Smudging is the ritual burning of herbs, woods and resin to energetically cleanse spaces, beings and objects to invite positive energy. Ancient cultures all around the world have been using smudging in healing, magical and religious ceremonies. Nowadays, smudging is gaining popularity in the modern world under the name aromatherapy.

Smudging principles

For millennia, people believed that the aromatic smoke of certain dried plants purifies the environment. Sacred smoke engulfs negative energy and influences in spaces, beings and objects, and through wafting channels it away, creating space for new beginnings.

Smudging is also a powerful tool during healing ceremonies. Aromatic smoke disinfects, repels insects, and some herbs help to cleanse respiratory organs and combat other ailments.

During smudging, it is not only the physical environment being cleansed, but also our mind and aura. Many incense relief stress and anxiety, induce feelings of calm and have a positive impact on one’s mood. Smudging is used in its own right, or as part of more complex rituals.

When to use smudging

There are many uses for smudging. It is important to remember that just like smudging itself, having a clear intent is key to a successful ritual.

• Cleanse spaces, beings and objects from negative energy –  spaces, objects and beings hold energy prints from past people and experiences. Smudging is a great way to cleanse and purify home after a move, cleanse public spaces like hospitals, schools and offices, remove negativity after break-ups, arguments, periods of sadness and illness, or other negative episodes. It is also suitable in spaces where you do not feel comfortable without a specific reason.
• Meditation deepening – smudging cleanses our meditation space and when used as part of the meditation process, it raises our vibrations and helps to connect to the spiritual realm. Try the Ritual Set Connect for a deeper meditation experience.
• Combat stress, anger and anxiety – aromatic smoke of many plants has calming effects, it reduces stress and anxiety, and lifts one’s mood.
• Healing ceremonies – herbs and plant parts are used during healing ceremonies as incense, but also for wraps, teas and as ingredients in medicines. Smudging can also cleanse our respiratory system, address sleep problems and more.
• Love and relationships – many love rituals focused on deepening self-love, stimulating love for others, harmonising relationships and strengthening our inner magnetism include smudging.
• Stimulate creativity – smoke from certain incense activates brain centres stimulating creative thinking.
• Boost energy – many smudging plants combat feelings of tiredness and exhaustion and boost inner energy levels.

How to smudge

The process of smudging depends on the tools you have and on the incense, woods or resins you use.

• Smudging mixtures, resins and other loose incense – put a layer of fine sand or natural salt into the censer or the smudge bowl. Grab the coal with tweezers or tongs and light it from below. Wait 15-20 seconds for the charcoal to stop crackling and smoking. Place it on sand or salt. If the censer has a grate, place the charcoal directly on it. When the coal starts to turn grey, after about 30 seconds, put a small amount of incense mixture onto it. Add more as needed.
• Smudge sticks and woods – light the smudge stick at a 45 degrees angle. Let it burn for 10-30 seconds and blow out. Proceed to smudging ceremony or place on a fireproof smudge bowl or censer. If the bowl does not have a raised part for ash to fall off, use an insulating layer of sand or salt as above. As it is better for smudge sticks like Palo Santo to warm up before smudging, you can also use a slice of Mica. The smudge sticks can also be heated using a burner containing a tea candle or an electric censer.
• Smudge in well-ventilated rooms but out of direct drafts, and keep away from children and pets. Do not leave smoking incense unattended.

Cleansing and other rituals are described in detail with our ritual sets. Remember, that the preparation of incense alone is part of the ritual. It is an opportunity to connect with your intent and immerse in the ceremony. The more from yourself you put into the ritual, the more successful and impactful it will be. Part of this can even be the grinding of incense mixtures. Just like coffee, freshly crushed or ground herbs and woods release stronger aroma.