Lighting Smudge

  • Use long matches or a candle but do not get wax on the smudge.
  • Light the tip of the smudge.
  • Let the flame die down and then blow the stick until the end glows red and smoke begins to curl upwards. Take time to get it really smoking well, especially outdoors on damp days.
  • If you are using candles at the quarters of a circle in ritual, you can briefly hold the smudge into each flame in turn as you address the quarters.
  • Keep a fire source like a candle in a safe holder near where you are smudging. If the stick goes out, you can relight it any time during the ritual, adding a blessing at the same time.