Basics of Sage Smudging

If you ask a question about how to cleanse and protect, with regards to spiritual stuff, you'll have people answering "sage" or "sage smudge," which is helpful if you know what that means...  but less helpful if you don't.  So let's explain it!

Sage is a sacred herb that is frequently burned for protection and cleansing.  As you can see above, the tip of the stick has been lit, like incense, and is burning slowly-

Sage can be any type of sage, blue, white, etc.  You can burn dried kitchen spice sage if that's all you have, as well!  The intent is what matters the most, as with all magical working.

With smudging (any herb!) the smoke is what you're after.  Waft that smoke around however you can- wave the sage stick, use a feather or feather fan, it's all good.  You want to use the smoke to cleanse, and there are different methods based on what or who you are cleansing.

First, no matter your need, set your intention:  Cleanse, protect. 

You can simply focus on this for a moment before beginning and hold that intention as you work, or if you want/need, you can chant the words aloud or in your mind as you work.  Do it in the way that feels right to you, and you won't go wrong.

For people:  Standing with arms outstretched, if possible, wave sage smoke under the feet, then up the front of the body.  Under, in front, and above each arm, heart chakra, third eye/face, and above the head.  Then same deal, but back side of the body to finish.  Feet to arms, back of arms, below and above each arm, back and sides of head, and top of head.  If possible, have someone else sage you, but if you must sage yourself that works fine as well.

For rooms/houses:  Walk around the outside of each room, along each wall, waving from the ceiling to the floor, focusing especially strongly in the corners of the rooms-  spirits like to hang out in the upper corners of rooms.  I also make sure to get all windows, doors, and reflective surfaces-  Any means of entry into my space is covered.  If you are getting the whole house, start in the basement and work up to the top floor, room by room, until the house is done.

For objects, like a new deck of tarot cards, jewelry, stones, sacred items:  Wave the item through the smoke, covering it well.

You can smudge using other herbs if that's all you have, but I suggest looking up the intent and herbs before use, so you can find what you have that fits your needs the best.  I've smudged with incense smoke, dried herbs, sage sticks...  they all work, they just each do a slightly different job.

Also!  If you are a person who cannot inhale smokes or are sensitive with the lungs, in general, there are sprays that have been infused with the herbal properties and will work just fine too.  Most metaphysical shops will have some options or know where to send you if they don't have what you need.  Of course you can always order sage spray online!  There are lots of types of sprays, so poke around and be sure you've got the one you want before you run to the register!

So!  Off you go!  Cleanse and protect yourself, your family, and your space!

Blessed be.