Collection: Smudge sticks

Smudging is a ceremonial practice in some indigenous cultures that involves burning sacred herbs and plants to produce smoke that is believed to have cleansing and healing properties. Some key points about smudging:

• It is traditionally done by indigenous groups like Native Americans, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples. The most common smudge ingredient used is sage, but other plants like cedar, sweetgrass, and tobacco may also be used.
• The smoke from the smoldering herbs is fanned using a feather or other tool and directed over people, objects, or spaces. This is believed to clear negative energy, purify, and protect.
• Smudging is often done at the start of sacred ceremonies, to consecrate spaces like homes or sweat lodges, or for cleansing purposes like before hunting or after dealing with grief/sickness.
• The practice has spiritual significance, connecting users to tradition and ancestors. The smoke represents prayers rising up. Many see it as medicinal due to the herbs' aromatherapeutic effects.
• Smudging remains controversial today as some argue it violates secular laws/practices in public spaces or environments like workplaces. However, many indigenous people consider it an essential spiritual tradition and human right.

In summary, smudging is a ritual cleansing and purification practice using sacred smoke that remains an important indigenous cultural tradition. Appropriation of the practice and ceremonies should be avoided out of respect.

There are some safety tips like ensuring proper ventilation and avoiding overly frequent use. Certain herbs may cause reactions for some. Proper fire safety is also important.

Frequency varies by need and practice, ranging from daily to for specific occasions. Some smudge an area or self routinely for maintenance.

Yes, smudging is commonly done when moving into a new home to cleanse the energy and claim the space.

You light the end until it starts smoking, then blow out any flames. The smoke is fanned around the space/person using a feather or your hand.

Different plants have different symbolic meanings, but common ones are sage, cedar, sweetgrass, lavender, mugwort, etc. Sage is most traditional.

Smudge sticks (herbs bound together) allow the herbs to smolder slowly and create steady, thick smoke. They're easier to use than loose herbs.

Smudge sticks are bundles of dried herbs and plants that are burned to produce cleansing smoke in various spiritual and ceremonial practices. Some common uses and purposes of smudge sticks include:

• Purification - The smoke from burning smudge sticks is believed to clear away negative energy, unwanted spirits, emotional blockages, and more. It's seen as a purifying agent.
• Cleansing - Smudging is often done to cleanse a person, space, or object of spiritual impurities or unwanted energies before rituals, ceremonies, or everyday use.
• Blessing - The smoke can be used to bless people, homes, sacred objects, etc. Some smudge as a means of conveying positive intentions.
• Healing - In some indigenous practices, the smoke from certain herbs is thought to have healing properties, especially in rituals for treating illness.
• Prayer - The rising smoke represents prayers and intentions being carried up to the spirit world or deities.
• Protection - Smudging may be done to protect a space, home, or person from unwanted energies or spirits.
• Tradition - Smudging connects people to their ancestral and cultural practices and maintains spiritual traditions.
• Ceremonies - Smudge sticks are common in ceremonies like sweat lodge rituals, weddings, funerals, naming ceremonies, and more.

So in summary, smudge sticks are primarily used to purify, cleanse, and bless people, places, objects and the energies surrounding them within the contexts of indigenous spiritual traditions. The smoke carries the prayers and intentions.