As I am settling into the routine of Fall, I like to nest.

When I nest, I clear things out just as the trees shed their leaves.

I shed what is no longer serving me around my home,(my outer world), and in my body, (my inner world). I use a practice called smudging to assist with clearing both my outer and inner worlds.

I know, I know….some of you are poo-pooing the practice of smudging. Allow me to enlighten you by sharing some links with information regarding the practice.

And…….

There is now science to back up this old sacred ritual of smudging and I think it is important to understand all the benefits of this ancient tradition.

Here is a great article about the science behind smudging: https://upliftconnect.com/science-behind-smudging/

In this article, Bess O’Connor will share with you the sacred art of smudging from a Native American healer. https://chopra.com/articles/clear-your-energy-and-lift-your-spirits-with-the-sacred-art-of-smudging

I hope these were helpful and you really enjoyed learning about smudging.

When I smudge, I like to use different herbs.

Burning bundles of dried herbs – sometimes called smudge sticks – has been a part of many spiritual traditions dating back millennia and connects all traditional cultures, from the Native Americans to the Druids, from the Zulus to the Maoris, from Aboriginals to the Mayans, from the Chinese to the Balinese, all of which have age-old forms of cleansing and blessing rituals involving the burning of aromatic botanicals. 

Sometimes I use Sage. Sage is commonly used by Native Americans and is a great cleansing tool, it clears away negative energies and purifies. When I burn a sage stick, it leaves a room with a heavy smoke and it feels denser to me for really clearing a space! When you burn sage, it is a MUST that you add good energy vibes back into your space. If you don’t you are essentially leaving your energy naked for anything to come and settle in. I add good vibes by burning incense, or using doTERRA oils in my diffuser and on my body.

Other times, I use a Palo Santo stick, derived from South America and Mexico. Palo Santo literally means holy wood.  It purifies, adds good energy, and smells good. I like it to clear away stuck, heavy dense energies in a room or your body. For me, this has a sweeter scent and a lighter smoke.

My most recent addition came from when I visited my brother in New Mexico and we went to Ojo Caliente for a day and soaked in the natural hot mineral springs. I kept smelling this wonderful sweet smell burning in the fires around the lush properties. I found out they burn Pinon, also known as Pine. Pine is an herb for drawing long-term prosperity, reversing negativity, protection from ills and cleansing from negative influences. 

Have you had any experiences with smudging?