SMUDGING 101 by LeeZa Donatella

Thursday

Smudging After the End of a Relationship

how to release a past relationship

I receive a lot of questions about how to perform smudging ceremonies using sage to remove negative energy than I can shake a stick at. One of my more frequent requests is from people seeking information on smudging after the end of a relationship. The emails range in flavor from "help, my ex is harassing me," "How do I release an Energy Vampire," "Help me stop thinking about my Ex," to the general questions like, "How can I release a past relationship and move forward."scdmudge after my exboyfriend and I break up, sage stick blessing, sage a home, cleansing a room with sage, smudging kits, smudging sprays, using smudge sticks, removing negative energy from my home.

First let me start by saying that it happens; relationships begin and relationships end as people move in and out of our lives. This IS part of the natural course as we continue to evolve, grow and move forward. It doesn't necessarily mean that either party did something wrong. Perhaps at first they seemed like Mr. or Ms. Right. You spent time together and it was amazing. You shared times that helped both of you grow. But as you grew, somehow they turned out to be Mr. or Ms. Wrong. Why?

I have this interesting theory that we interact with certain people for a reason and that each experience is a gift for both of us, regardless of the outcome. Once you realize that and know that the tango you danced as part of that soul connection may not last forever, you can get to a better place in your heart.

This holds true not just for romantic relationships, but spans every connection between people. It's all energy and it is true that the energy associated with that person may still be lingering in your space or around your energetic field.

There are many times when you want to clear and cleanse the energy of that person in your space after, for example, a break up.

Smudging is always a good way to freshen up your space.

Smudging cleanses the energy in the locations and energetic fields of persons, ridding them of residual vibrational frequencies and energetic imprints. I think it’s important to emphasize that energy is just emotion in motion and when you have had an energetic attachment to someone, that energy between you may linger, even after you’re no longer together. How to Smudge video, How do I smudge my home. When to Smudge. removing evil spirits from my house, Prayers to say when smudging sage what is smudging, prayer for new home cleansing,

Links for you

Starter Smudge Kit,

A good Rose Oil

My book, Smudging for Beginners, available on Amazon.

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Available on Amazon

So, are you interested in cleansing your space and raising your vibration? Or are you looking to rid your location of the crummy energy tied to your ex-partner who you can't get out of your head?

Either way, this book can assist as LeeZa Donatella helps readers understand the basics as well as tricks of the trade when it comes to smudging their space, person or objects in her book, Smudging for Beginners.

All My Books available on Amazon

Here are some links to items I enjoy, that you may find useful

Berkey Water Filter The only filter I've found that removes fluoride from drinking water. We filter fluoride from our drinking water to decalcify our pineal gland to connect to increase our spiritual awareness. (article on the Pineal Gland)

Spiritual Guide Incense I love this incense that gets me into the zone.

Great Meditation Music

Comfortable Meditation Pillow
Essential Oil Candles

Chakra and Healing Stones

Other authors books that have helped me on my journey.

The Four Agreements by don Miguel Ruiz

The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield

The Essential Rumi by Jalal al-Din Rumi

Carlos Castaneda's books

Leeza Donatella is an author, speaker and teacher

Website

How to Smudge

Today I want to speak to you about how to smudge. I will provide you with a good overview, smudging definition, a little smudging history, a quick how to smudge your home and smudge yourself instructions, as well as when to smudge your home, what to expect to feel when smudging, what to say when smudging and the tools used to smudge and perform a clearing ceremony.  to burn sage smudge, how to use a smudge stick when to smudge with
What is Smudging?
Smudging is a way to purify a location, object or person(s) by burning sacred plants.
I typically use dried white sage and a blend of anointing oil when I cleanse someones house. The leaves are bound with string into a small bundle, called a smudge stick.  But did you know that the smudging and cleansing is actually associated with many customs as an intentional process and a smudging ceremony is sacred on its own?

Why We Smudge   Smudging techniques
Spiritualists and Native Americans traditionally perform this cleansing in preparation or initialization of a ritual, but many cultures have used their own form of cleansing for centuries with some continue this ritual today. Have you ever smelled the incense burning at Easter in certain Christian churches? That's usually frankincense and its burned to purify and send prayers to God.

