The Ultimate Guide to Smudging: Cleansing Your Space with Sage & Sacred Herbs

Smudging is an ancient practice used by various cultures to cleanse spaces, objects, and even people of negative energy.  Smudge sticks are bundles of herbs that are burned to produce smoke, which is believed to have purifying properties. In this guide, we’ll explore how to use smudge sticks and the meanings behind some popular varieties including Dragon’s Blood Sage, White Sage, Palo Santo, Cedar, Rosemary, Eucalyptus, and Juniper. 

 How to use smudge sticks:

1. Gather your smudges: Choose your desired smudge stick, a fireproof container ( an abalone shell or ceramic bowl would work for this), and a lighter or matches. Having a feather on hand is helpful to waft and control the direction of the smoke.
2. Set your Intention: Before you start, take a moment to set the intention of the smudging ceremony. You could have the intention to clear negative energy, invite positivity, or even promote healing.
3. Light the Smudge Stick: It is best to light the smudge stick on a slight angle with the tip of the smudge directly above the flame. The more red-orange ember that is lit on the smudge stick, the longer it will burn and smoke. Once the smudge catches fire, blow out the flame and let the stick smolder to produce the smoke.
4. Begin Smudging: Move the smudge stick around your space, allowing the smoke to reach every corner. You can also pass it over objects or people, being mindful of where the direction of the smoke goes. Use your hand or a feather to help guide the smoke.
5. Extinguish Properly: When you are finished, place the smudge stick in the fireproof container and press it down to ensure it is fully extinguished. You can also sprinkle a bit of salt on it to help put it out quickly.

Incorporating smudge sticks into your spiritual practice can enhance your rituals and promote a positive atmosphere in your life. Remember to always smudge with intention and respect for the traditions behind these powerful tools.

Different Sages & Their Meanings  

7 Chakra Sage:  A combination of white sage & seven rainbows colored rose petals representing each one of the seven main chakras. A powerful energy cleanser- working to dispel negative energy from your mind, body, spirit, and space, doubling as a healing tool by working to balance and align your chakras.

Blue Sage:  Primarily used to welcome abundance health and healing into your life. In many native cultures, blue sage is used to ask spirits for blessings, prosperity, protection and to clear unwanted energies.

Black Sage:  Also referred to as “dream weed” and is often used right before bedtime as a dream enhancer to encourage lucid dreams and vivid visions. When burned, the smoke from the black sage will help keep you safe and protected as your mind connects to the astral realms.

Cedar Smudge: One of the four sacred plants used in the Indigenous American Medicine Wheel. Commonly used in ceremonies for protection, renewal, and grounding. When burned, the smoke will heighten positive energies, remove negative, stagnant energy, and enhance the connection to good spirits.

Dragons Blood Sage:  Its woodsy, spicy scent helps to create a pleasant mood in the air when burned. The addition of resin protects while bringing in blessings, love, and money.  Often used to dispel bad habits, remove negativity, bring good luck, and for purification rituals.

Eucalyptus Smudge: Traditionally used for protection, spiritual cleansing, and healing. Harnesses a natural ability to dispel negative energy from its immediate environment making it one of the most extremely powerful cleansing tools. With its smoke, it works to renew, purify, and heal while alleviating mental exhaustion. Helps to release tension and congestion.

Juniper Smudge:  Known for being a good luck charm and its ability to attract abundance and prosperity. Once negative energy is removed, Juniper helps to center and detox the environment to allow for positive, healing energy to flow freely.

Palo Santo: Known as the " holy wood" it is used for its cleansing and uplifting properties. When burned, it produces a calming effect that helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It attracts positive energy and spiritual clarity. 

Pine Smudge:  Known for reversing negativity and providing protection. It is widely used to cleanse negative energy while attracting long-term prosperity. Can help provide a sense of calmness when burned if irritability is present.

Rosemary: Known for its protective qualities from evil spirits and unwanted energies. Rosemary has purification effects in spaces it is burned in and has been used for centuries to improve memory and provide mental clarity.

White Sage: For hundreds of years, White Sage has been used as a part of many cleansing ceremonies for native cultures. It is used to ask spirits for blessings, prosperity, protection and to clear out any unwanted energies in a space. It can raise vibrations when “smudged” in an environment and provide fresh beginnings for people within that space.

Yerba Santa:  Also known as “holy herb” it is traditionally used for beauty and empowerment while providing purification properties and releasing emotional pain. The smoke not only clears energy and purifies spaces it is used in but it helps to set boundaries and encourages healing.

These are just a few of the many smudges that exist and can be used to cleanse spaces. The Healing Bar has all these selections and more that cater to your specific smudging needs. Visit our shop site to view all of our sage and smudge products!