Instructions

Always take precautions to ensure safety when smudging, especially around children and pets. Never leave a burning or smoldering smudge stick unattended, and always use a fireproof bowl or shell to catch the embers. When finished, ensure the embers are completely extinguished by grinding the smudge stick against the side of the bowl or shell, or into sand or earth you may have placed in the bottom of the bowl. 

Items you'll need: 

• A lighter or match
• Fireproof bowl or shell, with or without sand or earth
• Smudge stick
• A feather to fan the smoke - you may also use your hand

Prepare your space by clearing it of clutter, turning off electronic devices, and opening windows or doors to allow the smoke, and the negative energy that attaches to it, to escape. Take several deep breaths to relax and clear your mind. Once you have achieved a positive, centered state, light the end of the smudge stick and let the flame to go out on its own, or by tapping gently it against the side of the bowl or shell, allowing the herbs to smolder. 

Always begin by smudging yourself before smudging another person, object, or space. Hold the bowl high and say prayers, chants, or requests for positive energy to cast out negativity. Gently waft the smoke over your head, face, shoulders, body, legs, and feet, creating a bath of smoke. You may then proceed to smudge another person, an object, or your space. 

To smudge your space begin by facing East, where the sun rises. Be mindful of the energy you wish to cast out, and of the energy you wish to bring in. Slowly walk along the wall, gently wafting the smoke away from you with a feather or your hand, ensuring the smoke reaches the corners of the room and the frames of windows and doors. Turn South, West, then North, repeating this process until you come full circle to the East. Lastly, smudge towards the sky and the earth. Once you are finished, extinguish the smudge stick completely, then take the ashes and return them to the earth.

THINGS TO REMEMBER:

• Smudging should be done slowly, mindfully, and carefully
• Smudging is designed to cleanse your body, spirit, and space, not to fill your lungs or room with smoke! 
• Throughout the ritual it is important to focus on positive energy and intentions

SMUDGING PRAYER:

May your hands be cleansed, that they create beautiful things.

May your feet be cleansed, that they might take you where you most need to be. 

May your heart be cleansed, that you might hear its messages clearly.

May your throat be cleansed, that you might speak rightly when words are needed.

May your eyes be cleansed, that you might see the signs and wonders of the world.

May this person and space be washed clean by the smoke of these fragrant plants.

And may that same smoke carry our prayers, spiraling, to the heavens.