Below are some of the reasons why people smudge to clear their space or person:

Eliminate unwanted spirits or negative energy
Cleanse and Clear yourself or home after interaction (phone or in person) with someone who has negative energy
When you breakup with someone, especially if they were living in that dwelling
Send prayers and offerings to the heavens.

Smudging Materials
For those of you who are new to smudging, let me first provide you with smudging basics or what I affectionately call smudging 101 about one smudging material in particular, sage. Although there are many other materials you can use, this is the most commonly used material in the form of a smudge stick.

Not all Spirits are Bad Ones
I want to point out that not all spirits in your home are negative ones. It could be grandma dropping by to say hey. It's just that you've not known that she's been visiting you every Sunday, until recently. Some people believe that smudging releases or removes evil spirits in your home. Fortunately, I have never encountered a spirit that was negative. Confused, perhaps, but so was my ex-husband, so what can I say. I do know that if there is some less than positive energy in your space, then smudging will help with that.

When to Smudge
Anytime is a perfect time to smudge your home or smudge yourself to remove negative energy The rule of thumb is to smudge if you're feeling uneasy in your space, then smudge. You will feel lighter if you do.

Full Moon for letting go and New Moon for new beginnings

An overview of a Complete Smudging of a Location to Smudge Your House
Below are instructions for your assistance. From experience, I can tell you that when you're finished, you space feels good, clean and upbeat.... so don't be afraid to give it a try. And remember to do it with love.

Smudging Supplies:
The below is what I have handy in my complete smudging tool kit, each with specific spiritual significance.

A smudge stick (I prefer white sage)
A lighter or candle

A shell or Dish (I prefer green abalone)
A feather (I prefer one wrapped in a natural material, like leather)
Salt (I prefer pure Himalayan pink salt)
Anointing Oil

Prepare the Space:

If you're smudging an entire home for the first time, as part of the preparation, make sure you open all the shades and curtains on all windows (Open the windows if the weather is permitting) and open all doors including the closets. Adjust your furniture allowing you to easy move around the home.

Preparation of Self:
You need to take time to prepare and protect yourself before beginning the work

Take a few minutes to meditate to find balance and center
Ground yourself
Anoint yourself with the oil and say a Preparation Affirmation/Prayer to raise your vibration as you ask for protection.

Example:

I cleanse and protect myself in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

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The initialization has 2 parts.
Part 1
Now that you have cleansed and protected yourself, you want to begin with an Initialization Affirmation or Prayer for Self.

It can be words from a religious book like psalms OR it can be a special affirmation of intentions that you feel strongly about. So pick one that resonates with you and say an affirmation to your higher power out loud.

I invoke the Light of God to be with me and assist me in being the perfect channel of Love and Light to cleanse this space and the people in it.

Part 2
Light the Sage
Light the sage, then fan out the flame so the smudge stick is smoking, placing it into the shell. Become one with the smoke as you let it wash over you. This is where I make my intentions to clear the space known to all the energy in the space by saying my Intention Affirmation or Prayer.

Begin Smudging a Room
There are several ways to tackle this. One way is to start in the farthest corner of the house, finishing at the front door. Enter the room and go to the farthest corner to begin. Fan the smoke against the walls while saying an Ongoing Smudging Prayer or Affirmation.

Move clockwise in the room, fanning the smoke as you say out loud the affirmation with great intention.

Finish the Smudging Ritual

When I complete the smudging of a location I say a Closing Smudging Prayer or Affirmation outside the home and complete the ceremony, spreading a little salt at the final threshold.

As a practitioner, I then always perform a couple of steps to clear myself after I have completed smudging, including a Final Cleansing Pray for Self. This ensures that I'm doing a final cleanse, ridding myself of any residual energy.

After the smudging is complete you will feel a sense of peace, love and light. And who doesn't like that.

What to Say when Smudging

There are prayers and affirmations said when smudging. It can be words from a religious book like psalms, Native American prayers, spiritual prayers or a special affirmation of intentions that you feel strongly about. Pick one that resonates with you and say an affirmation to your higher power out loud.

