Clearing Space – Here’s how to smudge your space
It is always a good idea to smudge your house, as stagnant energy accumulates even in the homes with best Feng Shui.
If smudging does not appeal to you at all, explore alternative ways to clear the energy.
At least several times a year. Some people smudge every week, while others might smudge less.
Remember you can choose alternative ways to clear the energy, such as basic space clearing, using sound, etc, which I am going to be sharing over the next month.
What you need:
- A smudge stick, bowl of bay leaves, incense sticks or my favourite Basilica.
- Lighter or matches.
- A fireproof container – I use my pāua shell. A bowl with sand (to extinguish the smudge stick after smudging). I have a pot outside that has sand in it and I can stand my Basilica and charcoal tablet, incense or smudge stick.
- A large feather or you can use your hand to move the smoke. I have a selection of feathers I have found over the years and ones I have found in nature to give them a sense of renewal.
The saying I use is very simple – I ask the universe to remove the negative energy from my home.
I sometimes ask for anyone or any energy that is not here to support our home or us – it is okay to leave and remove themselves from our home.
Yeap I am talking energy – spirit – congestion.
I always ask for “what ever is for the highest good of my family and those living in my home”.
Step #1. Place the fireproof container and the smudge stick on a table, any other appropriate surface. It is best if you create a sense of ceremony when you smudge your house, as well as find a time when you will not be disturbed; 10-15 min should be enough.
Step #2. Focus your energy. Light the tip of your smudge stick, then gently wave the stick in the air till the tip begins to smoulder.
Step #3. Hold the smudge stick over the fireproof container at all times in order to avoid any lit herbs falling on the floor. You can use a feather if you have one, but usually just gently waving your hands to disperse the smoke is enough. Remind yourself to stay connected to your breathing throughout your smudging session.
Step #4. Go clockwise around your house (usually starting at the front door), and gently wave the smoke into the air. Spend a bit more time smudging the room corners, as they tend to accumulate stagnant energy. Be sure to also open the closet doors and carefully smudge inside. Do not forget about spaces such as the laundry room, the garage.
Step #5. When you have smudged all areas of your house, come back to where you started and gently extinguish your smudge stick (dipping it into a bowl with sand while applying a bit of pressure usually works well). Wait a bit, then pack your smudge stick, as well as the container, till your next smudging session. You can light a candle to continue to purify the energy.
Here’s how to smudge yourself (or somebody else):
Once your Palo Santo stick or Basilica and charcoal are lit and smouldering, direct the smoke waves to the overall energy field around your body, starting with the area above your head and continuing down to your feet.
Do not forget to breathe deeply while you do that. (If you can – I have to make sure the smoke is not directly near me when doing the deep breathing).
I have also seen smudging done as well in the reverse order.
Starting with the soles of the feet, going up both sides of the legs, torso, arms, and finishing by smudging the space above.
I prefer this way as I feel like when I reach my head I am leaving with my crown and universal energy cleansed last and absolutely.
Make sure you use your mantra whilst doing this – I use one very similar to my home clearing mantra, and I always ask the universe for whatever if for my highest good.
May you now be in a beautiful calm and serene space.
Serenity Feng Shui ing.
