Smudging is one of the ways used to cleanse a space to invite positive energy. When smudging a space, you need to burn plant materials. The smoke created fills the space and purifies the environment, eliminating all the negative energy.

As the smoke ascends, our intentions and wishes rise along with it, which mingles in the universe that connects heaven, earth, and humanity.

Smoke offerings have been used for thousands of years and can be found in many traditions such as Buddhism, Native American, and many other spiritual religions. This ceremony creates a transformation and blesses a space and its inhabitants.

How to perform the smoke ceremony?

In order to perform the smudging ceremony effectively, you need to follow these steps properly:

Gather Your Materials

Before you begin, take the time to gather the right materials for the ceremony. The mindfulness of a smoke ritual begins when you collect all the supplies needed. So, practice with care, calm yourself and slow down. You don’t want to rush through the first step.

Keep the materials sacred by using them for space clearing only. You can store these materials on an altar or a shrine.

Smudge Stick

There are a variety of plant materials that you can use for smudging. Some of the common ones are sage, cedar, lavender, and sweetgrass.

White sage is the most common and popular herb used for the ceremony. It is associated with purity and has a strong and heavy presence. It is best for major space cleansing.

To can easily these sticks online, simply search find smudge stick near me, you will be surprised to see the number of shops both online and offline selling these sticks.

Candle and Matches

It is best to have a candle nearby to relight the smudge stick during the ceremony. Matches or lighter can also be used for lighting the candle. Remember, only use the candle flame to light the smudge stick.
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Fireproof Container

Keep a fireproof container handy, like a small bowl or clay pot underneath the smudge stick to catch any ash and embers. Native Americans use an abalone shell for this, adding in a water element. You should purchase a new container and use it only for smudging ceremonies.


Bowl of Sand
A bowl of sand is important as it is used to extinguish the smudge stick safely after the ceremony has concluded.


Before You Begin the Smudging Ceremony

Allow enough space and time for the ritual so that you don’t feel rushed. If possible, meditate for 10 minutes to calm your mind and heart before the ceremony.

You can also include your family member at this ceremony. Prepare some other tools that can be used during the smudging ceremony. For instance, you can use the ring bell and sound during the ceremony that can help you meditate as you chant your mantras.

Remember, while performing the space cleansing, the intention is the key. Before you start the ritual, take a moment to think about what your wishes are for yourself, your home, and your family. When you clear your house, there is a vacuum that is created. You want to fill the vacuum with your intentions and positive energy.

Smudging the Space

Now, that you have gathered all the materials, you can begin the smudging ritual.

Start from the front door of your house and light the smudge stick. Start moving around the house, move mindfully, and with care. Walk clockwise around the entire house. Make sure that you allow the smoke to drift into hidden spaces such as the basement and dark corners. If there are stairs, go up and down. Then continue moving in the clockwise direction until you meet the stairs again.

Moving around the house in a clockwise direction is called circumambulation. It is a practice that has been done for centuries to make space more sacred. Also, chant mantras or prayers while you perform this ceremony so that you feel connected to space. This is a way to fill the space with more cleansing vibration.

Closing the Ceremony

When you arrive at the front door of your house, chant your final mantra. Try to visualize the entire house is filled with bright sunlight. Speak for intentions for the last time as you close the smudging ceremony. Use the bowl of sand to safely extinguish the smudge stick.

Smudging ritual is a beautiful way to clear space. It removes all the negative energy and fills the entire house with positive energy and your intentions. You can either perform this ritual annually or more once every 3 months. It is best to perform this ceremony when you move into a new space. Also, you can perform the ritual on a lunar new year.

Where can I get sage sticks to buy in Nigeria please?