how to use a smudge stick
Weather is a consideration when smudging the home or workplace. It is ideal to choose a day you can open all the doors and windows, allowing the breeze to help the stagnant energy leave your home. For personal smudging – you can do it anywhere, anytime!
MAKE IT A CEREMONY - When smudging, one should always take a moment to show gratitude for the opportunity and set your intention of removing stuck energy (chi) from your home.
Creating a ceremonious setting to smudge in can make it extra special and fun. It certainly adds to the experience of cleansing your home. Some examples to create a ceremonious space can include burning candles, playing relaxing music, or making a flower offering. Some flowers from the garden in a bowl of water is a lovely offering, the water also helps absorb the negative energy you are releasing.
AFFIRMATIONS AND INTENTION - Intention is important when cleansing energy so say something like: “I cleanse this space with love and light” or “I remove all negative energy”. It is good to have an affirmation that you can repeat throughout the process as it becomes like a meditation if you say it over and over. This will leave you feeling refreshed - like you have done something positive by the end of your smudging. The more time, focus and intention you put into smudging, the better the results.
RELEASING THE ENERGY - It is recommended that you vacuum and clean before the smudging and open all doors and windows to allow the stagnant energy to escape. Make sure you take the time to vacuum every corner in the house and run the hose high up into the corners of the walls - this is where stuck chi lurks. We recommend smudging when you first move into a new home… It’s also good karma to smudge a property you are vacating, leaving it cleansed and fresh for the next person!
PROTECTION - At the start, take a moment to consciously protect yourself from taking on the negative energy you are releasing from your home. Argument energy can lurk behind doors for years!
Ground yourself, take a couple of deep breaths and say something like - “I release all negative energy from this room and protect myself from taking on any negative energy.”
It is best not to have children, pets or people who do not protect themselves around while you smudge but if unavoidable, include them in your protection affirmation.
“I ask for protection for my baby and pets, so they do not take on negative energy.”
INSTRUCTIONS - Put the smudge stick to a candle flame and blow on the stick to get it going. When it starts to smoke continuously then it is ready to use. Walking around the house, allow the smudge stick to smoke and freely circulate. Waving the smudge stick with large arm movements, blowing on it or waving a feather will usually keep it burning.
Alternatively, you can un-tie the stick into a pile in a heatproof container (pot is ideal) and then set the leaves alight and walk around with the container, again using your hand or a feather to move the smoke where you want it to go.
Systematically move around the rooms making sure you reach all corners and as high as you can comfortably reach. You can open all drawers and cupboards as well if you really want to do a thorough cleanse.
As you smudge, continuously say to yourself something like - “I cleanse this home with love and light.”
Remember it’s always good to have gratitude and say a short Thank-you at the end.
PERSONAL SMUDGING - This can be a quick simple process when you don’t want to do the whole house, but you do want to clear your own personal energy. Simply light the White Sage smudge stick and swirl it around yourself for a quick cleanse at the end of the day. This is particularly beneficial after being around other peoples’ energy or after any challenging situations. E.g. argument, stress at work, being with negative people.
SAFELY EXTINGUISHING - To extinguish your smudge stick, just place the lighted end into dry sand or soil until there is no glow or smoke. It is a good idea to place it on a metal sink or outside on cement for about an hour as an extra precaution.
PLEASE NOTE - Be careful with large arm movements and blowing on the stick, that you don’t drop ash or sparks. Also, ensure candles are safe if you wish to let them burn for extended periods.
Wendy is available to smudge the property for you. Just let us know you are interested via the contact page.