How to Use a Smudge Stick.

Burning herbs is common to many cultures throughout the world and commonly associated with Native American and Indigenous Australian traditions. Many other cultures around the world also use smudging for ritual cleansing. The ancient spiritual roots of this ritual is believed to render the spirit of sacred plants to cleanse a person, space or object of negative energies.

How to prepare yourself and your space:

Firstly we would like to note that smudging is a personal journey and can be adapted with intuition to suit your purpose.

I like to open all windows prior to smudging to allow smoke to leave with your negative energies or intent.

You can work either clockwise or anti clockwise, which ever feels right for your location. I personally always go clockwise.

Set an intention if required. This can be helpful for spiritual work or cleansing of negative energies, for example if you've moved in a new house.

What you will need to get started:

A Smudge stick of your choice. We have a variety available at Otway Crystals including  Australian smudge sticks made from the healing powers of Australian Bush Natives. 

Ceramic dish to catch ash. You can also add sand to the dish to avoid it getting hot.

Personal choice to use a feather or similar to fan smoke.

A few Examples of types Of Smudge Sticks:

White Sage

Yerba Santa

Mugwort

Dragons Blood

Floral Sage

Native Australian Blends like Eucalyptus

Solid Smudge Sticks like Palo Santo otherwise known as holy wood.

Start Smudging:

To start, simply light the end of your smudge stick until its well alight then gently blow out and let the smoke begin to disperse. Using your intuition or your own created personal ritual, circle the smoke firstly around yourself and then continue through your house / space / belongings neutralising negative energy as you go. 

Collect any ash in your bowl and extinguish smudge stick carefully when finished making sure its completely out by dabbing into sand.

Just a quick note to be careful of inhaling smoke if you are asthmatic or suffer from any respiratory ailments, also be aware of any smoke alarms in your spaces. Please double check you have thoroughly extinguished your smudge stick. 

For smokeless smudging try our Banjara Smudging Sprays, a perfect alternative to smudging with smoke. The sacred blend of essential oils, including lavender, cinnamon, Patchouli and Dragons Blood helps create a calming clear space along with infused clear quartz crystals to purify energy.