How to Get a Smudge Stick to Smolder

Use a candle to light a smudge stick.

Smudge sticks are tightly wrapped bundles of dried herbs used to purify places and people. Smudging -- purifying -- a home or other location is a routine practice for people who hold nontraditional religious beliefs and for Native American traditions. Practitioners light a smudge stick and then blow out the flame so that the stick smolders, creating smoke. The smoke raises blessings and purification to the Universe or to God as the "smudger" allows the smoke to waft onto walls, doorways and furniture.

Things You'll Need

• Taper candle
• Candlestick
• Matches
• Glass bowl or plate

Instructions

1. Place a taper candle in a candlestick. Put the candlestick on a glass bowl or plate.

2. Light the candle. Put the smudge stick to the candle flame just until the stick ignites, which may take a moment or two.

3. Hold the smudge stick parallel to the dish. Allow the flame to cover only the top of the stick.

4. Blow out the flame, keeping the stick over the dish to catch embers. Apply the smoldering smoke to the areas or individuals you want to cleanse.

Tips & Warnings

• Once the smudge stick begins to smoke, it will continue to smolder throughout a smudging ceremony.

• Say a prayer before beginning a smudging ceremony.

• Avoid holding the candle to the stick to prevent hot wax from dripping.

References

• Enchanted Crystals: How to Use a Smudge Stick

Resources

• All Nature; Smudging; Tephyr