EMBRACING SACRED MOMENTS: MY JOURNEY WITH SMUDGING
Smudging—a practice steeped in ancient traditions—often carries a mystique that can seem intimidating or inaccessible. I will be the first to admit, I felt that way too. The idea of smudging my home felt like venturing into unfamiliar territory, surrounded by rituals and ceremonies I was not sure I understood. But as I delved deeper into its intricacies, I embarked on a personal journey with smudging that transformed my perspective.
I came to realize that smudging is not only accessible but also deeply transformative when approached with mindfulness and intention. It goes beyond cleansing physical spaces; it is a sacred ritual that aligns energies, inviting positivity while releasing negativity.
WHAT IS NATIVE AMERICAN SMUDGING?
To fully grasp the concept and perform this sacred ritual yourself, it's important to first take a look at what exactly the practice of smudging entails. By definition, smudging is a ceremony that consists of burning plant herbs and resins in either a clay or shelled bowl while prayers are being done. This results in a smoke cloud formation that is believed to cleanse the air and those within it.
Smudging is the most popular ritual used to clear people and places of negative energy they would rather not surround themselves with. As a whole, smudging is used among many Native peoples within the western hemisphere and has played an active role for centuries.
WHY ARE SMUDGING RITUALS CONDUCTED?
There are several reasons why someone would choose to smudge, but in general, it is to better the lives of people and the places they live. Smudging is the bridge between mortal life and higher realms, bringing in good spirits and eliminating any negative, stagnant ones. This ceremony lifts away any sadness, impurities, and anxieties, and remediates poor health, leaving nothing but peace and harmony for both individuals and the environment after the cleansing.
WHAT ARE THE BEST HERBS TO USE?
Before getting into the act of smudging and learning how it is properly done, let us go over the actual herbs used for smudging so you are fully prepared to either try it yourself or obtain the big picture. For reference, most of the herbs that are used to smudge have antiseptic features, meaning that when burned, they legitimately do purify the air.
Sage: Both Salvia Apiana (white sage) and Salvia Officinalis (common sage) are healing herbs used. The term “Salvia” comes from the Latin word “salvare,” which means “to feel healthy and well and healing.” Both white sage and common sage are also used to offer strength, clarity, wisdom, and often represent the maternal lineage of women.
Sweetgrass: Known as the hair of Mother Earth, resembling kindness, and widely used by all Native Americans, sweetgrass is believed to carry prayers into the spirit world. The smoke from the herbs is said to take the words and transition them over. It is also known as “holy grass” and when it burns it does not produce an open flame, but a sweetly scented smoke.
PREPARING FOR SMUDGING
Before you smudge, there are a few basic supplies you will need to have on hand:
A sage bundle (or smudge stick)
An abalone seashell or a bowl of ceramic, clay, or glass to hold the burning sage and ash
A smudging feather (optional)
A clear intention for the smudging held in your mind and heart
HOW TO SMUDGE YOUR HOME
Clear Your Space: Before smudging your space, I always recommend clearing your space of clutter and opening the doors and windows of your home to let the fresh air in (and the negative energy to leave afterward). Turn off all electronic devices within the space.
Set Your Intention: Prior to beginning, you also want to clear your body, mind, and spirit of any negative or stagnant energy. Start by lighting your smudging bundle or stick. It is important to burn the bundle or stick in its entirety, placing it in a bowl to catch the burnt herbs.
Smudge Yourself First: Breathe deeply and direct the sage smoke around your body from head to toe, front to back, right, and left.
Smudge Your Space: Starting at your front door, slowly walk around the areas of your home, waving the smoke into the air, paying special attention to areas where the energy enters the room (doorways and hallways), and ensuring closet and cabinet doors are open. Smudge each area you would like to cleanse, including corners, closets, under counters, behind curtains, along ceiling lines, laundry room, basement, and garage. Let your intuition guide you. You can also guide the smoke in all four compass directions: the heavens above, the earth below, and within.
Use Positive Affirmations: As you move throughout your home, repeat positive affirmations about what you want to attract into that area of your life. For example, in the Love area of the house, you could say, “This home is now filled with loving relationships.”
Complete the Ritual: After you have cleansed all the areas of your home, cup your hands over the smoke and “wash” your face with it, repeating it all over your body. As you do this, visualize any negative residual energy disappearing entirely.
Return the Ashes to Nature: Finally, end the ritual outside of your front door and leave the sage stick safely outside. Do not reignite until it’s completely extinguished and monitor it for safety.
SMUDGING ALTERNATIVE FOR CONDO LIVING
For those living in condos or concerned about smoke detectors and neighbors, I have found that using a small gong and walking through each room, performing the same ritual, can be very effective. The sound of the gong helps to shift and clear the energy in a way similar to smudging. It's a wonderful alternative that maintains the sacred intention without the worry of setting off alarms.
REFLECTING ON THE JOURNEY
In the quiet moments that followed, I found myself reflecting on the significance of this practice in my life. While smudging may seem like a simple act, its impact reaches far beyond the physical realm. It is a reminder of the importance of intention, of taking the time to honor the spaces we inhabit and the energy we carry within us.
ANSWERING QUESTIONS
And for those who may wonder—is smudging truly necessary? How often should it be done? I would say yes, it is worth exploring. Whether it is done several times a year or as a weekly ritual, smudging offers a tangible way to cleanse and refresh the energy around us. And if smudging doesn't resonate, there are countless other ways to clear the energy—a reminder that the path to connection is as diverse as the souls who walk it.
