Smudging
Why do we need to do smudging?
Smudging is the Shamanic practice that is used to cleanse energy such as an area in your home or even your aura(the energy shell of the physical body). Smudging has very little to do with actual cleanliness but more to do with psychic or negative spiritual debris. To a certain degree this type of debris accumulates constantly. Negative energy may be caused by something such as in an area of the house where there has been arguing, or you may be walking through a shopping centre and unknowingly walk through an area where something negative has transpired. Another reason needed for smudging is to remove low-level spiritual entities that are attracted to weak auras and act like parasites feeding off your already depleted energy. On the positive side, smudging welcomes and make room for more friendly and helpful spirits.
Many people perform smudging on a regular basis to suit their specific needs, some daily, weekly or monthly.
How do you know when you need to smudge?
*You are constantly feeling tired and drained of energy but are eating a well balanced diet or you have been moodier and more depressed than usual. Of course you will need to have seen your health practitioner first to rule out any illness.
*You walk into a room and it doesn't feel "right", or feels oppressive. Let you intuition guide you.
*Your dog or cat suddenly refuses to enter a room.
*Any area that has been the scene of violence whether physical or emotional needs cleansing no ifs or buts!
*Consider your car also especially if it has been involved in any type of accident.
*Areas that are frequently and/or consistently the scene of altercations, arguing or bickering.
*Even after trivial unpleasant experiences, you can feel tainted or unclean.
What is a smudge stick?
Smudge sticks are densely packed dried herbs which are bound together with horse hair (traditional) or cotton. The herbs usually consist of mixtures of white sage, sweetgrass, and cedar which can be found at most New Age stores and even some health food stores. These herbs also possess a protective aspect. When lit the smudge stick smolders slowly and produces clouds of smoke. The smoke is used for smudging, in which the smoke is wafted over the body using a feather, a smudge fan or even your other hand.
Smudging yourself or another
When used to clean a person's aura , the smoke acts like a soap that picks up negative psychic debris and also some of the herbs help to protect your aura. The wind from the fan acts like water carrying away the grime as it blows through the aura.
Light the smudge stick and use a feather or your hand to fan it until it is glowingly strongly(there should be no actual flame). Fan the smoke over the body, starting at the head and finishing with the feet. While smudging, focus on the cleansing action of the herbs and hold the intent of cleansing with white light in your mind. Imagine the smoke carrying away the dirt as it blows through the aura. When you feel that your aura is cleansed, finish by stroking down the aura with the feather/fan, ending each stroke with a flick to close the aura. You can do this yourself or with a partner.
If you do not have a smudge stick you can use dried herbs such as white sage. You will need to use a censer or fireproof container, and a charcoal disk. Put the charcoal disk in the censer then light the disk and put the herbs on top. Place the censer on the ground and straddle it, directing the smoke upwards around the body. Kneel down and fan the smoke over your head.
The main thing to remember is to do what feels right for you.
Smudging a room, area or an object
Any area, room or even an object may be smudged. The smoke from smudging will help to purify a small area of a room or even an entire building, and can even be used on an object. Objects can be anything from a crystal to even a pen for that special poem that you want to write. When you first move into a new home, smudging can help clear any negative residue from the previous occupants. There may be a particular room in the house where there appears to be constant arguments, or where someone was ill.
When smudging a large space, certain areas may require extra care and attention. Vulnerable areas include doors, windows, corners especially dark ones, behind doors, dark closets, bathrooms and any area that feels "creepy". Whenever or wherever you feel it is appropriate, smudging can be performed.
The principle is the same as that for smudging a person, cover the whole area and pay special attention to dark areas or areas that feel cold and/or "off". While you are smudging remember to visualise the area being in cleansed with white light. You can finish off by drawing a circle in the air with the smudge stick to seal the cleansing.
Note: Be aware of fire safety: Smudge sticks tend to smolder long after the flames appear to have died out. Always make sure that you have a bowl of sand near you to put out the stick. Do NOT use water because the next time you wish to use the smudge stick it may not catch alight properly due to it still being damp.
