Cedar, mugwort and sage are common ingredients in smudge sticks.
Smudging is a common practice is many religions around the world, including both Celtic and North American traditions. Believers say it cleanses the body or a specific area of negative energy, promoting mental and emotional health and well-being. Smudge sticks made of cedar, sage and mugwort are available at health stores and can be used at home.
Instructions
1. Light the smudge stick with a match or a lighter. You want the stick to smolder, not burn with an open flame. The smoke is used to cleanse and purify people, things and places.
2. Push the smoke toward the body, object or area to be smudged, using your hands or a feather. Smudge anything that you feel needs it, including rooms and objects. If other family members agree, you can smudge people and pets.
3. Keep your purpose in mind while smudging. Focus on healing and cleansing and inviting positive energy into your home.
4. Establish and keep a smudging schedule. Many people advocate smudging four times a year, as the seasons change, to keep the energies positive and beneficial. In addition to your regular smudging schedule, you may wish to smudge your home when someone becomes ill or depressed or immediately before any ritual or ceremonial events that take place in your home.
5. Allow the smudge stick to burn out and dispose of it by burying it outside. Do not reuse smudge sticks; a used stick can produce more smoke than most people are comfortable with.
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