The use of dried plants to produce smoke that will bring positive effects on the ambient energy, a person's aura, has been practiced since ancient times. Let's pause for a moment to discover the origins of this ancient practice.
The Essence of Smudging
At the heart of smudging lies the sacred act of burning aromatic herbs, often bundled together into what is known as a smudging stick or smudge bundle. The smoke emitted from these burning herbs is believed to cleanse spaces, objects, and individuals, purifying them of negative energies and fostering spiritual connection.
The most common herbs for this practice is the white sage (if you'd like to know more about white sage and why it is better to not use it; click here) but many other herbs can be used such as cedar, sweet grass, lavender, rosemary, thyme, tobacco... It is better to use plant material from your own environment to get to know native plants and have a better understanding of the place you are living in.
Origins and Cultural Significance
The history of the smudging stick is as rich and diverse as the cultures that have embraced it. Indigenous peoples across North and South America have long incorporated smudging into their spiritual and ceremonial practices. For Native American tribes, such as the Lakota, Navajo, and Cree, smudging holds deep cultural significance, serving as a means of purification, healing, and communication with the divine.
Native American tribes have a ritual called, Sacred Smoke Bowl Blessing, which is a cleansing technique to remove any negativity from a place, a person, an object, a spirit. To proceed to the ritual, they will use tools that represent the four elements:
* Smudging stick such as cedar (cleansing), sage (driving out negative energies and healing) or sweet grass (for blessing after the use of white sage)
* The flame used to ignite the sacred plants represents fire.
* A sea shell such as abalone will be used to crushed the sticks and also to represent water.
* The feather and smoke evoke the air element.
It usually takes place during ceremonies, before large events or special gatherings. It can also be done to cleanse a new home, a room where an argument took place, after being around a lot of people or to cleanse a home where people have been sick.
Smudging is a sacred practice and should be respected and it should always be performed when well anchored, with a good intention, gratitude and gratefulness.
The Power of Plants
Central to the practice of smudging are the sacred herbs used in the smudging stick. Below the most common used plants and their properties, for you to be able to choose better your next smudging stick according to your needs:
| Plant | Properties |
| White sage | Potent cleansing abilities, raise vibrations |
| Rosemary | Protection, clarity, purification, attracting positive energy, mood enhancer |
| Cedar | Clearing, protection |
| Sweetgrass | Attract positive energy |
| Thyme | Protection, serenity |
| Lavender | Calming, soothing effects, promote relaxation, mood enhancer |
| Juniper | Protective and purifying properties |
How to use your smudge stick?
If smudging inside, open the windows as the smoke needs an exit to take out the negative energy.
Take your bowl (not in metal, clay is better) or your abalone sea shell. In case you do not have a stick but loose leaves, dispose them in the bowl/shell, and if you have a stick do the same and place it in the bowl.
Before starting anything, feel yourself anchored, present in what you are about to do, set your intention holding the bowl/shell. This will give more potency to your ritual. Once it's done, light up the leaves/stick (it might be necessary during the ritual to blow on it or light it up again).
Begin by cleansing yourself from top to bottom, directing the smoke onto you. Proceed to cleanse people or spaces as desired. Recite a prayer, mantra, or simple sentence to maintain focus and align movement with intention.
How to cleanse
* A person: go around the person (you can ask the person to turn around) directing the smoke on the person with your hand or with a feather. Directing the movement towards the body and then away.
* A space: proceed around the area in a clockwise direction, ensuring thorough cleaning of the corner where energy tends to stagnate.
When your ritual is completed, extinguish the smudging stick by crushing the burning tip in the fireproof vessel. Never leave a lit smudging stick unwatched.
You can discard the ashes outside, returning them back to the earth as it is believed that they hold as well negative energies from the ritual.
Nowadays
In recent years, the popularity of smudging has transcended cultural boundaries, attracting individuals from diverse backgrounds seeking spiritual connection and holistic healing. However, with this widespread adoption comes the risk of cultural appropriation and misinterpretation.
The smudging stick stands as a symbol of reverence for the earth, a conduit for spiritual cleansing and renewal, and a testament to the enduring wisdom of indigenous traditions. It is essential to approach the practice with respect, humility, and a willingness to learn from indigenous traditions.
View the smudging stick examples that have already found their homes
Personal note
I do embrace the smudging stick for various purposes, yet my preference lies in the loose leaves blends. Utilizing them aids in my meditation, their aroma evokes a myriad of emotions and sensations that can either ground me, elevate my state or foster a deeper connection with myself.
Particularity of Verbena Veneris teas and infusion blends
Each of our blends can be used as loose incense, and you can find information of the esoteric properties of each particular herbal blend on its label. Below an excerpt of the choices you have:
| Tea - infusion | Properties |
| Mind Tonic | Love & connecting to higher consciousness |
| Rooted in Fire | Anchoring, creativity & inner power (specifically designed for the root, sacral and solar plexus chakras) |
| Lullaby | Push back negatives energies |
| Take it easy | Love, love spell |
You can find this information in the description of each one of our blends.
If you have already bought our products, that information will be right next to this symbol:
With love,