Smudging is part of my regular routine. The pictures show the tools I use.
The practice of smudging has been around for 1000’s of years and used in many different cultures. It was used in Ancient Rome, Ancient Greece and Ancient Egypt. It was also a practice used by the Native Americans.
What is it? Smudging is a practice that consists of burning herbs to cleanse the energy. This can be the energy of a person, place (space) or thing. It may also be used in a process for clearing negative energy.
What kind of herbs are used?
Herbs can be used individually or in a mixture. Some of which include…
Cedar: calming, comforting, purifying and protective
Juniper: centering and cleansing while helping with clarity and focus.
Lemongrass: refreshing and helps with communications and channeling.
Pine: cleansing, renewing and strengthening.
Sweetgrass: assists with ancient wisdom, calls upon ancestral and spiritual helpers.
Sage (common): cleansing, balancing and strengthening; banishes negativity.
Word of Caution: when using charcoal pucks to burn loose herbs, make sure that the container you use to hold the charcoal can withstand high temperatures.
I went on vacation and did not pack my abalone shell so instead I used a thick glass ashtray which was fine for burning loose leaves of sage but when it came to burning loose herbs with the charcoal it wasn’t long before the glass ashtray shattered. Knowing it would get hot, I had a pot holder between it and my hand. I hadn’t thought about it breaking.
Reasons to Smudge a Space
the energy within it feels like pressure around you
the energy within it feels heavy or stagnant
negativity has taken place in it (emotions, arguments, etc.)
the energy changes your mood while in the space
(ex: going from happy to sad or depressed)
negative persons have occupied the space
it is a new space for you (new home, rental, office space, car, etc.)
on a regular basis to sustain a positive environment
Reasons to Smudge an Object
anything that you are given or buy to add to your space because an object can absorb the energy of those who have handled it and the space from which it came
Reasons to Smudge a Person
feel unwell, feel negative emotions or feel negativity around you.
(you can smudge yourself or have someone else do it)
Are there occasions when you should smudge?
Yes, they include: New Year’s ~ Energy Gateway Dates ~ New Moon ~ Full Moon ~ Spring Equinox ~ Summer Solstice ~ Autumn Equinox ~ Winter Solstice ~ Holiday Gatherings ~ Vacation (hotel or rental) ~ No Occasion/Reason: when you want
Are tools needed for smudging?
Tools are optional for smudging but can be helpful.
How do you smudge a space?
There are also different versions of this process so here are the basic steps.
(I recommend that you first put protection around yourself using white light or whatever means you use.)
(1) light the herb in an abalone shell or heat tolerant container
(2) put out any flame created to allow the smoke to stream from it
(if using the charcoal, sprinkle the loose herb on it as needed to keep the smoke flowing)
(3) walk around the space using a feather or your hand to guide the smoke
(smudge the entire space incl. floors, ceilings, corners, windows, doors & doorways)
(4) direct the negativity out of the space where you guide the smoke
Directive example: “All negativity leave this space. You are not welcome here.” (repeat over & over)
(5) after the cleansing bless the space before moving on to the next
Blessing example: “I bless this space in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.”
(6) smudge all rooms and closets of the space.
(7) disposing of the ash can be done by burying it in your yard or it can be thrown away but first give “thanks” for the cleansing and call upon the angels asking for the removal of the negative energy so it may be transmuted to positive energy.
For Objects: guide the smoke towards it while giving directives
Directive example: “All negativity leave this object and this space. You are not welcome here.”
For Persons: guide the smoke towards them with the intent to cleanse the energy
(top of the head to the feet, lift arms and stand with legs shoulder width apart)
Re: The Holy Trinity
The Holy Trinity used in the blessing example is not unusual as it is represented by many symbols used in spirituality and metaphysics like this one. The triquetra is representative of the trinity (#3) and protection. The circle is representative of the unification of spirit and matter and the creation of a spiritual/physical safe haven.
Words for Thought:
Incense is used regularly in the Eastern Catholic Church and occasionally in the Roman Catholic Church. It is burned in a censer that is carried or held. It is used on objects (relics), people and basically space when it is carried in the procession. The rising smoke represents the ascent of prayer to the throne of God.
Do you consider this to be a form of smudging?
Blessings of Love & Light,
RKB
RK Benedict | Spiritual Energist-Author 
Share your thoughts…