Oh Smudge!

My first introduction to smudge was through my husband. We were on one of our many visits into the Smokey Mountains and Cherokee. He had his one favorite place in Cherokee that was a mandatory stop. It was filled with the usual novelty, touristy souvenir gifts, a book section, and merchandise one would expect to find in a roadside shop. Even better, they had a shop cat. It was apparent Bruce had visited this place many times because the owner would recognize him and they'd take up conversation like old friends. Bruce has always had a love for learning about the Cherokee Indians, their history, and culture.

One of the items Bruce often purchased was a bundle of dried white sage tied with twine. Never seeing this before and having the curiosity of a cat, I inquired about the item. He explained it was a smudge stick and used to cleanse and purify one's self or surrounding of negative energy. The act of smudging has been practiced for centuries among the Cherokee and Native Americans, as well as, many other ancient cultures. Smudging is more than lighting a bundle of dried herbs and waving it around in the air. To truly honor the act, one should have an understanding of the sacred ritual.

The four elements of water, earth, fire, and air are present in the act of smudging. Water is represented through the use of the container to collect the ash. Commonly, a shell is used. Earth is represented by the herbs selected. The four base herbs are cedar, sweetgrass, sage, and tobacco. The lighting and burning of the smudge stick represents fire. Finally, the smoke from the smudge stick represents air.

A smudge stick should only have one of the four base herbs. Smudging with sage or cedar is believed to dispel negative energy and bring peace. Sweetgrass generates positive energy. Lavender, juniper, rosemary, and other herbs can be added. While growing and drying your own herbs is optimal, it is okay to purchase your ingredients. To stay with tradition, the herbs should come from a source that has grown and harvested the plants with the reverence and respect to the earth. This entails asking the earth permission for the plants, offering a gift usually tobacco or cornmeal, and saying a prayer over the harvest.

The act of smudging has its traditions just like the harvesting process. One should set their intentions before selecting the elements of the smudge stick to be used. Think of what it is you want to remove and bring into your life and surroundings. Once you have set your intention, light the end of the smudge stick (preferably with a wooden match) and blow out the fire to generate a smoldering state. This creates the smoke. Collect the ash into a container. Once the smudging has been completed the ashes should be disposed outside back to the earth. It is believed the ash contains the trapped negative energy. There is no set time limit on how log to smudge. There are no specific prayers or sayings to recite. Focus should be placed on inner reflection and positivity.

If the smudging is for a person, a feather should be used to waft the smoke toward the individual. When smudging a dwelling or room, the premises should be prepared by covering mirrors, opening cupboard doors, turning off electronics, and closing windows. The smudging should start on the left side of the area and continue to the left. Smudging can bring peace and calm when performed with purpose and respect.

About Our Smudge Sticks

Southern Pen Gifts has two types of smudge sticks in stock.

Pink Sinuata + White Sage Energy Clearing Smudge Stick

Enchant your home with the beauty and benefits of Pink Sinuata and White Sage blended smudge sticks. Pink Sinuata is the perfect compliment to the purifying nature of White Sage as it adds special energies of compassion, femininity and grace to the individual and their space.

Blue Sinuata + White Sage Energy Clearing Smudge Stick

Purify your home with the beauty and benefits of White Sinuata and White Sage blended smudge sticks. White Sinuata is the perfect compliment to the purifying nature of White Sage as it adds special energies of innocence, spirituality and beauty to the individual and their space.

No native areas were disturbed while harvesting the ingredients used in these products. The Sage and Sinuata are sustainably grown with eco-friendly practices and is handpicked and dried by the sun. This product is 100% natural with no preservatives, additives, or additional scents added.