Smudging is the common name given to a powerful cleansing technique from the Native American tradition. It is a way to cleanse a person, place, or an object of negative energies or negative influences.
The smoke was believed to disperse impurities allowing the healing process to commence. As the smoke rose, it was believed that prayers would also rise to the Spirit World and negative thoughts and emotions were lifted away.
Now the good stuff!
The smudging smoke attaches itself to negative energy and as it clears it takes the negative energy with it, releasing it into the earth to be regenerated as positive energy. Sage is burned to drive out negative spirits, negative thoughts and feelings, and to keep negativity away…
The very first (and most important) thing to do is to set your Intention – what you desire and project. Your intention here would be that your home/space is clean and clear from anything other than the light.
As you burn your sage or spray your “clearing spray,” say aloud or in your mind: “My home/space is clean and clear from anything other than the light.”
Simultaneously hold the burning sage or clearing spray, using its vapors/smoke to outline your home. Outline with smoke or spray all the doors, all the windows and room. Just imagine following the lines of each room.
When finished, put out/rub the smoke out of a sage stick with sand or dirt. You can also use water, but water can mold the remaining sage stick.
The Luminary 