Pro tip: Don’t get it wet! “Don’t use water to extinguish the hot embers—it will ruin the tip of the stick and make it harder to light next time. When you are done using the smudge stick, you can keep it in a vessel until you are ready to use it again,” says McCann.
How can I smudge my house?
Open up windows and curtains to provide an exit for trapped negative energy and to allow for clean air to enter. Place the smudge stick in a fireproof container such as an abalone shell. Turn off your phone and create a sense of peace and prayer. Light the smudge stick and say a prayer or just focus your energy.
How do you smudge for the first time?
When should you sage your house?
Both experts recommend burning sage regularly, even after you’ve finished moving, to purify the air and keep balance. “I recommend cleansing the space by smudging any time you do a seasonal cleaning, three times a year at a minimum,” said Meder.
What not to do when smudging? – Related Questions
Can you leave sage burning in your house?
Never leave burning sage unattended. Make sure to put your sage bundle out completely after every use. Setting off smoke alarms is common.
How long do I burn sage to cleanse my house?
First you start with a simple intention of focusing on clearing the negative energy out of your space and mind. Once you have your intention in mind, light the Sage or Palo Santo and hold at a 45 degree angle pointing the tip down towards the flame. Allow it to burn for 30 seconds and then blow it out.
How do I use sage to cleanse my house?
Hold the sage at a 45-degree angle, light the sage, let it burn for about 20 seconds and then gently blow out the flame so that you see orange embers on one end. Then you can start the process of clearing your space. Clients sometimes complain that they can’t get their sage to stay lit.
Why shouldn’t you burn sage?
As Keene explains, overharvesting white sage — in addition to the threat of increased wildfires and urban development — endangers Indigenous peoples’ ability to access and use the wild plant in the ways they and their ancestors have done for thousands of years.
Is it disrespectful to use sage?
If you’re not a member of an Indigenous community, purchasing white sage, Palo Santo, or other sacred herbs and quickly Googling “how to smudge” will not make you qualified to do so. This is cultural appropriation, and it’s harmful to Native communities.
Does the Catholic Church burn sage?
Can I use a lighter on sage?
Use matches – When lighting sage, it is best to use matches and not lighters. The butane in the lighter can effect the healing medicinal qualities that are believed to be in the plant. Fan the flames – You shouldn’t blow on your smudge.
Do I burn the whole sage stick?
A common misconception with sage smudging is that you need to burn the whole stick, but D’Avilla suggests burning as much or as little as you need. “You don’t need to use an entire smudge stick,” she says.
Can you smudge at night?
Smudging can be done at any time of day or night, whenever it is needed.
How do you stop a smudge stick?
What are the four elements of smudging?
In some cultures, four elements are represented in parts of the ceremony: fire in the burning of the sacred herbs, earth in the herbs themselves, air in the feather used to fan the smoke or the smoke itself, and water in the vessel to carry the herbs.
Do you take the string off a smudge stick?
A: No. The string helps keep it together so you can hold it and swirl it around.
What kind of bowl should be used for smudging?
While abalone shells are a common and traditional choice for use as smudge bowls, there are alternatives if you can’t find your own. Tempered glass, stone, and metal (like cast iron) bowls make great replacements, so don’t feel discouraged to try smudging if you haven’t yet found the perfect abalone shell.
