5 Reasons You Should Be Smudging with Sage

Smudging with sage is not a newfound trend that you must adapt to. Native Americans have been using Abalone Shells and feathers and Smudging with Sage since forever! It’s an ancient practice that is just coming back into our lives – call it catching on a trend or just accepting the fact that our ancestors were wise – as are we – each in their own way!

So, what is smudging?

The process of burning a bunch of burning dried herbs or leaves is called smudging. You can use Sage, Lavender, Rosemary, Rose petals, Eucalyptus – pretty much any flower or plant that you know has health benefits can be dried and used as a smudging stick.

What are the benefits of Smudging with Sage?

1. It smells amazing! Even a person who is least sensitive to sensing energies – will feel at peace and calm if you burn some sage. Smudging with sage definitely lifts the mood and has also been known to help with insomnia in some cases.
2. Almost every type of sage leaf has a health benefit and it is anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-microbial. Therefore, it’s an excellent way to cleanse your space if someone has been unwell or feeling poorly. (However, please be mindful if you have any asthmatic patients in your space; they may not enjoy the smoke it creates). Smudging with Sage is a good practice during the weather change or if there are any virals going on where you live.
   
3. Smudging with Sage is a common tool many healers use to transmute negative energies after any healing session. Also, if you have been hosting many negative Nancie’s in your space; then make sure to keep the Sage handy and light it up once they leave.
   
4. Use it to change your own vibe! If you have been feeling low, exhausted or just emotionally drained; light some sage to cleanse your own aura and energy field.
   
5. It is one of the safest and most preferred method of cleansing crystals. Read more about cleansing your crystals in this post
   

How can I smudge my space?

It can be an easy walk through the home and allowing the smoke to clear the energy of the space or it can be as elaborate as a ceremony; where people drum, sing, chant while another person fans the smoke of the sage with a feather all around. Do the method that works best for you but remember that intent is important. Sage is burnt to cleanse and purify.

Once you are done with smudging you can use prayers, anointing oils, holy water, incense or Palo Santo to bless the space. By doing this we are inviting the angels and our ancestors to come into our space and take care of us.

How often should I Smudge your space?

We always recommend going with your intuition. If you are reading this information now, there is a very good chance that you already have developed or are working on developing your intuitive skills. However, a good time to bring out the smudging stick would be:

• After a healing session
• If you have too many visitors in your space
• Definitely after an argument or any stressful situation
• When the planets are done doing fun things, such as an eclipse, a full or new moon night or after Mercury Retrograde (that’s a big one)!
• Before you start any prayers or rituals
• If you have a lot of negative thoughts
• When you feel weighed down by your emotions

How should I use my smudging stick?

Clear your mind. Set an intention – it can be as simple as “Thank you for cleansing the energy in my space”.

We recommend you take along your Abalone Shell with a small tea light in it as Smudge bundles tend to go off and need re-lighting.

Light one end of your smudge stick and walk around your space moving the smoke in all directions with a feather or your hand. Make sure you cover the corners of each room – energy is stickiest in the corners and in heavy furniture and curtains.

Once done – simply place your smudge stick in your Abalone Shell. Most smudge sticks will usually go off themselves in a couple of minutes. If it doesn’t, you can snuff the smudge stick against the abalone shell.

*Never leave your smudge stick un-attended while it is still giving out heavy smoke.*

A key thing to remember is that smudging rituals are sacred amongst many cultures. Always treat them with respect and know that when we use these tools to cleanse and bless our space; we are connecting with our ancestors and guides to take care of us. Welcome them and thank them once you are done.

Happy smudging!

Love & Light,
M