How To Smudge

When you’re ready to cleanse your space and expel any negative energy that might be lingering around –   start by setting a clear intention before you begin to smudge; and be sure to keep your initial intention in mind during the entire ritual.

You can begin by opening a window (just enough to create a slight breeze) to help clear out the smoke.

Next, you’ll want to light your smudge stick for about 15-30 seconds by holding the flame to the tip of your smudge stick. Rotate it slowly to generate a nice smoky ember. You can also gently blow on the ember in 1-second intervals to maintain it - and remember to use caution! What is described here is normal smudging practice and it may take a little getting used to if you are not familiar with it.

When smudging, start in any room or area furthest from the exit. Move the smoke around the room from high to low, side to side, while making your way to the exit.

Another method you can use is to begin near the exit and move clockwise or counter-clockwise around the room and make your way to the exit. (Tip: Traditionally you can use a feather to waft the smoke, but that’s optional and may or may not be included with your kit. We have a lot of varieties!)

When you’re ready, move on to the next area and repeat step the instructions noted above. If you are smudging a person or object, you can slowly waft the smoke over their body or item from top to bottom and side to side. (Tip: Standing or laying down is fine.)

Helpful Notes and Tips

If you are new to smudging, try to be patient because most smudges are difficult to get going at first! It’s perfectly natural and normal for any type of smudge stick to stop burning and go out within a minute or two. Just re-light as needed and understand that this is just the nature of these items.

If you have a larger ember and gently blow on the smudge stick, it should last longer. Never begin smudging with a full flame or let your smudge burn for more than a few seconds with a full flame. Always blow out the flame and then begin.

(Pro Tip: Make sure to never leave your smudge stick unattended and be mindful of any drafts or breezes - it can prolong the embers so keep a close watch.)

If you have an Abalone shell or other type of ash tray/smudging bowl, you may use that to catch any ashes while smudging. (Note: Abalone shells are traditional smudging bowls & may or may not be included with the product you purchased. We have a variety of combinations with and without available!)

Smudge bundles are supposed to be brittle and very dry. They may get a little messy if you decide to unwrap them and pull them apart, so use your best judgement. Generally, smudge bundles should burn just fine without unwrapping them or pulling them apart, even if they are a little tightly wrapped. It takes a little getting used to if you are new to smudging.

If you notice that your sage is wrapped too tightly - you can unwrap it and pull it apart so it’s easier to burn! If your sage is wrapped a little loose, it should burn with no problem. Another alternative is to break off smaller pieces of the bundle and burn it in a smudging bowl or ash tray. (Tip: the cotton string is safe to burn so no worries!) One Last Tip: Remember to always, always, always use caution!

Lil History on the Ceremony of Smudging

Burning sage has become more popular in everyday life, especially as more people have come to realize that this ancient, spiritual practice can help one to feel calmer, centered and more at peace.

Throughout history, sage was viewed as a powerful herb, and by very definition, it is known a healer; derived from Latin’s ‘salveo’ meaning to ‘save or heal.’

Tracing back through many cultures, burning sage or smudging has always been considered to be apart of sacred tradition. Originally for indigenous people and Native Americans, smudging was used as a ceremonial practice to cleanse a person or space. The smoke was known to be purifying because it captured bad energy and ascended the smoke and energy above, to the heavens.

Disclaimer: Blue River Sage is not responsible for any damage to any persons or property as a result of purchasing any Blue River Sage products or using any Blue River Sage products or following the directions of use of any Blue River Sage products or website content.  Use at your own risk, be cautious of your surroundings and do not leave anything burning unsupervised, out of sight or in a windy/breezy area.