In the days of old, Indigenous people used sage smudging to cleanse and purify the energy around them. Nowadays, people all over the world use sage smudge sticks to clear their homes and offices of negative energy. This article will teach you how to do a smoke cleansing prayer using herbs that have been traditionally used for this purpose.

Why do we smudge?

Smoke cleansing is a form of energy cleansing. It's a way to cleanse yourself, your space, and even your crystals and ritual tools.

You can think of it as an energetic spring cleaning for the mind, body and spirit. You're basically ridding yourself of negative energy so that you can be at peace with yourself and others around you—and so that your space can be tranquil and comfortable.

How to use sage smudge sticks

To start, light the sage smudge stick in a fireproof bowl or on a seashell. Once it's lit, hold it by the bottom with one hand and gmove it slowly along your body with the other hand, as if you're painting with smoke. Do not wave the smudge stick too close to your skin—it might be tempting to do so because of its grounding smell, but burning yourself is no fun! Guide the smoke around the entirety of your space, remembering to pass through closets and small spaces as well. Keep a window or door open to allow old, stagnant energy to disperse and make way for fresh energy infused with your intentions for your space. Also remember that when you extinguish your smudge stick (either intentionally or by letting the botanicals burn until self extinguished), make sure that any remaining embers are completely extinguished first by dabbing onto sand or salt—otherwise it could start a fire!

How to smudge yourself

Pass it over your hands, face and hair to clear them of any energy that isn't yours. Pass the sage bundle underneath each arm and hand, placing it above your head (to awaken your sense of clairvoyance) as well as across your forehead (to open up intuitive abilities).

Use this same motion to pass the bundle over all parts of your body, especially those areas where negative emotions may have been stored such as in our chakras or heart center.

Finally, reach behind you and pull back down again as if opening up an energy portal from heaven onto earth; at this point we are bringing ourselves full circle into balance with nature once more!

Smudging Prayers

If you're new to smudging, here are some sample prayers that are simple and easy to recite. Feel free to adapt them as needed!

• Smudging prayer for yourself or another person: 

  I ask for clear communication between myself and my body, mind and spirit so that I may live in harmony with myself and those around me. Clear any negative thoughts within my mind and heart space. May I move forward with clarity, in alignment with my highest self so that I can mov though m journey with ease and flow, and magnetize my greatest desires. May I always remember that I am in constant connection and co-creation with spirit.

• Smudging prayer for your space

I command any negativity, any low vibrational energy, and nonbenevolent beings within this space to leave and go to the light. You are not welcome here. I command you to leave through an open window (or door) and return from whence you came to be transformed to light energy.

I call upon the element of air to carry my words across space and time, so that they may reach all corners of this home and beyond.

I call upon the element of fire to burn away all negative and stagnant energy that has been left behind by those who have entered into this space.

I call upon the element of earth to absorb all traces of negative energy that may linger on in this space, so that no trace remains after we have cleansed our home with smoke.

I call upon the element of water to wash away any lingering negativity or thoughtforms associated with others who have lived here before us - and bring peace, tranquility and unconditional love back into our lives again.

So, that’s it! Sage smudging is an excellent way to clear your energy and make you feel better. The process only takes a few minutes and you don’t need any super special equipment. You can always use other herbs like rosemary or lemon balm if you want something more specific than just sage—but really any herb will do! Make sure you know the intention behind what herb you’re using so that you are in alignment when practicing your ritual.