SMUDGING 101

Smudging is a practice that involves burning one or more medicines gathered in nature to release healing smoke.  It is most commonly known for cleansing a person or space of negative or inactive energy.  

This practice is commonly attributed to the Native American culture. However, historical evidence shows that it is practiced by many indigenous cultures from all continents around world. This suggests that no single culture can "claim" smudging as their own.  Many non-native people are unaware of the great cultural significance of this practice.  If you are a non-native individual, Za+Sati believes that it is our responsibility to be respectful, grateful and mindful of the this sacred cultural practice.  

It is also important to consider the cultural significance of the medicines that you use and from whom you purchase it. White sage, for example, is sacred to Native American peoples and the idea of selling this sacred herb in a new-age shop can be quite offensive.  It is important to support small, local artisans who grow or source their herbs and botanicals sustainably and respectfully. Even better, try growing or foraging your own.

Items Needed for Smudging

•Medicine to burn *see list below
•Abalone shell (or anything that can handle the heat of burning)
•Lighter or fireplace matches
•Feather (to help fan the smoke - optional)

Light the medicine and place it in the shell or bowl.  When smudging, first cleanse your hands with the smoke as if we were washing your hands. Then, draw the smoke over your head, eyes, ears, mouth and body. Use the feather (or your hands) to move the smoke around yourself.  Next, you will move the shell or bowl around your space to distribute the smoke. Again, use the feather or your hands to send the smoke out in different directions.  For smudging crystals, put them in your hand and pass through the smoke to cleanse.

Once your smudging is done, put out the burning medicine by pressing it into the shell, bowl or Earth. Return the ash to the Earth.

*A tip from Gwen:  To smudge several crystals at once, place them on a wicker plate holder.  Hover the plate holder through the smoke and let it waft through the fibers.  A feather is also useful to bring the smoke up to your crystals with this process!

Medicine to Burn  
Choose either loose leaves, pieces, sticks, incense or a bundle of the following:

Cedar for healing & restoring balance  
Yerba Santa for broken hearts, self-love & self-care
Palo Santo for love, prosperity & clearing negative energy
Rosemary for new beginnings or a fresh start
Mugwort for enhancing dreams
Sandalwood for anxiety relief & grounding
Juniper for comfort, protection & purification
Lavender for positive energy & calming the mind
Rose Petals for love, luck, grief & healing
Sage for purifying space & improving intuition
Sweet Grass for attracting positive energy
Tibetan Monastery Incense for clarity