Smudging is a spiritual practice that has been used for centuries by many cultures, including Native American tribes, to cleanse and purify a space, object, or person. The spiritual significance of smudging varies depending on the culture and the intention behind the practice.
Sage, cedar, sweetgrass, lavender, and yarrow are the preferred smudging herbs.
People offer smoke in prayer to stay connected with their ancestors and the spiritual world.
The church uses incense to purify (The word “incense” is derived from the Latin incendere, which means “to burn”.) Many cultures use smoke in their ceremonies, and this ancient tradition is still significant in today’s society.
Cleansing your home or business
You don’t need to be spiritual, religious, or work in the paranormal to smudge your environment. In fact, it is good practice to keep your home and business free from outside factors, such as other people’s negative emotions and stagnant energy. The atmosphere can remain tense after a disagreement. Some people use the term “You can cut the atmosphere with a knife”.
The science behind smudging:
The smoke from burning herbs contains negative ions, which eliminate positive ions from the air.
When burned, sage and other herbs release large amounts of negatively charged ions. The negative ions neutralise the positive charge in the air, creating a lift in the atmosphere and surrounding energy.
The same effect can be experienced when we go to the seaside, and the negative ions lift your mood, and you feel better.
Smudging with sage is a practice that involves burning dried sage leaves and using the smoke to purify a space, object, or person. This practice has been used for centuries by various cultures, including Native American tribes, to clear negative energy and promote healing.
To smudge with sage, you will need a sage bundle, a heat-resistant bowl, and a lighter or match. Here are the steps to follow:
Open a window or door to allow the negative energy to escape.
Light the end of the sage bundle with a lighter or match until it begins to smoulder and smoke.
Hold the sage bundle over the heat-resistant bowl to catch any ash that may fall.
Begin at the front door of the space you want to purify and walk around the perimeter of the room in a clockwise direction.
Wave the sage bundle gently around the room, focusing on areas where negative energy may be trapped, such as corners, doorways, and windows.
As you move around the room, visualise the negative energy being replaced with positive energy and light.
Once you have smudged the entire room, return to the front door and extinguish the sage bundle in the heat-resistant bowl.
Remember to be cautious when using fire and hot ash and always smudge in a well-ventilated area. It’s also important to respect the cultural significance of this practice and to approach it with reverence and mindfulness. Overall, the spiritual significance of smudging is deeply rooted in the cultural beliefs and practices of the communities who use it. It is a way to honour the sacred and create a space for healing, connection, and growth.