Smudging 101 -How to Cleanse Your Aura & Space
Photo by Anna Tarazevich
Have you ever walked into someone’s home and felt tension in the air so thick, that you could cut it with a knife? It is almost like you could feel that they were just arguing. This would be one example of a great time for that person to “smudge” or cleanse their home.
Smudging is an ancient practice that has been used for thousands of years originating from the Native Americans. Although the word smudging is an english oriented word, A native word (from the blackfeet tribe) for smudging is, ssiiyaki, meaning “to cleanse and purify”.
Smudging is the practice of cleansing yourself and your space to remove negative energy, creating a blank slate for new and positive energy to enter.
There are many reasons you would want to smudge - here are a few:
After arguments, when you are feeling low/sad, or just unwell as a whole. If you are an empath, or very susceptible to other people’s energy, we recommended smudging more often.
You only need 3 tools for this practice. *Refer to above picture*
1.) Smudge Stick of choice (more on different options down below)
2.) Heat resistant bowl or abalone shell to catch debris and ash
3.) Feather or similar object to help ensure getting the smoke in all corners of your space.
We also recommend the burning of these herbs for your meditation practice, or when you want to relax.
Types of Smudge Sticks
While there are a variety of smudge stick options, below are our favorites for beginners.
1.) White Sage
White sage is the most popular smudging option, and is most useful for removing negative energy. Some people believe that sage acts almost like a “bleach” for energy, removing both negative and positive energy. For this reason, if you are going to use sage, we recommend following it up with either Palo Santo or an incense of your choice.
2.) Palo Santo or “Holy Wood”
Palo santo has such a beautiful aroma and provides many different benefits. Revered as a “holy wood”, Palo Santo is considered a sacred tree and has been used by shamans for many healing practices. The burning of the wood is believed to help your connection to Spirit, provide deep healing, and inspire creativity all while cleansing your space.
Palo Santo contains properties in its oils that help regulate pain in the body, the immune system, headaches and more! If that was not enough of a reason to try it out, it is also a great natural mosquito repellant.
3.) Yerba Santa
Coined the “holy weed”, Yerba Santa has been great for not only cleansing your space, yet also for protection and setting boundaries. Yerba Santa can also be used for love, empowerment and purification.
Incense of Choice
Often overlooked at as only aromatherapy, burning incense is also great for cleansing yourself and your space. You can use incense in either stick or cone form.
Common purifying incense include: Frankincense, Myrrh, Dragon’s Blood, Sage and Palo Santo. Always try to purchase your incense from credible sources as you want the best quality of smoke, and not something that contains fragrances or chemicals.
How To: 6 Steps
Photo by: KoolShooters
To get started, grab your smudge set (with the tools from above) and follow these 6 steps:
1.) Clean and clear your space
It is best to start any spiritual practice in a space that is clean and tidy.
2.) Open your windows
This will allow the smoke and the “bad energy” to leave your space.
3.) Set an intention/ prayer
What is the “vibe” you want in your space? You will speak these words as you smudge.
4.) Smudge yourself
Cleanse yourself and your aura to put you in the vibration of your intention
5.) Get every nook and cranny in your space
You will want to use your feather to help fan smoke into the high corners of your ceiling, or deep into your cupboards.
6.) End with gratitude
As you finish your smudging ceremony, take a moment to give thanks for all that your space provides you.
Whether you are new to smudging or not, we encourage you to incorporate this practice into your life and see how it can benefit you and make you feel. Leave a comment down below if you have other options you recommend for your fellow Tribe!
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As always, we thank you for your support. We wish you love, strength, and power on your journey.
Peace.
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