Smudging & Protection
How to Smudge:
To smudge, you’ll need a small, heat-safe container—like an abalone or scallop shell—to hold the burning herbs. Light your sage and let it flame briefly, then blow out the flame so it smolders and releases smoke. Using circular, clockwise motions, move the smoke around yourself, asking it to clear away negative energy.
You can extend this to your entire room or home. Start in the northernmost room and move clockwise through your space, finishing near an open door in the northwest. This circular path helps cleanse the whole area, though the key is to ensure every space receives the smoke. A prayer or intention, spoken aloud or silently, can guide the energy, asking the “powers that be” or spirits of the sage to remove negativity.
Be aware that smoke may trigger alarms—disconnect them safely and re-engage them afterward. When first starting regular smudging, you may feel uneasy; this is normal and indicates energy is being cleared. Frequency is flexible—some smudge daily, others weekly, depending on personal need. The scent of sage before bed can also be calming and relaxing.
White sage is the most powerful for smudging, but cedar, sweetgrass, or herbal blends can also be used for extra cleansing. Local stores in Sarnia, like Calm n Scents and Stones N Bones, offer a variety of sage and smudging supplies. Darin James also provides sage to clients, with an online store.
Here’s a Simple Smudging Guide
Choose a container: Use a small, heat-safe dish like an abalone or scallop shell.
Light your herbs: Light sage (or a blend of white sage, cedar, or sweetgrass) for a few seconds, then let it smolder.
Start with yourself: Move the smoke in clockwise circles around your body, imagining it clearing away negative energy.
Smudge your space: Begin in the northernmost room and move clockwise through your home, finishing near an open door in the northwest. Ensure all corners and areas receive the smoke.
Set your intention: Speak a short prayer or intention aloud or silently, asking the smoke to remove unwanted energy.
Be mindful: Smoke may trigger alarms—turn them off safely and turn them back on afterward.
Frequency: Smudge as needed—daily for personal energy, weekly for your home, or whenever the space feels heavy.
Relax and enjoy: The scent of sage is calming and can be especially nice before bed.