Most people recognize smudging as a critical first step in any sacred ritual. However, smudging does so much more than start and seal sacred work.

Smudging your sacred space, your home or office, or even your body with sage is like taking an energetic shower, or doing a deep metaphysical cleansing. It can help combat negativity, as well as clearing the energy in your personal field.

The practice of smudging is upheld in many different cultures and religions, ranging from the Native Americans to the bible, smudging ceremonies have been used throughout history.

So- Should you be smudging your home and yourself?

Who should smudge

The best answer for this is everyone. Even if you do not engage in spiritual activity smudging is a cleansing ritual. Consider it like a shower for your soul. You wouldn’t go weeks without cleaning the dirty off your body, you should also clean the things that may cling to the energy fields around you. It’s important to smudge yourself any time you feel energetically dirty or are experiencing illness, exhaustion, or sluggishness. You should also take the same approach to smudging your home as you do with cleaning, those deep cleans like in spring or fall, not the everyday tidying. Seasonally smudging your home can clear it of stagnant energies.

How to smudge

Before burning sage you should make your intentions and purpose of burning it clear.

Whether that includes a prayer, meditation, or simply stating your reason- do this first.

Continue to have the purpose clearly planted and concrete in your mind before and during the burning.

Next place the bundle in a heavy earthenware fire safe pot or abalone shell, light it and allow it to burn for a few seconds before extinguishing. Allow the smoke to billow up.

You can use a larger feather like a turkey or goose feather to guide the smoke or just allow it to flow into the space naturally.

To cleanse your space start by slowly moving throughout your home, office, or near people or persons, allowing the smoke to go into each area you are cleansing.

Be sure to move in a clockwise direction concentrating especially on high traffic areas such as doors, door frames, hallways, windows, or any other thresholds where energy passes frequently as well as corners and closets if you are cleansing rooms.

The bottom line- Burning sage or smudging is an old, tried and true, pure method of cleansing a person, group of people, pets, sleep quarters or living and working spaces. If you haven’t been smudging you should give it a try and see what a difference it can make in your life.