All about smudging.
Updated: Jul 22, 2020
We all have heard at one point in our life that we need to clear our space. But what exactly does that mean? how important is it? How do I do it? what do I use? What is the difference between clearing and cleansing? These are just some of the questions I get asked when it comes to clearing and cleansing space. This blog is going to touch base on it for you. As well as how I, personally clear and cleanse my own space.
What clearing and cleansing means and what are the differences.
To clear and cleanse means to remove and to clean essentially. When you are doing both you are clearing out the negative energies that reside in your space and within yourself. When we clear a space we are simply removing those gunky, stagnant energies that are bogging us down. Sort of like when you open your windows on the first nice, spring day of the season. Cleansing an area is cleaning out and protecting the area from any old and new energies that want to come and hang out for way too long. So while you can only clear a space that tends to leave the screen door open and all the energies can come in and just hang like we discussed earlier. While we want certain energies to hang out, there are many that we don’t. This is why we should cleanse as well.
Why is it important?
We, as human beings are constantly taking in energy, emotions, thoughts and stimuli from our areas. While some of these are physical the majority are what we feel. As spiritual beings we are always open, which ends up with us taking on energies from other people, and spirits. A lot of times we tend to keep our own feelings bottled up, and all of this, can tend to bog us down mentally, spiritually and physically. This is where clearing and cleansing is so important. Much like spring cleaning we are sweeping away the old and negative, and bringing in fresh and new. We are essentially releasing the old. Our area is our own sacred space. This doesn’t have to be a religious space, this is our home, our office our cars ourselves. We want this to be as “clutter-free” as possible. Remember, energy debris can result in negative emotions, occurrences, spirits, thoughts and stress. This is particularly important if you are doing majick work such as spells, divination and ritual work. If you are a lightworker you are always open. Clearing, cleansing and protecting is crucial. Not doing this can result in what I call as “Psychic sick.” Where you feel absolutely drained and all sorts of “ick” can attach itself to you and your space.
When should you clear and cleanse?
Personally, I feel you can never do this too much. I do this daily, and multiple times per day. I deal with a lot of people and various energies throughout the day, and sometimes it just gets really clogged here. So keeping up with it really helps! But here is a short list of when it’s best if you cannot do it every day.
When you move into a new space
When a roommate or companion moves out
After you remove clutter
When you are having negative thoughts about yourself or a situation
After an argument
After a divorce or breakup
After an illness or death
When you buy an antique or secondhand item
When you buy spiritual items
Anytime you desire fresh energy for a new project or beginning
After the death of a loved one or pet
After a major life transition
Transitioning from abusive or co-dependent relationships
If you are feeling anxious or depressed
Before and after you do any spell or majick work
Before and after you do any divination work, such as tarot, mediumship or reiki.
If you often work with energetically “draining” clients or people
Before and after work or school.
Anytime you desire fresh energy for a new project or beginning
As you can see, there is always room for this. Try it as much as you can, try it when you’re feeling stuck or stagnant I can guarantee you will notice a difference immediately.
What to use.
The loaded question! What to use. If you are going to burn herbs, this is called smudging. Smudging is when you burning certain herbs in a space, the smoke that is released and attaches itself to the negative energy and as the smoke dissipates, so does the negative energy carrying it away. The most common herb used for this is Sage. There are varying types of sage, however, white sage is probably the easiest to get, any spiritual store will carry it you can even check out herb stores or your local supermarket should have dried sage leaves. Here is a short list of common herbs that can be used for smudging.
Sage (if you use white sage be sure it is ethically sourced, as it is endangered.)
Cedar and other Pine derivatives
Lavender – for calming
Osha Root
Copal
Frankincense
Myrrh
Sweet Grass
Sandalwood
Mugwort – which is also used for lucid dreaming and protection
There are exotic herbs and resins that can be bought as well, however, this is for beginners. If you would like a blog about other herbs, resins, and more, just leave a comment!
The Burning of herbs is not only for spaces it can also be used for individual cleansing or on crystals or personal objects used in ritual to ensure that they are not holding any negative energy. You can also smudge crystals and tarot cards as well.
If burning herbs or incense is not for you, or you are in a space where it is not allowed, there are many places that have liquid smudge that works just as well. You can order any of these items directly from Lady Rhiannon’s Realm as well.
Another way to cleanse your space is to use water and sea salt and sprinkle it around the room. This is particularly good if you are creating a circle and are wanting to cleanse and protect that space. I would suggest using both if you are casting a circle on top of raising energy.
How do I clear and cleanse my space?
Each person does this differently if you wish to use mine please, go right ahead! But if you want to do what works for you, EVEN BETTER! The key is to not overthink it. There truly is no “wrong” way of doing this, it is what resonates with you. Let it just happen.
Personally, when I smudge my space, I use sage bundles, that is what I always use. Occasionally I use other herbs, but 98% of the time I use white sage. Typically I do this in my house and my shop I light the sage and use a feather to “waft” the smoke. I like to pay particular attention to the corners of the room and any dark nooks since that is where energy likes to collect. Out loud or in my head I repeat.
“I cleanse this space of all old, negative energies and emotions and spirits. I only welcome positive energies, emotions, and spirits. I ask my guides to protect this space and all those that are here. Thank you and blessings”
Repeat this the entire time you are smudging. I feel it is important to have your spiritual team to help you with this. Call on them to help clear the area and to help you protect.
When I am done I always protect the space I am smudging. This helps with keeping all that negativity out… I always envision in my mind’s eye, white and gold light coming up from the earth, spinning around and around and creating a bubble around my entire house and shop. In the end, I always thank my guides for helping me.
Again, you can do this anyway YOU feel you want. That is what makes it amazing. I do this as well before and after any and all ritual work, spell work, and divination. I sometimes light candles and use my singing bowl, or ring my altar bell 3 times to even out the vibrational energy in the room.
Also, please be respectful of other cultures, such as our Native American brothers and sisters, their ways of smudging is a closed practice and should be respected.
I hope this answers some questions you may have. Also, if you have any tips, pointers, or the like please comment!