How to smudge your house to clear negative energy
What you will need.
- A vessel for burning smudge stick
- Smudge Stick
- A fire source (such as a long match or candle)
- A fanning tool (not completely necessary but could be helpful if you need to cover a large area such as a home or office)
- Gather your tools and have an exit strategy
First and foremost, ensure you have all the above-mentioned tools handy and that you've opened a door or window before lighting up. After all, that negativity (not to mention smoke) needs to have a pathway to get out.
- Set your intention and say a mantra
Intentions are central to the practice of smudging, so take a moment before you light the smudge stick to determine what exactly it is that you're trying to purify or release from your space. Then, decide on a mantra or prayer to repeat while smudging that encapsulates this intention.
It can be something you come up with on your own, or for a little guidance "I let go and release what no longer serves me."
- Light up
Once you're ready, hold the smudge stick at a 45-degree angle, light it using your match or candle, and let it burn for about 20 seconds. After that, gently blow out the flame so you see orange embers on one end. The smoke should now billow up.
- Slowly walk around your space
Slowly walk around your space and allow the smoke to waft around. Guide the smoke—and the negative energy—toward the open windows or a door, so it can escape.
Give special attention to areas in front of mirrors, in corners, and in spaces like foyers, hallways, and doorways. You can also smudge technology like your phones or laptops. Hold the smudge stick underneath them and then wave it around them.
- Be safe
Smudge Burning 101: Always stay present! If you see little embers fall on the ground, tamp them out immediately. Never let the burning smudge stick stay unattended for any reason. Also, take care not to inhale too much of the smoke.
Although smudging is a great way to clear your apartment or office of stagnant and possibly negative energy, it is best not to inhale it directly, lungs are a delicate organ, and any type of smoke can be drying and irritating to the mucosa.
- Extinguish your smudge stick
Once you're ready to extinguish a smudge stick, press the burning tip firmly into your fireproof vessel, dirt, or sand until the smoke no longer rises.
Pro tip: Don't get it wet! Don't use water to extinguish the hot embers—it will ruin the tip of the stick and make it harder to light next time. When you are done using the smudge stick, you can keep it in a vessel until you are ready to use it again.