Overview of How to Smudge a Person
There are times when you want to smudge a person. I've been asked if there is a best time to smudge a person or the best day to smudge someone. The answer is always when you feel you need to be smudged, for example, after you've interacted with something or someone that holds negative energy. There are times however based on my experience that smudging a space or person is more beneficial.

Here is an overview of how to smudge a person:

Prepare Yourself and the Person being Smudged

Like with smudging a space, you start with preparing yourself: Balance, Ground and Anoint and say a preparation prayer
Have the person prepare in a similar way as they Balance, Ground and Anoint themselves and also say am Initial Anointing Prayer as they inhale the fragrance of the oils.
Say a Smudging Prayer
Ask the person to stand and raise their arms. Stand about 2 feet from the person’s body. Using the smudge stick, cleanse the energies close to their form by fanning the smoke about 3 inches from their body. Don’t forget to smudge under their arms and under their feet.
While smudging say to yourself or one of the cleansing phrases. You can use a variation of the house cleansing affirmations above, if you like.
Finish by Anointing their forehead with the oil and say a Closing Affirmation/Prayer.

So there you go, in a nutshell, smudging, clearing and protection for all.

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My book, Smudging for Beginners, available on Amazon.

All My Books available on Amazon
Here are some links to items I enjoy, that you may find useful

Spiritual Guide Incense I love this incense that gets me into the zone.

Great Meditation Music

Comfortable Meditation Pillow
Essential Oil Candles

Chakra and Healing Stones

Other authors books that have helped me on my journey.

The Four Agreements by don Miguel Ruiz

The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield

The Essential Rumi by Jalal al-Din Rumi

Carlos Castaneda's books

Leeza Donatella is an author, speaker and teacher

Website

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QUESTIONS YOU HAVE ASKED ABOUT SMUDGING

Below are answers to some questions I have received:

What is Anointing Oil?
Oils have been used since before Christ by every religion in ceremonies to assist in purification, protection, raising vibration, clearing negative energy, consecration, prayer and healing.

This is a "go-to" blend because of the specific significance each has to raise vibration and used in healing, smudging and clearing or just to release any negative energy accumulated

Control

I want to emphasize that if you walk into someone else's home and the energy feels, well, not so good, you can smudge yourself when you get home and tactfully speak to them about smudging, but be gentle about it, not adamant about it or try and sneak it or you just may lose friend. I get countless emails from people asking how to smudge someone else's home without their knowledge. Sorry, but it's not yours to own darlings.

Should I hire Someone to Smudge?
I get asked a lot, "Should I hire a professional to come and smudge my home?"
Professionals that will come in and deal with what could be a house full of negative energy are not cheap and can cost upwards of $500 for a local pro to come in and cleanse your home and family. But if you're dealing with something that you can't handle, then seeking a professional like myself who performs the entire cleansing and smudging ritual is worth every penny.

I grew up in Long Island, NY a few towns away from fellow channel, Theresa Caputo, who also smudges her location with sage prior to connecting with the passed loved ones of her clients. If Theresa or I were smudging your house you may get more than you bargained for. Theresa might have messages from your passed loved ones helping you heal and me, the unwilling channel, will information from all the spirits in the room regardless of whether they are related to you or not, because I pick up information from all the energy in the room to determine what they want and help them on their way.

Unfortunately not everyone lives close to where I'm located (my current residence in the Lake Tahoe, Nevada area and although you can fly me in, it can get costly.)

So darlings, let me save you money..... you DO NOT have to hire someone to perform a general smudging of your home or a person. Why don't you try it yourself first and see if it solves your problem before you reach out to a professional like me, okay?

Can start smudging with one smudge stick then light another one if I used up the first one?

Answer: Yes you can light a new smudge stick after starting with another one.

What if I can't find sage and desperately need to smudge. What do I do?
Answer: Although I prefer and typically use white sage to smudge, if I'm in a place where I absolutely can't find any and need to smudge, then I use what is available. At times I've tied a few incense sticks together and used them to make one. Hey in a pinch when I was in the woods and had nothing with me and gathered some grasses and tied them together.
It is all about intention my dears!

