What Is Smudging And How To Do It
You may already be a smudging enthusiast, but a lot of people don't even know where to begin when it comes to smudging. Curious but don't know where to start? Are you wondering what the heck is smudging anyway and how to do it? Don't worry, we are breaking it down for you today!
What is Smudging?
Smudging is practiced in many cultures, but it is widely popular in the Indian and Native American cultures. Smudging is known to remove negative energy, however, it also releases negative ions, which aids the body in demolishing built-up bacteria and releasing feel-good chemicals from the brain. This allows the body to experience feelings of wellness, which is thought to promote healing and increase overall health.
How To Do It
Smudging is done in two different ways:
1. Using a smudge bowl and placing sacred herbs that have been directly lit by a match or that have been burned on a coal tablet.
2. Tying the herbs into a bundle and then burning them and using the smudge bowl as a pod.
The smoke produced by smudging is used as a cleansing mechanism. It can rid an individual or a space of negativity. The cleansing process removes negative moods as well as stagnant energy. For the smoke to thoroughly cleanse an individual or a room, one must be “washed” with the smoke. Washing is completed by fanning the smoke with either a feather or by hand onto the object being cleansed.
Key Herbs
The key herbs used in smudging are: sage, myrrh, sweetgrass, cedar, and lavender. Sage is used to remove negative energy, myrrh promotes youthfulness and truth, sweetgrass promotes feelings of joy, love and kindness. Cedar allows the feelings of restoration and transformation to overtake your body. Lastly, lavender makes you feel protected, rejuvenated and helps you attract love.
When to Perform a Smudging Ceremony
- Before you entertain guests and after
- Prior to participating in meditation or yoga
- Immediately after you partake in a heated argument
- Subsequent to any mental or physical illness
- When you are embarking on a new beginning - either personal or professional
The Low Down
Prior to starting your smudging ritual, it is imperative to open a window or door. Next, you should fill your bowl with the sacred herbs of your choosing, and then light the herbs with a match. Let the herbs smolder by blowing out the flame. Symbolically wash your body with the smoke.
Begin with your hands and then submerge your eyes, ears, brain, and heart by inhaling the gentle fumes. After you have finished smudging your body, place the bowl with the herbs in it in a safe, non-fire hazardous place, and let it burn out. By allowing the flame to burn out you will fill your space with the cleansing scent.
Cleansing Prayer
"I cleanse myself of all selfishness, resentment, critical feelings for my fellow beings, self-condemnation, and misinterpretation of my life experiences. I bathe myself in generosity, appreciation, praise and gratitude for my fellow beings, self-acceptance, and enlightened understanding of my life experiences" - Linda Frederico
It's Official
Now you're officially a smudging aficionado! If you want to give it a go, you can purchase a white sage smudge stick from our shop. Give me a shout and let me know how it's going for you!
XO,
Sarah
