Smudge Stick DIY craft project

What is smudging?

Smudging is, for the most part, an act of purification.

The most important thing you need to know about smudging, is that the smoke is highly cleansing. I've heard it said that the smoke has properties which cling to negative energy and remove it from the intended object or person. Whether or not this is true is of little consequence; what matters is that you will notice a marked improvement in the feel of yourself and the surrounding area after using it. Simply burn your herb of choice (see below) and allow the smoke to surround and permeate the object, room, person, etc. You can burn the herb in its loose form, or you can burn a stick of bound leaves.

When To Smudge?

• When moving into a new home, flat or room.

• When you want to cleanse the energy from a particular place or object.

• When feeling depressed, anxious, or otherwise unusual. (Low 'spirtual' energy.)

• When needing to focus energy or thoughts.

• Before sleep to prevent nightmares.

• When needing to relax in general.

• Any other time you see fit.

The longer you leave the herb lit, the longer it will burn, and the more smoke it will produce. Don't overdo it; your home will reek. You may want to open a window, as sage (and other herbs) can sometimes smell quite pungent, even when not overdoing it. This smoke is not intended for inhalation. Loose sage produces far more smoke than bundled sticks. Start out with a few pieces and go from there.

What you'll need:

Fresh Rosemary stems
Sage, Thyme and Fennel stalks
Cotton twine

Makes a great X-mas gift.

† (Personally I use sage; my mother introduced me to it. May she rest in peace.) †

These smudge sticks were used to banish odors from the home and in some cultures they were used to dispel lingering spirits.

Start by gathering all your herbs and tie them tightly together with cotton twine at around 1 cm intervals then leave it to dry for several weeks.

To use, light the end of the herbs with a candle until it begins to smolder and release a thin trail of fragrant smoke.

Allow the stick to burn to the next cotton tie off and extinguish the end. Trim off the burnt ends and your stick is ready to use again.

♠ credit: CraftBits, Isabella Snow ♠