Where Can I Buy Smudge Sticks?
Answer: I am working on a complete house blessing and clearing kit. I have NOT seen smudge sticks at Costco, Samsclub, Walmart, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's or Sprouts, but I hear that they may now be available in some Whole Foods locations. I do not sell smudge stick separately at this time. I would also try New Age bookstores and shops. Some new age organic farmers markets carry them as well. Happy searching. Remember if you must smudge and have no local resources, while you are waiting for your online order, use what is available until it arrives. It will make you feel lighter. Be Blessed in knowing that!

Can I reuse a smudge sticks for cleansing?
Answer: Absolutely, there are no issues with reusing a smudge stick, so light it back up.

How many times can I reuse a smudge stick?
Answer: Until you can no longer hold it comfortably without getting burned. I get frustrated when I hear about charlatans telling people that they can only use a stick once, just to sell more product. That's why I started this blog, I wanted the information to be available to the public.

Can more than one person smudge?
Answer: Absolutely. My friend Michele of Healing Spirit in Sedona and I have joined forces many a time to smudge.

When should you smudge?
Answer: Anytime you feel at odds with the energies that are around you. Did you ever get the feeling that there was something not right in your home? That's a good indicator that it's time to smudge. There are times though that depending on what you want to accomplish, better times for smudging. All that detail is in Smudging for Beginners.

I hope that you all enjoyed today’s article and look forward to sharing with you in future.

Videos: Update 10/19/2015: Some Smudging Videos

The Proper Way to Light a Smudge Stick

How to Put out a Smudge Stick

Materials in a Smudging Kit

Smudging Fans, Smudging Feathers, Smudging Kits, Smudge Oil, Anointing Oil, Energize Oil, Self-Love Oil

Sunday

The History of Smudging

Smudging History and Background
I'm a spiritualist, who's traveled around the world in search of wisdom and knowledge about different cultures and religions. It was in Arizona in the 1990's when I first encountered a Native American smudging ceremony using sage and other materials like sweet grass, cedar and pine. Being immersed in a culture of a people that have used this tradition for centuries, got me interested in finding out more about the use of smoke when cleansing. It was shortly after that in the late 1990's when I immersed myself in the Peruvian culture for 3 months in the Amazon, the Andes, around Nazca, the Colca Canyon and Lake Titicaca where various rituals where they used smoke to cleanse and purify the location and people in it.

When I returned to the states, I wanted to find out as much as I could about the spiritual and religious aspects. In my search for the History of Smudging, I discovered that forms of smudging are present in every religion, since the existence of religious practice. We just don't realize it because they are not calling it smudging.

Everyone thinks that the term smudging refers to cleansing a person or space, but actually smudging is the term for the bowl or shell that holds the materials that are burned.

Using smoke to purify, cleanse and protect are still used today in some Christan religions. Just walk into a Catholic Church and smell the Frankincense they're burning around Easter as the alter boys move up and down the aisle. The history of smudgingHow to Smudge, smudging videos, How do I smudge my home. When to Smudge. Prayers to say when smudging sage what is smudging, prayer for new home cleansing, how to smudge a house, smudging instructions, smudging books, smudging materials, smudging tools, smudging prayers, smudgsticks, how to use a smudgestick, how to put out a smudgestick

Smudging and Blessings Inspirational Rituals to Cleanse and Heal

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My book, Smudging for Beginners, available on Amazon.

All My Books available on Amazon

Here are some links to items I enjoy, that you may find useful

Spiritual Guide Incense I love this incense that gets me into the zone.

Great Meditation Music

Comfortable Meditation Pillow
Essential Oil Candles

Chakra and Healing Stones

Other authors books that have helped me on my journey.

The Four Agreements by don Miguel Ruiz

The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield

The Essential Rumi by Jalal al-Din Rumi

Carlos Castaneda's books

Leeza Donatella is an author, speaker and teacher

Website

Friday

Is it okay to smudge around someone with Allergies?

I've received several emails about the safety of burning sage around people with allergies so I thought it was a good idea to add this article to help others.

