A big Thank You to Cindy Ella Rhodes for this gorgeous Artwork.
Huge gratitude to Steffanie Pinner for the Photography/Artwork!
I anxiously opened the new shipment slicing through the tape ever so carefully so as not to harm the contents of the box. Once open, the aromatic molecules were released, filling the room and my heart with only goodness.
Inhaling the blended scents of braided sweetgrass, desert sage and baby white sage with a touch of lavender stems transported my mind to cultural ceremonies of long ago.
The fragrant visions spoke to me of traditional rituals designed to provide peace of mind and healing, when used properly. I was provided a magical moment during my day without even lighting a single bundle.
Long before the process of obtaining precious essential oils from plant matter was perfected, ancient cultures burned herbs, bark, leaves, resins and/or spices. They were burned over hot coals or the dried bundles lit from a flame and then allowed to smolder while a healer smudged the ill person and their dwelling.
The ritual of smudging was originally performed for healing purposes by priests and priestesses. There are many indigenous ceremonial variations however, the honorable intentions are the same. Healing. Healing the heart, mind, body, spirit and home.
Desert Sage & Lavender Smudge Bundle
These are the basics of a Clearing Ceremony. For a little more information be sure to sign up for my FREE COURSE complete with checklist and video demonstrations.
Gather Your Basic Tools
The simple act of getting out your kit of essentials prepares your brain, body and your spirit for the special ceremony you are about to perform.
- Smudge bundle of your choice
- Lighter or match
- Candle ( I use our mini meditation candle)
- Feather Fan or a large Feather
- Fireproof dish or abalone shell,
- Lavender Oil (optional)
- A small container of sand to extinguish your sage
Physical Clearing
This is a physical cleaning or de-cluttering of every room in your home. Pretty much like spring cleaning.
Clutter or places in need of dusting, cleaning, vacuuming or organizing, create stagnant pockets of energy that can continually diminish your physical and emotional well being.
Clutter that requires your attention is mentally draining, resulting in chaotic thought processes, thought attacks, panic attacks and self-deprecating statements.
I find that those "neat" little stacks of paperwork and folders, that I'll organize later, ( yeah much later) multiply. Pretty soon, when I open my eyes to reality, those stacks are not really neat at all. They are chaotic procrastination. My creativity stalls and I am exhausted. So go ahead and start clearing your clutter. You will feel so much better after just taking this step.
Clear Yourself
The phrase "Go Smudge Yourself" is a fabulous idea most anytime of the day your are feeling discombobulated, frustrated or blah. You will want to clear your energy field before smudging your home. You may carry emotional attachments and worries with you without even being aware of them.
I usually like to perform my personal aura cleansing outside. Light the end of your sage and wait for a small flame to burn. Gently blow the flame out and allow the sage to smolder. From your feet to your head move the sage around and up your body as the smoke billows all around you. Extinguish the smoldering sage in a dish of sand when finished.
Set Your Intention
Now that you've cleared and purified your field ( and your physical space) it's time to define what you want to clear your home of and what you want to bring in. Take a walk thorough your space without judgment. Remember you are simply observing the emotions that come up and taking note of how your space feels to you.
What words come to mind to describe the present feelings and energy. How do you want your home to feel when you enter? What is the ambiance you would like to achieve?
Choose 1 phrase, prayer or affirmation to set the tone of your ceremony. You may want to write this down and keep it handy to maintain your focus.
Basic Clearing Ceremony
Beginning at your entrance doesn't necessarily mean the front door. You will begin intuitively at the appropriate location for you.
I usually begin my smudging ceremony at the entrance to my home that is used the most. Very rarely does anyone use my front door. Everyone seems to enter through the garage door. So you may want to begin at the busiest doorway. However, there are times when I have an overwhelming desire to begin my ceremony at my real front door. I trust my emotions combined with my intuition.
Choosing the direction that you will physically be walking through your home, will usually require a touch of discernment. The method I prefer is to adjust my directions of movement to the cycle of the Full Moon. When the moon is waxing move clockwise and when it is waning move counterclockwise. When you begin to use elaborate and intense ceremonies you may want to adjust this technique. For now we will keep this simple.
While holding your intentions in your mind and body begin moving from room to room. Fan the fumes (smoke) along the walls, corners, ceiling and floors. Pay special attention to "dull" areas.
Sealing Your Space
Upon completion of the smudging you may want to finalize the process with an exclamation point, so to speak. Sealing your freshly cleared space with a few favorite crystals, diffusing essential oils or creating a circle of Kosher salt helps set boundaries for the energy entering into your home.
Certain Crystals can anchor protective energy in your freshly cleared space. They transmit the frequency of their main purpose such as protection with black tourmaline or black obsidian, peace with Rose Quartz or selenite, just to name a few. You may want to set a crystal or more at your entrance or in various rooms. And they do love to be seen and admired, so no hiding them in secret places.
Maintaining Your Cleared Space
Now that your home is cleared, cleansed and sealed it is up to you to maintain your personal energy field. Smudge yourself daily and be mindful of the words you use, the thoughts you think and the vibrations you collect throughout the day. See the blog post about The Power of Words or download my "Power of Positive Words List" when you sign up for the free video workshop that complements this blog.
The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the higher vibrations of your freshly cleared space.
Best Wishes ,
~Patrina~
Would you like to delve a little deeper in developing your smudging ceremony? Simply sign up for my complementary video mini-course that is available to you on multiple devices. You can watch anytime you desire.
When do you practice your smudging ceremonies? What is your favorite sealing tool? Let us know below or on my Facebook Page 
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Photography By:Steffanie Pinner
Artwork By : Cindy Ella Rhodes