Since I hosted my smudging ceremony a few weeks ago, I’ve had several people hit me up for the details on how to do this… where to get the goods… and what the heck this is and why would anyone WANT to do it! So, here is everything you need to get started on creating your own lady night being witchy and cleansing all the bad energy out of your space. Plus… more.
FIRST, THE WHY…
Smudging is a practice of cleansing your space of toxins and bad energy. The scientific reason behind it is that smoke is purifying. An article in Vogue stated, “Simply put, sage clears bacteria in the air. Sage smoke offers rapid delivery to the brain and efficient absorption to the body. Scientists have observed that sage can clear up to 94 percent of airborne bacteria in a space and disinfect the air. When sage is burned, it releases negative ions, which is linked to putting people into a positive mood. The Latin word for sage salvia stems form the word heal. Other qualities believed to be associated with sage when burned are giving wisdom, clarity, and increasing spiritual awareness.”
I mean… that’s some good science right there! So, even if you don’t believe or subscribe to the witchy or magical reasoning, you can definitely get on board with that! It’s a free, natural air purifier and brain stimulator. What’s not great about that?!
WHERE TO GET THE GOODS
There are SO many places you can pick up the items you need! If you are lucky enough to live in the Austin area, you can go to some of my favorite shops like The Herb Bar or Nature’s Treasures. There are are a TON of other great shops in the area, but those are my go to for all witchy items like crystals, sage, sprays, and more.
If you don’t have a good shop in your area, you can choose from some of the shops below…
Nature’s Treasures has an online store! Smudging supplies, crystals and tons more.
Tiny Rituals has the cutest little pre-made kits ready to ship straight to your door!
The Ayurveda Shop has kits and so many other wonderful things for your party.
Crystal Joys in Longmont, CO… I just discovered this place last weekend when I was visiting my sister, and they have a massive collection of every type of crystal and stone you could dream of.
WHAT DO YOU NEED
SOMETHING TO BURN…
That can be any type of sage you desire or palo santo. They are all lovely to burn and are purifying, so if you aren’t sure, buy a couple to bring home and try out. Some smells may feel better to you than others. Or you can call or go into a store and ask them to guide you. (That’s what I did!) Sometimes if you’re smudging for a specific reason (like a break up or a toxic roommate just moved out) the pros can guide you to the perfect ingredients to aide in your efforts. For my first smudging, I was going through a breakup so I was guided towards a Dragon’s Blood Sage since it’s great for banishing, protection, sexuality and love. Can’t get better than that, right?! Palo Santo is mostly used to protect, experience, and heal. You can see ten amazing benefits of Palo Santo in this article. (This article also has a video of how to use it!)
CRYSTALS…
So, I’m not a BIG believer in crystals. I know… seems counter intuitive considering the article I’m writing. However, the thing I like about crystals is that they each have specific meaning attached to them. So, even though I don’t think each type of crystal actually BRINGS those into your life, I do believe they act as a reminder to focus on specific aspects of life. Having them at your smudging ceremony helps you have a physical reminder of the intention you are setting for your life and home.
For example, rose quartz (aka the love stone) is one of my favorite crystals because it’s a soft, pale pink. According to RockParadise.com, they say it’s “a potent tool used to improve the relationship you have with yourself and others. As it's associated with the heart chakra, the healing stone has been used to help with nurturing emotional wounds back into health and fostering self-love.” So, even though I don’t think the stone actually does that to me, I do like to have it so it reminds me to meditate on that and manifest it into my life.
Other crystals I like to have around…
- Citrine: building confidence, overcoming challenges and building mental toughness
- Amethyst: promoting calm, clarity, and spiritual development
- Smoky Quartz: a grounding stone, creating calm and focus in your mind
- Selenite: to clear negative energy and purify your mind
- Black Tourmaline: to block harmful negative energy from the environment and people
See a whole list of crystals and their meaning at Soul Sisters Designs
OTHER TOOLS…
Some people like to have a feather to help spread the smoke in a pleasant way. I didn’t use one, I just used my hands.
A bowl to catch the ashes. As you go around your space, the sage will burn and create ash, so unless you’re ok with it falling on your floor, you’ll need something to hold under. I purchased a marble bowl because I wanted a pure, natural type of bowl to collect the ash. Some people choose a shell or a variety of other bowls that are natural. This kit on Etsy has everything you could need for only $30.
Essential oils. I had a spray with rose, black pepper and other lovely oils that just smelled heavenly. I sprayed it before we started on the ladies and then after the smudging in my most frequented rooms to infuse them with that smell.
HOW TO DO IT…
I would highly recommend watching a video or asking someone at a shop or a friend you know who has done it before to show you how to drive this ship. For my party/ceremony, I had several friends join in and my “pro” friend came to officiate (if you will). She wrote and read aloud an intention for my home and life and then lit the sage and we all walked through the house together waving the sage thoroughly in each room. Each of my friends took a turn blessing each room which was so special!
I am going to do it again on my own soon because, although the friend element was so fun and supportive, I want to offer a calmer experience and blessing since I live alone and love the sanctuary my home offers to me and my friends and family. My home’s intention is to be a place of solitude and peace to anyone who needs it. Since I am lucky to be the sole occupant and so many of my friends live with partners and children, I love to honor them by sharing my space of calm and… “aloneness”.
I’m not sure how often I’ll do this… it’s most likely going to be an as-needed basis when I feel the energy is off with me or my home. Some people choose to make this a weekly or even daily practice. A friend of mine does it any time she has a client coming in for meetings… even if it’s multiple per day. It’s really up to you on when and how often you incorporate this into your life. I find it to be a beautiful ritual to bring calm and intention into your world giving you the opportunity to manifest in a new way.
Happy Smudging!!