Since ancient times, our ancestors have burned sacred herbs and resins, believing the sacred smoke to purify the air, raise vibrations, dispel negativity, and assist with spiritual work. Today, we know this process as smudging. The beauty of smudging is that it can be done at any time, as often as you need, no matter your background or culture.
The ritual of smudging can be defined as "spiritual house cleaning". In theory, the smoke from various herbs and resins attaches itself to negative energy and as the smoke clears it takes the negative energy with it, releasing it into another space where it will be regenerated into positive energy.
Smudging is a simple, fast, cost-effective way to cleanse yourself, your space and create a sacred space. White Sage in particular is what we like to call “Oust for the air” in that it is a wonderful air purifier and sanitizer when those around you are coughing or sneezing.
Smudge yourself when your spirits are low, after you have been around someone who is sick or depressed, during meditation and when in prayer.
It is never too late to cleanse and renew yourself and your space by holding a smudging ritual. There is no wrong way to smudge. As long as you hold a positive intention the universe will know and guide your actions.
NOTE: "While all of this may sound to some like a lot of silly hocus pocus, there is some science that backs up these magical claims. The chemical thujone, found in sage and many other plants, is known to be mildly psycho-active. Burning sage releases the thujone into the atmosphere around us, which can give us a sense of heightened intuition. In addition sage contains natural microbial and anti-bacterial properties. Burning it, releases these, helping kill off airborne bacterial, fungal and viral pathogens."
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