- The best way to light a smudge stick (also known as a smudge wand or smudge bundle) is to hold it over the open flame of a candle as it takes a while for the herbs to begin burning. A lighter will also suffice but a match will probably keep going out before the smudge bundle is burning sufficiently.
- Once the smudge bundle is burning, fan the fire gently with a feather or your hands until it is burning enough to create sufficient smoke. Blowing on the smudge is not encouraged as it is seen as blowing one’s own negativity into the smoke.
- Smudge incense should be burned to release its energy and fragrance, not to fill the room or your lungs with smoke. Burning excessive amounts can lead to respiratory distress or problems.
- Avoid smudging in the room when infants, pregnant persons, asthmatic or allergy-prone people are present.
- A smudging ceremony should be done in two stages. The initial smudging is for the purpose of purifying the space and participants and for banishing any unwanted energies. The final smudge is to cleanse any negative vibrations and energies attracted or created during the proceedings.
- Rooms and psychic tools, such as crystals and other objects that hold energy, should be smudged/cleansed on a regular basis. It is also good to smudge oneself and one’s living space on a regular basis to maintain individual and domestic harmony.
- It is recommended to have an altar or ritual space around which to center the smudging ceremony. The altar can be any makeshift table with candles to help light the smudge incense and create a spiritual ambience and crystals to attract positive energy.
- The altar or ritual space should be cleansed via smudging both before and after it is used to smudge a person or object. Cleansing the ritual space is an essential part of spiritual hygiene.
- It is advisable to pick a time for smudging when you’re not likely to be interrupted. You may also want to pick some appropriate music to play during the smudging ceremony.
- If you’re going to be smudging with Sage, you may want to burn some good smelling incense at the beginning of the smudge ceremony to help cover the pot-like smell of the Sage.
- Smudging should be done with care, with reverence, and in an attitude of love. Show your respect and honor to the plants that Mother Nature has gifted us for our healing, and they will return the favor by keeping you well and free from disease and negative energy.
- When performing the smudge ceremony, you should envision the smoke carrying away any negative energy or physical injuries. You should also say a prayer and ask God or your spirit guides to assist in the cleansing and expel all negative energies and sickness. It may also be helpful to chant these prayers out loud and repeat them.
- If the smudge looks like it is going out, fan it vigorously until it is smoking again. If it does go out, it is fine to just relight it again.
- Sometimes smoldering pieces of ash from the smudge bundle or string that binds the smudge bundle will drop to the floor so to prevent burn spots on your floor, you should use a paper plate or something to catch the ash during the smudging.
- When burning a smudge stick or braid, they will eventually go out on their own, but should you need to put them out quickly, you can tamp the end out in sand or soil, shaking off the excess. Using water is messy and not generally recommended.
- Make sure the bowl/vessel you use can support the heat that will be produced so it will not crack.
Remember that the container in which you burn your smudge may become warm enough to scorch a surface or burn your hand. - Never leave your smudge sticks, candles or charcoal unattended to avoid fire hazards!
Horaayy..there are 3 comment(s) for me so far ;)
Hey,
Great tips and thanks!
I avoid temples because I have sensitive nose and get easily suffocated when the room is envelope with incense smoke.
Cheers
Viv;=)
Hi, nice to visit and read article’s in your site. Have a great day, Thx
Viv: Yes temples can have huge amounts of smoke which can cause real problems for some people and has even been shown to be cancerous if you’re exposed to that amount of smoke over long periods of time. I hope this does not turn you off from enjoying incense at home where you can control the amount of smoke and many incense sticks only put out a very slight amount of smoke with a very subtle scent.
Aki: Thanks for stoppin by!