Burning Rituals 101: SMUDGING

Smudging has its roots as a ritual in many Pagan traditions. From Shamans of Indigenous Peoples in North America, to India and ancient Greece as a preparation before temple rituals. It is one of many tools for spiritual manifestation and energy cleansing, and it is quite simple!

 

As in all rituals, first you need to set your space.

Here at Aladastra, we believe that our yoga mat is our altar, so choose the yoga mat or yoga pad that better helps you connect with yourself and meditate.

Of course, any surface or space will do as long as it works for you!

Once you find your altar, create a sacred space by surrounding yourself with sage smudge sticks, Palo Santo, meditative candles, chakra stones and crystals (you can add a favorite item or whatever makes you feel comfortable, grounded and connected).

 

 

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The most important step is setting your intention.

Light up your candles, shake it out, close your eyes and take long deep breaths. Envision positive colorful energy coming in with every inhale; surrounding and covering your physical body inside out from the ground up. Focus on grounding yourself firmly on every exhale; feeling a connection to the earth below you from your feet or your root chakra at the bottom of your spine.

Think about what burdens you, be honest about feelings or affairs you no longer want to hold inside.

You can even write down your intentions or find a mantra to say out loud, if it helps you focus on what you need to release, don’t cling too hard, focus on letting go.

 

 

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Once you feel sincere and confident about your intentions, it is time to burn and release them.

If ready, hold the smudge stick at a 45 degree angle, light it up using one of your candles and let it burn for a few seconds. Blow out the flame gently and the smoke will billow up. Envision the smoke as it drives away heavy energies and feelings.

Slowly walk around your sacred space. Guide the smoke toward open windows or a door if you are inside, or allow the smoke to gently move with the air around you if you are outdoors.

You may also focus on smudging your body if you are interested in soothing yourself; or let the smoke waft around specific objects to cleanse them.

 

 

Safety comes first: always hold a vessel under your stick or hold it on a fireproof ceramic holder for safety. Ideally you can use abalone shell is ideal, to include the element of water in the ritual. Never let it unattended for any reason and be careful not to inhale too much smoke. Once you are done, press the burning smudge on the holder, vessel or dirt until the smoke is all gone. Do not use water to extinguish the embers as it will ruin the smudge stick.

 

 

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Stay tuned for more,

 

 

 

 

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