The Secret To Smudging Is In The Smoke

“The secret to smudging is in the smoke.” These were the words of my mentor when I undertook my Ukuthwasa as a shaman initiate many years ago in Southern Africa. I have also come to know that the true intention behind any smudging ceremony is a very significant part of its success.

An initial part of my rigorous training as a Sangoma, or traditional healer, was a self-cleansing ritual using Mphepo, made up of herbs indigenous to Southern Africa.

“Smudging,” simply put, is the burning of certain herbs to create a cleansing smoke bath. The smoke is used to cleanse areas used for rituals and ceremonies, as well as any tools or objects used for such cleansing, as well as to cleanse people.

Smudging yourself on a daily basis can be very helpful in keeping yourself balanced and maintaining a peaceful state of being ~ Stephanie Yeh

The practice of burning incense or herbs is held sacred by many indigenous cultures. It is aimed at protecting, cleansing and purifying the spiritual and physical bodies, with the smoke being the key to rid one of negative energy. With the focus and intent of the “smudger” fully aligned, spiritual, emotional, physical and mental balance can be achieved.

When To Smudge?

It may be a good time to smudge yourself, or your environment, when you feel depressed or angry, or feel that any exterior negative energy is affecting you, your surroundings or your possessions. Or you may just wish to ensure or enhance positive energy in spaces used for meditation or healing.

Types Of Smudge Sticks

To make smudge sticks, herbs are reaped. Once harvested, they are formed into a shape suitable for smudging and dried in the sun.

Lavender – creates a peaceful atmosphere, restoring balance on an etheric, astral and physical level, whilst attracting loving energy and spirits. Excellent during psychic attack for removing negative energies. Lavender both promotes protective energy and clears negative energy, not to mention, its influence on longevity.

Rosemary – is a powerful healer that brings clarity to problems and is a mental stimulant. It is said to clear the mind and to bring up buried memories.

Imphepo – traditionally used in Southern Africa by Sangomas to purify and cleanse. It also allows you to connect with your spirit guides for insight.

Cedar – provides great joy and is grounding when your goal is that of personal transformation, whilst allowing you to ‘be’ in the present moment.

Sage – promotes memory and is said to bring abundance and wisdom. Sage has been traditionally used in mystical and religious rites for hundreds of years, especially in space and aura cleaning.

Frankincense – has been used throughout the ages to promote spiritual connection during meditation and rituals. It is renowned for its power to banish evil spirits or negative energy of any kind, as well as for fumigating sick rooms. There is a strong affinity with the Christ Consciousness, because it is famously known as one of the gifts to infant Jesus from the three wise men.

Myrrh – another gift given to baby Jesus by the three wise men, and said to have been given to Him mixed with wine when he was on the cross. This exotic substance has been used in religion and magic for over four thousand years. Myrrh takes us behind our everyday existence to awaken the reality of our true spiritual essence.

With this smoke I release all energies that do not serve me, all negativity that surrounds me, and all fears that limit me. So it is ~ Smudging Prayer

How To Smudge

Invoke the assistance of your spirit Guides, Angels, Ancestors or spirit helpers who resonate with you. Set your intention as to the objective of the smudge clearing ceremony and share it with your team on the Other Side.

Smudge sticks are most easily lit from a candle flame, but make sure you have a fireproof container (preferably containing sand) in which to place smudge stick once your are finished using it.

Note that some herbs may take a little longer than others to smolder sufficiently for the smudging process.

Smudging yourself – fan the smoke using your breath, a large feather, or your hand to ensure the smoke touches all parts of you. Your focus and intention is paramount to the success of smudging, so be sure to pay attention to areas where there have been emotional or physical pain.

First waft the smoke towards your heart, then over your head, followed with your arms and right down the front of your body. Imagine that smoke lifting away all negative energies, thoughts and emotions.

Then breathe in the smudge smoke, visualizing the smoke purifying inside of your body.

Finally, bring the smoke down the back of your body towards the ground, as you visualize the very last of the negativity being taken back to the earth, and away with the smoke in the air.

If you’re smudging someone else, do exactly  the same.

Smudging a room – walk around the perimeter, giving special attention to the corners and areas behind doors and cupboards. You can also use a large feather to fan the smoke throughout the room. Stagnant energy tends to build up where there is clutter and even where there is a lot of electrical activity.

Smudging objects and personal belongings – fan smoke over them or hold them in the smoke.

As a safety precaution do not smudge while infants, pregnant women or individuals with respiratory problems are in the room

You don’t need to use the smudge stick all at once. You will ‘feel’ when the smudge stick has done its job.