SMUDGING

AS A CLEANSING RITUAL

Learn How to Clear Your Self and Surroundings of Negativity with Smudging

When my husband and I first moved into our home our goal was to have it deep cleaned from top to bottom after the previous owner had finally moved all of their stuff out and before we moved all of our things in. It was an important cleansing for the house physically and gave us a sense of comfort knowing that we were starting fresh—out with the old and in with the new. When my mother-in-law heard this she sent us a gift to help in our ‘home cleansing’ efforts. When I opened the package all I saw was a thick bunch of what looked liked dried herbs wrapped together with string in the shape of a cigar (if you were making a cigar for someone the size of King Kong)—needless to say I was a little puzzled. But at the bottom of the box were a set of instructions entitled, “Smudging: Cleanse your Surroundings and your Spirit”.

WHAT IS SMUDGING?

Smudging is a ritual purification using smoke from dried herbs, most often sage and/or sweetgrass. Known to have originated from the Native Americans, smudging has now been adopted by many cultures around the world as a way to cleanse and purify the body and physical surroundings. Sage, the botanical name for “true” from the Latin root Salvare, means “to heal”. This true healing herb is tied up into hand size bundles called smudge sticks and hung to dry. These smudge sticks are burned and the smoke is thought to clear negative energy from the space and body, drive out bad spirits, feelings, or influences, and keep them all at bay from the space or person being ‘smudged’.

CLEANSING YOUR SPACE WITH SMUDGING

To purify your surroundings you must first set your intention about the space. For example, visualize and feel the positive energy you would like to create in the space you are smudging. Say out loud, “I desire only peaceful and harmonious energy to reside in this space.” Begin by opening the windows in the rooms you wish to cleanse. Then light the end of your smudge stick until the entire tip has become a flame then blow out the flame. With the smoke now permeating the air, walk around with the smudge stick and repeat out loud or to yourself your positive intention for the space. Once you have completely covered the area with smoke you can let the smudge stick burn out or you can extinguish it.

CLEANSING YOUR SELF WITH SMUDGING

Start the same way you would if purifying a space—set your intention by visualizing and feeling the way you want to experience life through your physical, emotional, and mental self. You may say to yourself, “I cleanse my body, mind, and spirit of its stagnant energy and I allow only health and vitality to enter into my being.” Begin by opening the windows in the room you wish to cleanse yourself. Then light the end of your smudge stick until the entire tip has become a flame then blow out the flame. Place the smoking smudge stick on a plate (preferably something not flammable or your ritual will soon go up in flames) and rub your hands together in the smoke. Gather the smoke in your hands and bring it to your face and body—concentrating on the areas you most want to cleanse and those you think need special healing. Take your time and once you feel you have sufficiently covered your self (body, mind and spirit) you can extinguish the smudge stick.

You can perform this cleansing ritual of smudging anytime and anywhere, with friends or by yourself. Remember to always set your positive intentions and be mindful of them throughout the smudging ceremony.

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Article Written By: Megan Helgeson is a freelance writer on health and wellness, a yoga instructor, and a personal lifestyle trainer--helping you get the most out of life with home organization, time management, nutrition, positive intention, and goal setting. Contact Megan at mmhelgeson@gmail.com**Don’t forget to ask about Diva Yoga Parties in Orange County.