Candles or Matches
You will need something to light the smudge stick with before starting your cleansing. It is a good idea to keep a candle nearby if you need to relight the smudge stick during the cleansing.
Selecting your Smudging Prayer
You will want to select your smudging prayer before you begin. If you are having a difficult time remembering the prayer, you can write it down on paper. Just be careful with the paper around anything that might catch it on fire.
A Bowl of Sand or Glass of Water
The last item you will need is something to put out the smudge stick. I recommend using a bowl of sand, but you can also use a glass of water or put it under your sink and run the water. If the smudge stick gets wet, you will have to let it dry out before using it again.
How to Smudge your Home
The first step to cleansing your home is to open any windows to allow the smoke to air out and not build up in your house.
Start at the entrance to your house, apartment, or space. At this time, you will want to light the smudge stick and begin chanting your prayer.
When you walk through your rooms, make sure to go in a clockwise direction.
Move around the room, making sure smoke gets into all the corners and crevices where stagnant energy might be accumulating. Visualize the smoke clearing the space of any negative energy in the room and being replaced by light.
Go from room to room, starting at the door and making sure to get all the corners of each room. Make sure to relight the smudge stick as needed.
Your goal is not to make thick clouds of smoke. You will only need a slight amount of smoke throughout each room.
Once you have gone through every room, return to where you started and put out your smudge stick.
You can cleanse a person in the same way, make sure to waft the smoke over their palms, throat, the crown of their head, soles of their feet, their torso, arms, and their legs.
How often Should I Smudge My Home
There is no set time for when you should smudge your home. It is always a good idea to smudge your space if you move into a new home or apartment. Other than that, you can do it daily, weekly, monthly, or once a year. Do what feels right to you, but if you feel negative energy present in your home, it's probably time the smudge your home again.