Some people are sensitive to the smoke from herbs and yes when smudging around people who with allergies, it's possible they may be allergic to the plant families can be effected by burning sage and other materials. My suggestion is to isolate a small space and burn the sage for only a moment and see if there is a negative effect on the person in your home with allergies.

Always follow the direction of your doctor if someone in the household has allergies

Times When You Can’t Burn Materials

Using oils when you are unable to burn sage as part of a cleansing ceremony may be an alternative and that's why I always have a Smudging Spray that I create from a smudging oil in my smudging toolkit.

Links for you

Starter Smudge Kit

Smokeless Smudging Sprays

Rose Oil for Annointing

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My book, Smudging for Beginners, available on Amazon.

All My Books available on Amazon

Here are some links to items I enjoy, that you may find useful

Spiritual Guide Incense I love this incense that gets me into the zone.

Great Meditation Music

Comfortable Meditation Pillow
Essential Oil Candles

Chakra and Healing Stones

Other authors books that have helped me on my journey.

The Four Agreements by don Miguel Ruiz

The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield

The Essential Rumi by Jalal al-Din Rumi

Carlos Castaneda's books

Leeza Donatella is an author, speaker and teacher

Website

Thursday

Smudging Ceremonies

How to Smudge, smudging videos, How do I smudge my home. When to Smudge. Prayers to say when smudging sage what is smudging, prayer for new home cleansing, how to smudge a house, smudging instructions, smudging books, smudging materials, smudging tools, smudging prayers, smudgsticks, how to use a smudgestick, how to put out a smudgestick

smudgestick An overview of a How to Smudge a Location to Smudge Your Hous
Below are instructions for your assistance. From experience, I can tell you that when you're finished, you space feels good, clean and upbeat.... so don't be afraid to give it a try. And remember to do it with love. does smudgingn work? how to smudge with sage

Supplies: how to perform a smudging
The below is what I have handy in my complete smudging tool kit, each with specific spiritual significance.

A smudge stick (I prefer white sage)
A lighter or candle

A shell or Dish (I prefer green abalone)
A feather (I prefer one wrapped in a natural material, like leather)
Salt (I prefer pure Himalayan pink salt)
Anointing Oil

Prepare the Space: how to perform a smudging ceremony

If you're smudging an entire home for the first time, as part of the preparation, make sure you open all the shades and curtains on all windows (Open the windows if the weather is permitting) and open all doors including the closets. Adjust your furniture allowing you to easy move around the home.native american smudging

Preparation of Self:
You need to take time to prepare and protect yourself before beginning the work

Take a few minutes to meditate to find balance and center
Ground yourself
Anoint yourself with the oil and say a Preparation Affirmation/Prayer to raise your vibration as you ask for protection.

Example: perform a native american smudging

I cleanse and protect myself in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Initialization
The initialization has 2 parts.
Part 1
Now that you have cleansed and protected yourself, you want to begin with an Initialization Affirmation or Prayer for Self. native american smudging prayer, sage ceremony cleansing

It can be words from a religious book like psalms OR it can be a american indian sage prayer a special affirmation of intentions that you feel strongly about. So pick one that resonates with you and say an affirmation to your higher power out loud. sage ceremony

I invoke the Light of God to be with me and assist me in being the perfect channel of Love and Light to cleanse this space and the people in it.

Part 2 smudging your home with cleansing sage
Light the Sage
Light the sage, then fan out the flame so the smudge stick is smoking, placing it into the shell. Become one with the smoke as you let it wash over you. This is where I make my intentions to clear the space known to all the energy in the space by saying my Intention Affirmation or Prayer.

Begin Smudging a Room smudging a new home
There are several ways to tackle this. One way is to start in the farthest corner of the house, finishing at the front door. Enter the room and go to the farthest corner to begin. Fan the smoke against the walls while saying an Ongoing Smudging Prayer or Affirmation.

Move clockwise in the room, fanning the smoke as you say out loud the affirmation with great intention.

Finish the Smudging Ritual

When I complete the smudging of a location I say a Closing Smudging Prayer or Affirmation outside the home and complete the ceremony, spreading a little salt at the final threshold.