“SMUDGING” STARTER PACK :

The herbs most commonly used in smudge sticks are sage, cedar, sweetgrass, and lavender. You can purchase smudge sticks in New Age bookstores, metaphysical stores , crystal shops, health food stores like “WHOLE FOODS” and online retailers. I personally do not like to purchase ANYTHING used to balance my energy from an online store; I like to see the environment that my sage is coming from. You can buy sage individually or in kits that include bowls and matches. 

HOW TO “SMUDGE” USING SAGE :

Smudging for the first time can be a bit intimidating, or come across as complicated, or spooky. However, in reality, when you follow the simple steps it’s actually quite easy. People practice space clearing or smudging periodically throughout the month, week or daily, depending upon the person you are and the energies you interact with frequently.

STEP 1 - Mentally focus your energy, as you begin to light your smudge stick. Light the tip of your smudge stick with a lighter, stove, matches or candle. Make sure that the edges of the sage are burning evenly around. Then gently wave the smudge stick in the air until the tip begins to smolder.

STEP 2 - Be very conscious to carry the smudge stick over a fireproof container at all times to prevent burning or glowing herbs from falling on the floor as you smudge. You can simply wave your hand through the air to gently waft smoke where you want it.  Remind yourself to stay connected to your breathing throughout your smudging session.

STEP 3 - Move in a clockwise direction around your house (usually starting from the back of the house, moving towards the front door). Personally for me, I like to gather all the energy hiding in the corners of the back of my house and pull them towards the front and ultimately OUT MY FRONT DOOR! Be sure to dedicate more time smudging the corners; that’s where the energy tends to build up! When smudging open out closets, dresser drawers, cabinets etc. Try NOT to forget the less common areas such as the garage, basement, laundry room, etc.

STEP 4 - Once you have completed smudging all of the areas of your space, be sure to come full circle to your starting point. Gently and carefully rub the sides of your sage stick to begin to extinguish the slow burning flame. Make sure to apply pressure until you see ash of the sage. When you have smudged all areas of your house, return to the starting point and gently extinguish your smudge stick; dipping it into a bowl with sand, while applying a bit of pressure, usually works well. Take some time before you gather all of your materials to store away!

GOOD VIBRATIONS >>> HOW TO SMUDGE YOURSELF OR A PERSON :

Once your smudge stick is bright and smoldering, navigate the smoke clouds to the focal energy field around your body, starting with the area above your head and following down to your feet. Do not forget to breathe deeply as you do this!

Smudging can also be done in the reverse order—starting with the bottoms of the feet, going up both sides of the legs, torso, arms, and finishing by smudging the space above the head. Choose whatever method feels right for you.