RESTORING GOOD VIBRATIONS

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

Smudging is a practice that has been in existence since the time of the ancient Babylonians; however we tend to trace our use of smudging back to the powerful cleansing ceremonies of Native American Cultures. Smudging has long been a ritual used to rid a person, home, work space or other environment of negative, unhappy emotions and vibrations. Smudging is also said to be very effective when you've been feeling depressed, angry, resentful or unwell or after you have had an argument with someone.  

Herbs used for Smudging

There are many ways to smudge and a variety of different herbs may be used. When the herbs used for smudging are tied into a bundle and allowed to dry they are called a "smudge stick". In traditional societies the herbs used for smudging are considered sacred and the smudge stick is treated with great respect. The most common cleansing smudging herb is Sage.

How to Smudge

Any action, undertaken with intention and belief can become a potent ritual. A candle flame is recommended to light the smudge stick as it may take a little time to get the stick smoking. Once there's a flame blow it out so that the smudge stick is smoldering, not burning. Blow or wave the flame with your hand to put out the fire. Allow the smudge stick to smolder, freeing the smoke to circle in the air.

Smudging yourself

Fan the swirls of smoke around your body from head to toe. You may want to especially focus on areas where you feel there are blockages or where there has been or is physical, emotional, or psychic pain. Imagine the smoke lifting away all the negative thoughts, emotions and energies that have attached themselves to you. If you are feeling depressed for instance you could visualize the smoke carrying away all your feelings of depression.

Smudging another 

Smudge as if you were smudging yourself, fanning the smoke all over their body. You may want to speak an intention or a suggestion for the smudging as you do it. For instance "Allow the sacred smoke to cleanse your body and spirit and bring you present and available into this moment"

Smudging a room or space

Light the smudge stick and walk about the perimeter, giving special attention to the corners and the places behind doors. You can also fan the smoke throughout the room with a large feather.

Extinguishing the smudge stick

You will need a fireproof glass, ceramic dish or shell with some sand in it to put the smudge stick in when you're finished. Damp the stick out in sand to extinguish. Always make sure that a smudge stick is out before leaving the room where you keep it.

Smudging sticks are available at most New Age stores or on line.