Why do we Cleanse with Smudge?
Smudging raises the vibration of an area, negative energies can not survive in a high-vibration area.
Most all belief systems have a method of clearing and/or cleansing a space. This is done by burning specific herbs, scenting the space with essential oils, or energetically. Sometimes, multiple methods are used to complete the task.
As Above, So Below - What we do in the Spiritual Realm, we have to follow up with in the Mundane Realm (our everyday lives). And Vice-Versa. Before you break out the smudge wand, you have to clean your space the old fashioned way: dust, vacuum, launder, you get the idea. If you don't, all that negativity that you're trying to get rid of will just hide under that pile of clothes, waiting for the smudge smoke to go by.
Selecting your Smudge product
The options for smudge products are almost limitless.
What you select may be determined by your needs, your personal preference, or what path or tradition you follow. Selection may also depend on what's available to you at the time.
How to Smudge Your Space
There are as many ways to smudge your space as there are products available to use. This is what has proven effective in my practice:
Close all the windows and outside doors to the space. Take adequate precautions around persons and/or pets with breathing or health concerns as well as small children and tender pets such as birds and fish.
Start at the door you use most in the area you intend to smudge. You will need a heat-safe dish to collect ashes in.
Light your smudge. Let it get good & smoky.
Keeping your right side against the wall, walk counter-clockwise throughout the area. Get that smudge smoke EveryWhere. Get it inside cupboards, under beds, in closets, EveryWhere. You can use a feather or your hand to direct the smoke where you need it. While you're walking around with the smudge, you also need to state your intent. You can use this mantra: "With this smoke, I release all negativity that invades this space. Fill the space with love and joy, and bless all those who live and enter here." You can say a favorite prayer, or put your intent into your own words. In essence, your intent must be firm. Make it clear that this is your space and that negativity is not welcome. When you return to the door from where you started, open the door and shove out all the negativity that you've been pushing in front of you throughout the space. Leave the area closed up for about 10 minutes, then open the windows and let the fresh air in. When negativity is removed by smudging, it creates a void where that negativity was previously. So, after smudging is a great time to get the family and friends together for some fun, love and laughter. The idea is to fill that void up with what you want in your home. Have a movie night, bake cookies, play games, make popcorn. You get the idea!
There are other options available for cleansing your space. We will cover some of those in future blog posts.
Comments