White Sage

Before burning sage,some recommend setting intentions if smudging for spiritual, energetic, and negativity clearing purposes. Remove animals or people from the room.

It’s also important to leave a window open before, during, and after smudging. This allows smoke to escape.

Some believe smoke also takes impurities and negative energy with it — so don’t skip this step.

These steps apply whether you’re smudging yourself, your home, or an object. You can smudge any of these as often as you’d like.

1. Light the end of a sage bundle with a match. Blow out quickly if it catches on fire.
2. The tips of the leaves should smolder slowly, releasing thick smoke. Direct this smoke around your body and space with one hand while holding the bundle in the other.
3. Allow the incense to linger on the areas of your body or surroundings you’d like to focus on. Using a fan or feather can also help direct the smoke, though this is optional.
4. Allow the ash to collect in a ceramic bowl or shell.

Smudge your home or living space

In this instance, direct sage smoke over all surfaces and spaces in your home or living area. Be thorough.

Some recommend working in a clockwise direction around your home, ending back where you started, especially for spiritual purposes.

Do what feels best for your situation and follow your intuition.

Smudge an object

Direct smoke around and over the object of your choice.

This can be done to a new item, such as jewelry, furniture, or clothing, to protect or dispel it of negative energy. Items related to negative experiences or memories may also be smudged.

Some people burn sage over special objects, to acknowledge the object with sacred meaning.