As Spring arrives, it carries with it the spirit of renewal as new life emerges from the deep sleep of Winter. Spring tends to find many people more energized and eager to welcome renewal into their own lives as well. In order to do this, it is important to remove old, stagnant energies to make way for new opportunities to enter.
Often, people engage in Spring cleaning rituals. Once the weather is warm, windows are opened and fresh air is let in. Deep cleaning brings a feeling of freshness. Spiritually, it is a good time to engage in a similar practice. Smudging with sage can help draw out stagnant, negative energies and clear the home, office or sacred space. Spiritual cleansing will raise the energetic vibration of any space, enhancing that enthusiastic Spring energy.
How to Smudge
For those new to the practice, the idea of smudging may be intimidating, but rest assured it is a safe practice that doesn’t have to be overly complicated. Smudging is an ancient and sacred ritual that has been used for centuries. Approach the process with the respect it deserves. Take your time and be thorough in your practice.
Even blissfully happy homes can accumulate stagnant energies. This is especially true after long winters, where people spend a lot of time cooped up and shut in tight. Even your work space can be smudged, but make sure you do this during off hours and that you have permission of course.
Supplies you will need include a sage smudge stick, a lighter or matches, a candle, and a flame proof container. You can also use a feather to push the smoke, but this is optional. To start, gather your supplies and offer a prayer of gratitude and protection – or whatever suits you according to your belief system.
Light the candle and focus your energy and then light the tip of your smudge stick. White candles are a good choice because they symbolize purity. Wave the stick until it begins to gently smolder. You don’t want it to be set on fire. If it should catch, blow out the flame. The idea is to have it smolder just enough to produce gentle smoke.
Keep your smudge stick over your fire proof container at all times. You may want to keep a lighter with you to relight the stick if it goes completely out. If another person is participating in the ceremony with you; have them carry the candle.
Using a feather or your hand, go clockwise around the home starting at the front door and wave the smoke gently into the corners of each room. Make your way around to all rooms in the home and be sure to also include closets, garages, basements and storage rooms.
Make your way all the way around to where you started and then extinguish your smudge stick. You can allow the candle to continue to burn to further purify the home and welcome in positive energy.
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