Using smoke for rituals is something all cultures across the world have in common. Either to get closer to Spirit, cleanse negative energy or provide blessings. Some of the most ancient human records reference smoke cleansing and ritual. No matter where you’re from or how you grew up, it’s deeply entwined in your ancestry.
In Native American spiritual ceremonies, they burn the 4 sacred medicines: White Sage, Tobacco, Sweet Grass, and Cedar. Pagan European cultures use “fire saigning” with Juniper and Edler, while Christian Europeans use Eucalyptus. African cultures place sacred herbs on charcoal or into a bonfire and bath in the smoke. Asian cultures burn sweet smelling incense to participate in worship.
In 18th century England, using smoke for cleansing and ritual was coined “smudging”, which is the most commercialized term used today. Unfortunately, a lot of appropriation happens around this topic. Remember that certain smoke rituals are sacred.
Although it’s easiest to just go to a metaphysical shop and pick up some white sage, I strongly encourage you to connect with your ancestry, and find what speaks to the depths of who you are in your DNA.
If you’re sensitive to smoke or smells, there are still a myriad of ways to cleanse your space: sing tuning forks, singing bowls, drums, youtube tones, or just your beautiful voice!
Kalen Nielson
Holistic Health Practitioner
How to cleanse your space of negative energy:
Step 1
Set your intention in your mind and heart – repeat it out loud until it’s your main focus.
Step 2
Pick your method of cleansing: smudge stick, charcoal, incense, bonfire, sound, etc.
Step 3
Pick your herbs and sounds. For general cleansing, I like to use Rosemary and C & G tones. Study herbs used for specific rituals.
Step 4
Open doors and windows so the negative energy has a place to go.
Step 5
Start at the front door. Follow the wall as you circle your space, ending where you began. Waft the smoke or direct the sound into every nook and cranny. Waft it over your head and heart to cleanse yourself.
Step 6
Bring in positive energy by circling your space again and saying out loud words like: love, gratitude, joy, productive, etc. Place sacred images around the space or play positive music.
Step 7
Protect the space by praying or meditating for spiritual safety. You can also place obsidian and selenite in the corners of the space.
