I smudged the whole house today. It was overdue. I could feel the stagnant energy and knew it was time to move things along. I smudge my office before and after every client, but it had been too long since I had done the entire house.
I got my sage and started at the back door. The smoke gently billowed up as I went from room to room, opening cabinets doors and closets to make sure the smoke got everywhere. A gentle breeze blew through the open windows as if to help me with my work.
It took effort to stay focused on the smudging and not think about how much the house needed physical cleaning too. As more rooms got done and the smoke began to linger in the air, I could feel myself getting calmer and the house feeling lighter. Why hadn’t I done this sooner?
What is Smudging?
Smudging is when we use smoke from a plant or combination of plants to cleanse a person, place or things. It comes from the Native American tradition of calling on the spirits of sacred plants to drive away negative energies and restore balance.
Smudging can help you banish stress, rid yourself and an area around you of negativity and even give you more energy. Smoke from white sage can help dispel anger and calm frayed nerves, thus helping to avoid conflict.
You can turn any place into a calming sanctuary with the simple act of smudging. Watch this short video to learn what you need to smudge yourself and your space:
Get your smudge kit by clicking here.
When Should You Smudge?
There is no rule about when to smudge. Do it when you feel the need. You can smudge once a day or like me, multiple times a day. You can do an item, a room or an entire house.
The most important time to smudge is when you feel called to it. Trust your instincts. There is never a bad time to cleanse yourself and your environment of old, stale or negative energies.
Here are some good reasons to smudge:
- In times of stress
- When the energy around you feels heavy
- After an argument
- To create a space for positive communication
- After a breakup
- Before you move into a new home
- When you’re selling a home
- When you purchase used items. Smudge to remove other people’s energy from the item. This includes clothes, jewelry, furniture and cars.
- When you’re looking for a new job
Choose Your Smudge
The most popular plant for use in smudging is white sage. But it is not the only plant suitable for smudge work. A plant used for smudging needs to provide smoke and a smell that you find pleasing.
Smudge smoke can be created by burning loose plant pieces, plant bundles, woods, gum resins, powders or any combination of burnables. Plant matter and woods can be burned in fireproof containers by setting fire to them until they begin to smoke then fanning out the flame, allowing the smoke to continue. Resins and powders must be place on a hot charcoal to create smoke.
White Sage: Removes negative energy, is powerful for clearing and cleansing and lifts the spirits. Burn to consecrate a ritual space. Carry it as an herb of protection. Use in wish manifestation, to attract money and to aid in healing and spiritual connection. Promotes wisdom.
Sweetgrass: Powerful female energy. Use to cleanse and protect.
Frankincense Resin: Burned in rites of purification and protection. It is said to accelerate spiritual growth. Use for protection, spirituality, love, consecration, blessing, energy, strength, visions, healing, meditation, power and courage. Use to purify ritual spaces and invoke a spiritual state of mind.
Myrrh Gum: Burned to purify, lift vibrations, aid contemplation and meditation. Can be burned with frankincense or other resins. Myrrh increases the power of any other incense. Use to consecrate, purify and bless objects.
Smudging is a simple and effective way to change the energy in your environment. It is also a natural way to freshen the air and make your home smell good. What are you waiting for?