Smudging is performed by burning plant resins and herbs for both spiritual and medicinal use. This practice has been performed for centuries as an effort to heal and clear away any emotional or spiritual negativity in a home or room. While many people view smudging as an unnecessary practice, recent scientific studies have concluded that medicinal smoke can be a dominant antiseptic that has the ability to rid the air of 94% of the harmful bacteria in it for a period of 24 hours.
Why Does Smudging Help?
The aura, or electromagnetic field, around our body often becomes blocked with damaging positive ions. These ions, as well as some of the negative energy that is found in our close environment, often leads us to feel sluggish, exhausted and burnt out from life. When you burn sage or another herb, this helps to neutralize the positive charge and will allow a large number of negative ions to be dispelled into our atmosphere. In turn, the energy that surrounds us, as well as our own personal energy, will begin to feel lighter and freer.
You’ve Heard the Saying Before…
We’ve all heard someone say “you could have cut the tension with a knife!” when regaling a tale about an argument or fight. But this isn’t just a saying. Positive ions can build up when there is tension, stress or anger in a room. When they are released, the energy that surrounds us becomes stagnant. When you burn herbs or sage, you’ll turn these positive ions back into negative ones, purifying and cleansing the atmosphere.
Smudging with Sage
Most local health and herb stores sell bundled white sage, which is the easiest to use to smudge. It is also found online. Before you begin to burn your sage, keep in mind what you are looking to achieve. Focus on the negative energy you wish to cleanse. Next, light the sage. If you get a flame, gently blow it out until you only have embers and a smoky trail left. The smoke from the sage will clear and remove the energy, not the actual flame. It’s OK to have to relight your bundle a few times while you perform the ritual.
Smudge yourself first by waving the sage slowly around your body, starting low on the floor by your feet and then moving it above your head. Then, slowly move from room to room and stay in any area that you feel compelled to remain in longer than others. Don’t hurry the practice of smudging. You may need to burn the sage for an hour to fully feel the effects. You may wish to purchase a sage holder if you don’t want to walk around with it for that long.
Many experts recommend burning sage at the change of the season and at the very beginning of your new week. You should open at least one door or window to allow the smoke to pass through while you cleanse your space.
