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.
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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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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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
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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.
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?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?
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: Absolutely. My friend Michele of Healing Spirit in Sedona and I have joined forces many a time to 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
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