Smudging Ritual
Hello! We had requests from some of you on how to use the various smudges that we have in the shop. Here is some information that will help you smudge your space! If you click on the title “Smudging Ritual” you can download a PDF of this information.
The happiest spaces can accumulate negative energy over time, so it is helpful to smudge a few times a year; some smudge weekly. Also smudge your workspace periodically (preferably not during busy office hours), and use smudging to clear your own bodily energy or the energy of other people.
Smudging is an ageless and sacred ritual; it should be performed with full awareness and in a slow, mindful manner. Smudging can be an effective way to clear negative energy and create good vibes. There is no right nor wrong way to smudge; use this information to develop an approach that makes YOU happy!
Start by putting the quartz where you can see it when you start; it creates a focus point to help clear your mind. Pour the corn onto on your table or altar; during your ceremony it will be an offering to Mother Earth / Nature / The Universe / The Positive Energy / The Good Vibes.
Place one end of the smudge over a continuous flame like a candle or gas stove. It will take a while for the smudge to light completely; hold it over the flame until the tip is burning like the end of a cigar. Then extinguish the flame; your smudge should smolder gently.
You may say some positive words, a prayer or blessing … any words that express your intention for the ritual. Then begin walking around the space. It is best to smudge your entire space, otherwise you might just move the negativity from one room to another instead of away!
Guide the smoke around your body by gently waving the smoldering smudge or by using a feather fan or even a piece of cardboard. You fan the smoldering tip to keep it lit. Direct the smoke around yourself, another person, or around any space where you wish to purify the energy.
Please keep in mind you are waving a burning object about your space; be aware of falling ash or embers. We recommend you use a heat-proof vessel like an abalone shell with some sand in it to catch them. If you don’t do this, embers will fall and might set something on fire. (Not the kind of purification ritual anyone wants!)
The smoke should touch every part of your space – all openings, all corners, all dark spots. You may direct the smoke with your breath or feather to reach hidden areas. Be thorough and take your time.
When you have smudged your entire space, go back to where you started. Re-affirm your blessing or intentions. If you have not used the entire smudge, put it out in a heat-proof vessel (ashtray, abalone shell, ceramic saucer) … anything that will not burn will work. Grind the smoldering tip against the vessel gently but firmly until all embers are gone and keep it for future use. This may take time; make sure your smudge is completely extinguished before storing it. When it is 100% out, thank it for the work it has done for you, remembering that it was once a living thing. Either leave the corn offering on your altar or bury it in dirt (a plant is fine, outdoors works as well).
To end the ritual, take the salt and sprinkle some around the openings to your space (doors, windows). Just a little works; you are ceremonially keeping out negative energy, not salting French Fries.
You should feel a difference in your living space: a sense of calm, positivity, and positiveness. You may then your space bless it with another prayer, anointing oil, sacred water, Palo Santo, or House Blessing incense. Remember, there is a difference between cleansing and blessing. Cleansing banishes negative energy; Blessing brings in positive or good energy.