Creating a Sacred Space

 

Creating a Sacred Space; Why Smudge?   

Burning any type of incense will invite in positive energy. Smudging is used to raise vibrations, dispel of negativity, and assist with spiritual work. It cleanses your aura and removes unwanted or unseen negative energy.   Herbal smudge sticks are used in smudging ceremonies, “practiced by some Indigenous peoples of the Americas, that involve the burning of sacred herbs.

How to sage your house to clear negative energy

 

1. Gather your tools and have an exit strategy.

First and foremost, ensure you have all the above-mentioned tools handy and that you’ve opened a door or window before lighting up. After all, that negativity (not to mention smoke) needs to have a pathway to get out.

2. Set your intention and say a prayer or mantra.

Intentions are central to the practice of smudging, so take a moment before you light the sage to determine what exactly it is that you’re trying to purify or release from your space. Then, decide on a mantra or prayer to repeat while burning sage that encapsulates this intention.

3. Light up.

Once you’re ready, hold the sage at a 45-degree angle, light it using your match or candle, and let it burn for about 20 seconds. After that, gently blow out the flame so you see orange embers on one end. The smoke should now billow up.

4. Slowly walk around your space.

Slowly walk around your space and allow the smoke to waft around. Guide the smoke—and the bad energy—toward the open windows or a door, so it can escape. Give special attention to areas in front of mirrors, in corners, and in spaces like foyers, hallways, and doorways.

5. Be safe!

Sage burning 101: Always stay present! If you see little embers fall on the ground, stamp them out immediately. Never let the burning sage stay unattended for any reason. Also, take care not to inhale too much of the smoke. “Although saging is a great way to clear your apartment or office of stagnant and possibly negative energy, it is best not to inhale it directly,” says licensed acupuncturist and certified herbalist Irina Logman, L.Ac., MSTOM. “Lungs are a delicate organ, and any type of smoke can be drying and irritating to the mucosa.”

6. Extinguish your sage.

Once you’re ready to extinguish a sage smudge stick, press the burning tip firmly into your fireproof vessel, dirt, or sand until the smoke no longer rises. 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 to sage yourself

 

If you’re interested in saging yourself, you can essentially follow the same steps as above, but the focus will be on your body instead of your space. Stand in the shape of a T with legs slightly spread like you’re in the TSA line at the airport. Then, keeping the sage stick at an arm’s length distance away from you, work your way up from your feet. Repeat your mantra (either internally or aloud) as you go, envisioning the smoke is clearing you of any and all lingering negativity.

It’s best to do a little self-diagnosis ahead of smudging yourself to determine which areas might need it the most. For example, if you shake hands often, then smudge your hands frequently, or if you speak all day at work, then be sure to sage around your throat.

Again, don’t directly inhale large amounts of smoke, and ensure the sage remains a safe distance from your body. If you have long hair, pull it back in a bun. Don’t forget to extinguish the sage once you’ve finished smudging.

How often should you smudge?

There are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to how often you should sage yourself or your space. We are our best guides when it comes to identifying negative energy—so pay attention to your intuition. If you feel weighed down by stress or worry, it’s usually a good indication that a cleansing is in order.

Please note: Some people don’t like the smell of Sage, and I’ve seen people get sick from the smell.   What I’ve noticed in my experience, as a spiritual practitioner is this happens when individuals are carrying guilt, emotional baggage, trauma, etc.