The Ancient Art of Smudging

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What is Smudging?

​It is to purify yourself and your home with a traditional Native American practice. Mystics say the Native American practice of smudging, or purifying a room with smoke of sacred herbs, can help clear negative energy from a space.

​How to Smudge

​Before you begin, open a window or door. Place the herbs in an abalone shell, or clay bowl, and light them with a wooden match. Its best to not use a lighter. Then gently blow out the flame, letting the material continue to smolder. Take the smoke and metaphorically wash your hands in the smoke, then take a scoop of smoke into your hands and guide it down your body starting at the top of your head and guiding it down to your feet. It's best to begin at the back of a room or house. Begin on the left side and stay to the left all the way through the house or room while praying the whole time. With the smoke you ask for the good spirits to stay and the bad spirits to go away. At each entry space, be sure to seal the room with the smoke and your prayer by circling to door frame with the smoke starting at one end and going around the entire door frame making a complete circle. When you get to the front of your room or house, you shoot the smoke out of the front door then wait a few minutes before going outside. The proper way to dispose of the ashes is to treat any leftovers with intentions and taking them outdoors to return them to the earth. ​ If you have moved into a new place, or had an argument in your home, you might want to give it a smudge to cleanse the air.