20-May-2012

Sage and Smoke

The Art of Smudging

The practice of smudging holds a valued place in many cultures and religious traditions, most often associated with the burning of bundled herbs or incense to create a smoke that is believed to soak up and clear away negative energy. In modern times, the practice of smudging is a kind of “spiritual housekeeping” to clear out negativity from a home or workspace, or help you create a neutral space for visioning.

A popular form of smudging derives from the Native American culture, where bundles of dried sage are burned in preparation for spiritual ceremonies or to heal the sick. You can create your own smudge sticks from sage, lavender, cedar or sweet grass. Your ceremony can be elaborate or simple—the key component in smudging is to set a pure intention, bringing a sense of sacredness to your actions. Meditate or pray beforehand, chant a mantra during the smudging and feel the blessings created by this ancient tradition of healing and peace.

Recommended: Sacred Smoke – The Ancient Art of Smudging for Modern Times by Harvest McCampbell and White Sage Smudge Stick