The basics of 'smudging'

First I will say, like all other matters of a mystical or spritual nature, there are many right and many wrongs. This is my way of smudging and I hope that it might give a quick fun insight into a lovely method of cleansing ritual and protection, or at least a starting point to fire your enthusiasm and get you experimenting or searching for more knowledge


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Smudging is a way of using smoke to purify or cleanse or clear spaces. It can be used on crystals or books, runes or tarot cards, people, rooms or houses, anywhere in fact that you can get a bit smoky without causing problems lol.

First you need to get something to burn... there are many ready made smudge sticks that you can buy, the most traditional ones are native american and made of bundles of dried white sage tied together with cotton. Other herbs used are cedar and sweetgrass or lavender and rosemary.  Some people prefer to use a single leaf, others a stem or stick. Whatever you choose is up to you and the job in hand aswell as the time space and of course how much you want to spend. You could grow some Rosemary or Lavender in your garden, of if you try sage make sure its white sage. Blue sage smells like the worst bonfire going lol! Hang the sprigs up to dry thoroughly and then you are ready for the next step.

Or... you can 'smudge' with incense, using the same fragrances will the same intent or use citrus incense for and added freshening and sweeter smell.

I use a shell, this catches the ash for me, but you could use a fireproof foil to cover a dish or a saucer that you don't mind getting dirty.   Then you need a feather, although not everyone uses a feather, you can gently blow the smoke or waft it with your hand if you have no feather. It all depends on the ritual and reason for smudging. Some feathers are sacred and add the essence of their winged owner.


A simple dish covered with foil to catch the ashes, a feather found on a walk in the park and some incense sticks, make up a simple everyday smudging set
 
A ceromonial smudging set, with sacred feathers, mother of pearl shells and Lakota White Sage, for special occasions and rituals.

So now to the actual 'how to' bit. lol.
The idea behind smudging is to send away or banish bad, stale, gloomy or negative energy, and bring in positive new,  bright new happy energy.  
To do this effectively we need an in and an out. Usually in a room we leave the windo open to let the negative energy out, and the door slightly open to let the good new energy in. Obviously we need an air flow so we don't choke on any smole lol.

Carefully light the incense, stick or leaf and then with your feather or hand waft the smoke into every corner under the bed, around the windows all over the walls until everything has had a lovely smudge. You can chant or pray or say a few words that suit you, I will leave those up to you.

Smudging is a lovely way of clearing and cleansing crystals that might otherwise be damaged in light or water, second hand tarot decks or books, anything in fact that needs to stay dry

2007 ©www.GemsCrystals.com

Bless you, Gem! Thanks for the very useful info on smudging. Now i am more wiser about the ways.

You are welcome roz, that is just a very quick overview but it gives you the basics

Oops I accidently posted something here that went into the wrong window. Darn tabs.

Thanks for this post, it's appreciated.

Thank you for this posting it is great and liked you presentation on this subject. And for those who want to clear their stones this is one of the best ways to do that without the harmful abrasion of salt especially on the softer stones.