Learn more about: Smudging...

The use of smoke for ritual cleansing and purification is well-known in Native American tradition, and is also often used by pagans, Wiccans and those on many other spiritual paths...

Smudging is the burning of various herbs to create a cleansing smoke bath, which is used to purify people, ritual space, and ceremonial tools and objects. The effect of the smoke is to banish negative energies and to attract positive energies, thus protecting the physical and spiritual bodies.

The main herbs used are sage, cedar or juniper, lavender and sweet grass. Rooms and psychic tools, such as crystals and other objects that hold energy, should be smudged on a regular basis. Smudging may be done alone or in company with others.

Cleansing ceremonial or ritual areas before and after use is an essential part of spiritual hygiene. An initial smudging should be carried out to purify the space and to banish any unwanted energies. Then a final smudge clears any negative vibrations and energies attracted or created during the proceedings.

It is also a good thing to do on a regular basis for both yourself and your living space, to help maintain individual and domestic harmony.

Bundles of dried herbs used for this practice are known as "smudge sticks".  However you can also burn loose dried herbs on charcoal, or use incense sticks, which are often more convenient. Blowing the herbs or incense to encourage them to burn is not advised, as it is seen as blowing your own negativity into the smoke! But is is acceptable to fan them with a feather, a bunch of leaves, or a paper fan...

Remember, the idea behind burning herbs is to release their energy and fragrance, not to fill the room or your lungs with smoke. Burning excessive amounts can cause respiratory distress... and you should always avoid smudging when infants, pregnant women, asthmatic or allergy-prone people are present.

You can find full details of our Sage smudge sticks by clicking here... and details of our White Sage incense sticks are here.