Smudging is the burning of herbs as a form of spiritual purification, which can help to release negative energy and bring about a greater sense of well being. There are many spiritual traditions that have long used smudging as a way to strengthen the spirit, rid negative influences and increase positive energy. Smudging is most commonly done either with loose, dried herbs or a smudge stick.
Getting Started
A small, heatproof glass or ceramic bowl works well for burning herbs or holding a lit smudge stick. It can also be a good idea to keep a layer of sand in the bowl as a way to further insulate it. There is usually no need to extinguish the herbs or smudge stick as either one will most likely go out on its own. But if you need to extinguish a smudge stick quickly, just tamp the lit end out in the sand or in soil. Do not use water to extinguish it.
Light the dried herbs or the smudge stick with a match or a candle flame. The herbs or smudge stick should quickly self-extinguish and give off smoke. If not, then very gently blow on the flame until it goes out. They will be left smoldering and releasing curls of smoke.
Smudging Basics
Use your hand or a feather to direct the smoke. If you're smudging a room move about the room as you do this, focusing on any areas that you feel need particular attention.
When smudging yourself make sure that the smoke touches all parts of you. Start by gently fanning the smoke from the top of your head and down toward your feet. Be sure to direct it toward your back and along the bottoms of your feet. Pay particular attention to any areas of the body that you feel may have energy blockages; you may also want to focus upon each one of the chakras in order to clear and balance them. If you are smudging someone else then follow these same guidelines.
If possible, its a good idea to leave a window open during an indoor smudging ritual or ceremony. This allows the negative energy to be released out the window and dissipated. If you are smudging yourself, someone else, sacred objects or crystals, you can also choose to do the smudging outdoors.
If you are smudging a crystal you can hold it within the curling smoke of the smudge. But if you have several to do at once you can waft the smoke over them with your hand or a feather.
The Importance of Intent
Smudging should always be done with an attitude of love, respect and reverence. It is not just the smoke from the herbs themselves that are cleansing and purifying, it's the intent that goes along with it. Focusing on the intentions of the smudging ceremony, such as banishing negativity, creating more balance, cleansing the aura, etc, greatly increases the positive aspects of the smudge.
Precautions
Be careful not to over do it when smudging. Burning excessive amounts of smudge can lead to respiratory problems. With this in mind, people with allergies or asthma should consult with their physician before smudging. Infant and pregnant women should not be smudged.
Do not leave burning herbs or smudge sticks unattended; this can be a fire hazard.
The use of smudging for healing or well being should not be used as a replacement for regular medical care or for the treatment of serious health conditions.
By following these basic guidelines, your experience with smudging can be an enriching and enjoyable one.
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