Using a smudging tool is part of many Native American traditions. The burning of herbs for emotional, psychic, and spiritual purification is also common practice among many religious, healing, and spiritual groups. The ritual of smudging can be defined as “spiritual house cleaning.” In theory, the smoke attaches itself to negative energy and as the smoke clears it takes the negative energy with it, releasing it into another space where it will be regenerated into positive energy.

Common Herbs Used in Smudge Sticks

• Sage / White Sage
• Cedar / Pine
• Lavender
• Sweet Grass
• Mugwort
• Copal

Who is Smudging?

• Religious Groups
• Native Americans
• Healers
• You Can Too!!!

Purposes of Smudging

• Ceremony / Ritual
• Cleansing / Purification
• Clearing / Freeing / Releasing

What To Smudge

• Yourself
• Crystals
• Personal Objects
• Home / Office / Healing Space

When To Smudge Yourself

• When your spirits are low
• After being around someone who is sick or depressed
• During meditation
• When in prayer

How To Smudge Yourself

Put the smudge stick to flame using a match or candle light. Blow on 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. Fan the swirls of smoke around your body’s aura from head to toe.

Learn more about Native American healing traditions

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