Smudge
Probably the most well known spiritual protection is “smudge“. Since ancient times, our ancestors have burned sacred herbs and resins, believing the sacred smoke to raise vibrations, dispel negativity, and assist with spiritual work.
Today, we know this process as smudging. The most common herb we use is white sage and it is widely available in metaphysical shops and online. Even at Amazon.
I smudge often to purify my sacred space. It’s an integral part of my spiritual practice. Anytime I feel the vibe in our home has been compromised, I pull out the smudge.
The scent is a bit like marijuana at first, and can be potent to some noses, but you will get used to it. Honestly, I love the scent these days. Just smelling it instantly calms my soul because it transports me to my most grounded space.
There are a variety of choices for smudging, though, so getting to know what is what is a good idea.
Each plant carries its own magical properties and benefits, and you can pick one to resonate with your specific intention. If you’re feeling drawn to a specific type of smudge, trust your intuition – your spirit knows what it needs.
Listed below are some basic properties for various herbs:
How To Smudge
We should always respect the power of fire when using it in ritual. As the smoke rises into the air, picture your intention, whatever it may be.
If you are clearing negative energy, picture its density and see it lifting away. I also use my voice and authority to command any dark energies to leave my space and forbid them to return. I tend to walk the entire apartment with the smudge, making certain to open closet doors, brush over mirrors, and get behind the shower curtain.
If you are smudging for healing, imagine the smoke cleansing any illness or injury. Again, use your voice and your power. Tell your body to heal, tell the darker energy affecting your body to leave. This is also a wonderful time to ask your angels and guardians to assist.
Whatever it is, envision it floating away on the smoke. You can pray or chant if you feel called. Use your hands or a smudge fan to guide the smoke over yourself and around your sacred space. When you are finished, douse the embers, and remember to thank your angels and guardians.
In some cultures, it’s customary to begin facing East, then turn South, West, and North before finally turning East again. Native American ceremonies begin by sprinkling the floor with loose sage. They then burn the sage, a braid of sweetgrass. Finally, they burn a bundled sage stick (or smudge bundle) while washing the smoke over the body. The beauty of smudging is that it can be done at any time, as often as you need, no matter your background or culture.
Don’t over-complicate it for yourself, though, especially at first.
Just get used to lighting the sage, get used to its scent, become familiar with the shift in energies. This is a magical time, growing in this new knowledge. Don’t stress, enjoy it with gratitude and the knowing that you are connecting with centuries of people participating in these types of ceremonies.