How to Smudge a House With Sage

The smudging ceremony is a Native American tradition.

The smudging ceremony is a Native American tradition. Long believed to cleanse away any negative energy, the ceremony consists of burning sage and using the smoke to drive out bad spirits from an area and to keep them from re-entering. To help the healing process, sage smoke is taken in the hands and rubbed over the body. Smudging a house with sage should be done with care and respect.

Things You'll Need

• Sage smudge stick
• Lighter

Instructions

1. Pray to God the Creator for guidance and for the spirit guides to be with you.

2. Light the sage smudge stick. Blow out the flames. If the smudge stick does not smolder and burns out, light the smudge stick again. The smudge stick must produce smoke.

3. Ask that the smoke of the sage smudge stick be blessed. Ask the smoke to trap any negativity, to cleanse those that are sick and to bless the home.

4. Purify yourself with the smoke. Smudge yourself with the smoke from the bottom of your feet to the crown of your head. Pull your arms and hands into you to draw the smoke over your body.

5. Start at the doorway at each room. Move the smudge stick along the doorframe. Smudge each corner of the room with the smoke. Open all closet doors, cabinet doors and drawers allowing the smoke to penetrate all areas of the room. Repeat this step for each room.

6. Finish by thanking God the Creator and the spirit guides. Ask the smoke to carry away all the negative energy. Open all the windows of the doors to release the smoke and the negative energy with it.

References

• Asunam: The Smudging Ceremony
• The Crystal Ball: How to do a Sage Smudge Ceremony
• Internet Book of Shadows: Smudging: How to do it -- how not to do it