The How and Why of Smudging

Smudging is the common name given to a powerful cleansing technique from Native American traditions. It calls on the spirits of sacred herbs to drive away negative energies and restore balance. It also aids in cleansing yourself. The practice is becoming more widespread, thanks to the increasing prominence of Pagan Religions since the 1960's.

The practice of using cleansing smoke helps to cleanse away all the emotional and psychic ‘trash’. This may have gathered over days, months, years or even centuries. The effects of a cleansing can be surprisingly quick and dramatic. Smudging can help you banish stress, rid yourself of negativity, and give you more energy. It can turn any space, no matter where, into a calming sanctuary - a place of renewal and increased happiness.

A Bit of History

It is impossible to know when this practice began. Most believe that early civilizations realized, through trial and error, that the smoke created by certain herbs had beneficial effects. Many cultures have traditions of driving animals through smoke to kill off pests and diseases. The use of plant and resin smoke was traditional in pre-Christian European tribes, and remains a Native American tradition. The ceremony of cleansing people, places and objects through herb smoke is used by many people today.

How and Why is Smudging Used?

To apply the protective cleansing power of some herbs, a leaf or resin was heated to make smoke that was brushed (or wafted) over the person or object often with a feather fan. Mixtures of sacred herbs and resins were burned in a special bowl. Smoke was then wafted around the person, place or object needing purification and cleansing.

The herb most often used in smudging is White Sage. In many of the Pagan traditions, personal and area cleansing with White Sage is common prior to ritual or spell work. The practice is also significant at other times, such as when sickness is near or anxiety has become too much to bear. The smoke is often used to purify and spiritually cleanse ritual tools or sacred space. Other herbs such as Rosemary, Lavender and others are often used as well.

How often should I smudge?

At least at the beginning of every season. You can do so every day if you like. Daily smudging is recommended for health or spirit practitioners. There is never a bad time to cleanse your environment and yourself of old, stale or negative energies. This can be particularly helpful during times of stress, after arguments, or whenever you are feeling negative and anxious. Smudge whenever you feel the need; indeed, whenever the spirit moves you!

How to Smudge

Before you begin:

Have ready a fireproof receptacle such as another shell or a glass or ceramic dish to put the burning herbs in when you've finished. It's ideal to damp the herb out in sand or earth, or you can just press it against the bottom of the receptacle. I highly recommend using a lidded container. If using a lidded container, just close the lid. Always make sure that any ashes are completely out before leaving the room where you keep it.

• Make sure the area you are working in is well ventilated. This is a health precaution, as well as a spiritually practical one as well, as the negative energy will need an “escape route”.
• Smoke from herbs can lead to allergic reactions or trigger asthma or other forms of respiratory distress in sensitive persons.
• Do not use near infants or very young children or people with respiratory problems such as asthma.
• Do not begin using smudge if you are pregnant.
• Never leave anything burning unattended.
• Place some sand or soil or even salt in the bottom of the container to provide insulation as otherwise the container could scorch a surface it is placed upon.
• If you choose to burn herbs, use common sense and moderation. Discontinue use and contact your health professional if any irritation develops.

Begin Smudging:

For a total cleansing, open all doors & windows of space to be cleared. This provides an exit point for negative energy. This is not always necessary, but it is useful to have at least one open door or window whenever smudging. Focus on your intent and hold it clearly in your mind. You may wish to invite the spirit of the herbs to join you and guide and assist with your intention.

Use a candle, lighter or match to light the herbs. You want he herbs to smolder, not flame. It may take a some time to get the herb smoking. Once there is a flame, put it out by fanning the flame with your hand or feather. Allow the herbs to smolder and the smoke to circulate in the air.

Cleansing yourself

Fan the swirls of smoke around your body from head to toe with your hands or feather. Visualize the smoke lifting away all the negative thoughts, emotions and energies that have attached themselves to you.

Cleansing another

If you are cleansing a group or someone else, always cleanse yourself first. Work the same as if you were smudging yourself, fanning the smoke all over their body. You may want to speak an intention or simple instructions for the other person as you do so. For instance, “Allow the sacred smoke to cleanse your body and spirit and bring you present and available into this moment”

During healing work

During healing work, the smoke may be fanned over the person either by your hand or with feathers. This clears out unhealthy energies and activates the attributes of the herbs. You may also direct cleansing smoke to each of the person’s chakras. As you do so visualize each chakra coming into balance as it is purified by the magical herbs. If you can see auras, look for discolored places in the aura and direct the healing smoke towards those places on the patient’s body. Use extra precautions and common sense in the case of people with difficulty breathing, asthma, pneumonia, and/or pregnant women)

Cleansing a room or space

Beginning with the lowest level of your house, and moving upward, light your blend of herbs and walk about the outer edge of each room. Pay particular attention to corners and the areas behind doors. You should also fan the smoke throughout the room (use a feather, a smudge fan, or your hands). Repeat the following or something similar: “I break up and release all negative and stagnant energy in this place. May peace light and divine love protect us and be ever present.”

Cleansing objects

Hold the objects to be purified in the smoke or fan the smoke over them. If you are clearing your crystals prior to programming them thank both them and the herbs for helping you to realize your goals.

Return from Smudging to Ritual Tools

Return to The Urban Pagan Homepage