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“Smudging” is a powerful cleansing ritual used by many native traditions around the world. The burning of certain herbs such as sage has been used for centuries for emotional, psychic, and spiritual purification or as a blessing for a person in need.  Many people use it for cleansing negative energies and creating a sense of peace and harmony in the body, an object as well as in the home or space around you. When energy is not cleared, it can become stagnant and build up to make a place or thing feel heavy.  A crystal, for example, can hold energy from previous owners, so whenever working with new crystals, it is best to release that past energy, and start fresh with your own. 

 

Using a smudging stick is a simple and fast way to clear old stagnant energy and invite positive new energy into a space.  This will help you manifest your own intentions with working with your crystals.

 

Smudge sticks are most commonly made of sage.  Sage is used to evacuate the negative energies, spirits and influences.

 

HOW TO:

Carefully light your smudging stick and fan it gently with your hand or a feather to smolder and give off smoke. To me smudging has a quality of sacredness, presence, and mindfulness. I make time to be mindful during my smudging ritual, create a space of quiet and intention. It is common to pray during this time.  I personally like to ask the Divine to help clear the energy of the crystals to be smudged for the highest good of all concerned. Then slowly pass the crystal through the smoke several times. Do this for each crystal you wish to smudge clear of unwanted energies.

 

Envision the negative and unwanted energies leaving through the smoke.  Also, if there is an emotion or experience that has been negatively impacting you, visualize the smoke carrying away any anxiety, depression, grief, energetic blockages, negative thought patterns, etc. Don’t rush the smudging ritual-- allow yourself the ability to be healed by nature. You may repeat this smudging technique as many times and as often as you like.

 

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