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’s almost like you could feel that they were just arguing. This would be a good 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, I 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.

I also recommend the burning of these herbs for your meditation practice, or when you want to relax.

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Types of Smudge Sticks

While there are a variety of smudge stick options, i’m going to provide four that I believe are great 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, I 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 smell and 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 wasn’t enough of a reason to try it out, it is also a great natural mosquito repellant.

3.) Yerba Santa

Also coined the “holy weed”, Yerba Santa has been great for not only cleansing your space, but also for protection and setting boundaries. Yerba Santa can also be used for love, empowerment and purification.

Incense of Choice

Often overlooked at as just aromatherapy, the usage of incense are also great at cleansing yourself and your space. You can use incense in either stick or cone form.

Common purifying incense include: Frankincense, Myhur, Nag Champa, and you can even find Sage and Palo Santo in incense form. Always try to purchase your incense from credible sources as you want the best quality of smoke, and not something that smells like chemicals.

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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’ll 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 n’ Cranny in your space

You’ll 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.

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Whether you’re new to smudging or not, I 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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