Smudging Ceremony

Lots of questions lately at the shop about cleaning energies and smudging.

There are many different smudging ceremonies and different varieties of herbs for smudging.

The burning of herbs or incense for cleansing, purification, protection of physical & spiritual bodies, banishment of negative energies and creation of sacred space.

You can use smudging sticks, braided herbs & botanicals (sweet grass) or herbs. Smudging releases the energy and fragrance of the herbs & botanicals so they can heal, cleanse and purify. Some popular herbs include desert sage, white sage, juniper, sweet grass, copal (in resin form) mugwort & lavender.

Some general uses for different herbs often used for smudging:

Desert Sage: sharp, light & refreshing scent, sacred herb among Native Americans. Used to purify the mind, body & spirit. Also used to purify sacred items, magical tools, tarot decks & feathers.

Juniper: sharp piney scent. Excellent to stimulate & revive mind, body & spirit. Used for purification & aid in clairvoyance. Lavender: light, aromatic & refreshing scent. Attracts peace, happiness & restful sleep. Reduces depression, grief & sorrow. Aids in meditation & manifestations. Associated with Fairies & Elves.

White sage: strong aromatic aroma. Excellent for meditation, divination & purification of the spirit. Used for banishment of negative energies and creation of sacred space.

Sweet grass: sweet aroma, it is in 3 strands representing love, kindness and honesty. Sweet grass is used for smudging and purification of the spirit; when Sweet grass is used in a healing or talking circle it has a calming effect. It is said that it attracts the good Spirit, so use it to call in the Spirit.

Smudging yourself on a daily basis can be very helpful in keeping yourself balanced & maintaining a peaceful state of being. Carry a small amount of sage in a pouch or your pocket to insure personal & spiritual safety.