How to Smudge Safely
The Ancient Art of Smudging
The ancient art of smudging began within Indigenous cultures as ceremonial acts for purification involving the burning of sacred and medicinal plants and resins and is still commonplace today. The smoke created from these sacred herbs are thought to cleanse, purify and heal the unseen energetic field (or soul) of a person; provide protection from harmful spirits, and clear a space of negative energy. Modern science backs up some aspects of this wisdom, as many of the herbs used in traditional smudging ceremonies actually do have antiseptic properties, literally removing toxins from the air.
In many cultures and religions around the world we see similar rituals. In all, the common wisdom is that smoke is purifying. Catholics and Buddhists ritually burn plants to cleanse the air, remove spiritual impurities and balance energy fields.
Traditionally, there are four elements that must be present in a smudge ritual in order to connect the physical and spiritual worlds and effectively drive away negative energies and restore balance:
- The vessel, usually a shell representing the water element
- The plant, resins or incense, representing the earth element
- The fire used to ignite the smoke represents the fire element
- The smoke created from burning the plant represents the air element.
Once the herbs are lit and the fire extinguished, a healing smoke bath is gently directed around the person, place or object needing cleansing, traditionally using a single eagle feather or fan. You may also use your hand. Meditation, mantra or prayer is used to strengthen intention during this time.
If smudging indoors, it is very important to open windows. This not only allows for ventilation so that the smoke does not harm your lungs or set off smoke alarms, but it also allows the unwanted energies to leave the environment unhindered, while welcoming in fresh and positive energies — a natural flow of energy.
Once the ceremony is complete, the ashes, which have absorbed the unwanted negative thoughts and energies, are returned to the earth.
There are four sacred, medicinal herbs in Indigenous cultures, used in ceremonial smudging — Sage, Cedar, Sweetgrass and Tobacco.
Lavender, Yerba Santa, Mugwort (Black Sage), Palo Santo and resins like Frankincense, Myrrh, Copal and Dragons Blood are also commonly used in smudging rituals.
How to Smudge Safely
Smudging with Dried Herbs
To safely smudge with dried herbs:
1. Open windows
2. Light the leaf end of the smudge stick and wait a few seconds before extinguishing the flame, allowing the fire to penetrate through some of the bundle.
3. Allow the herb to burn while using our Abalone Shell to catch the ashes.
4. Gently direct the smoke bath around the desired person, place or object, either by holding it with your hand or by placing it inside the shell.
5. Optionally, use our hand, a fan, or feather to direct the smoke and keep the smudge lit.
6. To extinguish, gently dab the burning end into a vessel until it cools off and burns out, or ensure that it self extinguishes after a period of time resting in the vessel.
Discard: Return ashes to the earth if possible. Storage: Keep unused smudge sticks away from moisture, children and pets. Keep partially burned smudge sticks in your vessel until ready to use again.
Smudging with Wood & Incense
To smudge with wood smudge sticks:
- Light one end of Palo Santo Smudge Stick and wait a few seconds before extinguishing the flame, allowing the fire to penetrate the wood and stay lit.
- Allow Palo Santo to burn while using our Abalone Shell to catch the ashes.
- Gently move the smudge stick around the desired person, place or object.
- To extinguish, rest wood smudge in vessel to self -extinguish. Or, gently dab the burning end into a vessel until it cools off and burns out.
Discard: Return ashes to the earth if possible.
Storage: Keep unused Palo Santo away from moisture, sunlight, children and pets. Keep partially burned Palo Santo sticks in your vessel until ready to use again.
Smudging with Resins
To smudge with resins:
- Use our Om Mani Tibetan Censer, or other fire safe bowl that can house a lit charcoal tablet.
- Line the bottom of the censer with rocks, sand, ash or soil.
- Ignite the charcoal and carefully place it into the censer using tongs.
- Place a pea sized amount of the resin tears (pieces) directly on top, or first grind up the resin into a fine powder and sprinkle onto lit charcoal.
- Similar to smudging with herbs or incense, gently direct the smoke to desired areas or individuals with a clear mind and strong intentions.
Discard: Allow your coals to extinguish completely and cool for at least 2 hours before throwing away your ashes. Return ashes to the earth, if possible.
Storage: Keep resin in an air tight container in a cool dark place so moisture does not get to it. This will ensure that your resin burns clean and gives out a fresh aroma every time. Keep away from children and pets.
Smudging with Charcoal Burners
To smudge using a charcoal burner such as our Om Mani Tibetan Censer Burner, we recommend filling the base of the censer with rocks (included with purchase), sand, ashes or soil.
INSTRUCTIONS:
Burning Incense Sticks: Fill incense burner with enough sand to properly hold upright your incense sticks.
Burning Incense Cones: Fill base of incense holder with sand or rocks. Place burner on ceramic coaster to protect counter top, as the base of the burner may get hot. Place lit incense cone on top of sand or rocks. Allow to burn with the lid removed. Incense will not burn with the lid in place.
Burning resins with charcoal: Fill base of incense holder with sand or rocks. Place burner on ceramic coaster to protect counter top, as the base of the burner may get hot. Follow instructions for lighting charcoal tablet then place on top of sand or rocks. Allow charcoal to come to temperature then place small amounts of resin tears or powder onto hot charcoal. Allow to burn with the lid removed. Some smudges will not burn with the lid in place.
Other Uses: This beautiful censer can also be used as a keepsake for small jewelry, earrings or trinkets.
