Like a closed up cottage over the winter
season, stale air can accumulate in any space.
Similarly, stagnant energies can build up inside of a home or within a person’s
energy system.
Smudging is one method of
energy clearing that I like to use, to ensure that my energetic space is
cleared of unwanted or stagnant energies. I like to smudge my self, my home, my partner
and pets, my clients(upon request),any treatment room that I use and my
massage table (before and after treatments).
I first learned how to use sage, to smudge myself, others and spaces, in
my Usui Reiki Level 1 Workshop. I have
felt a positive difference in my own energy system, after having my aura
smudged and have felt more relaxed in my space, after smudging my home.
In Canadian First Nations and Indigenous North
American traditions; Sage, Sweetgrass, Cedar and Tobacco (not cigarettes, but natural
tobacco) are considered to be sacred medicines that can be used for energy
clearing. In South America, Paolo Santo,
which means “sacred stick,” is traditionally used. It is also known as Sandalwood. Another herb that is lovely to use is Lavender,
or any other flowers or herbs that you have or would like to use, such as Rose
petals, etc… In many different
international cultures and religions, natural incenses, such as Copal, Amber or
Frankincense, are burned in rituals, with specific intentions. Each sacred medicine has its own specific uses
and medicinal properties and can usually be burned alone, or combined with
others.
Smoke is generally toxic, for humans to inhale. If you don’t like working with fire or smoke,
there are soaps, oils and sprays that you can purchase, online or in some
wellness stores, which are made with the essences of these same clearing
medicines. For example, a sage goat’s
milk soap can absolutely clear your aura, if you use it with that intention, in
the shower. There is also Agua De
Florida, which is often used in South American traditions for clearing and some
natural medicine sprays, which smell beautiful.
They can clear heavy energy from your aura, on the spot, at any time, in
any place, if you use them, while holding that intention. The vibration of
sound can also clear energy. A rattle or
shaker, chimes, drums, didgeridoos or any instruments can be used, while holding
the intention to clear energy. Reiki
energy can clear auras and spaces as well and anyone can learn and practice
it! I do believe that multi-dimensional beings
such as; God or Great Spirit, Angels, Archangels, Spirit Guides and Helpers, can
completely clear energy and spaces for you or with you, when they are
faithfully invited to do so. Tools and
rituals may not be needed at all for energy clearing, but they do serve as a tangible
way of inviting it to happen, by focusing your full attention on what you
desire to take place.
If you would like to try smudging, know
that it is an ancient and sacred tradition and use it with respect and
gratitude. You can buy or make a smudge
mixture. When gathering medicines from
nature, it is ideal to take less than one third of what is there, to avoid
damage to the plant. It is also ideal to
first connect with and request permission from plant and wait until you
perceive a response. Give thanks for
what you take. When you have all of your
materials gathered, you can hang them to dry them out. When it feels like the right time for you to combine
the mixture, you can infuse clear intentions into it, about what you will be
using it for.
To spread the smoke, you can use a feather
or a fan, or even your own hand. I have
found that a feather can be very nice for smudging the aura of a person,
whereas a fan can be slightly more effective in clearing larger spaces. It is ideal to receive a feather for this
purpose, as a gift. If you happen to find
the perfect feather in nature, be sure to give thanks for it, wash it well, and
your hands too! You can use a shell or a
fireproof bowl, to hold the burning mixture.
If you choose a metal bowl, it may become very hot, so use an oven mitt,
a wet towel or a small pot, to hold the bowl.
If smudging inside, pay attention to where your smoke detectors are and
don’t light the flame directly under one. If you are smudging inside, it is a good idea
to open a window, to allow the smoke (and negative energies) to leave your
space easily.
When you are ready to begin, take a moment
to get centered and grounded and connect with the feeling of love in your heart. You can invite divine guides and helpers to
assist. Light your smudge and then wait
until the flame goes down and the smudge starts smoking. You want to sweep the smoke slowly and with
confidence. When smudging yourself; one
way would be to start at your heart, then sweep up over your face and behind your
head, along and under your arms, down your torso, legs, under your feet, and then
over your shoulders and down your back.
You may want to intuitively spend more time on certain areas than others. When smudging someone else; you may want to
start at their heart, go up over the head and to your right, (their left),
clockwise around the whole front of their body, having them pick up their feet
when you get there to go under and having them turn around when you reach the
top again so that you can go down their back.
In smudging a house, you can start at the bottom left corner of the front
door and go around the door and then the house in a complete circle, being sure
to pay attention to room corners, cupboards and drawers, closets and anywhere
that stagnant energy would be likely to accumulate. These methods are just suggestions and different
traditions might suggest doing it differently. What matters most is your
intentions.
While smudging you can state clear and
simple affirmations in your mind, such as “This space is now cleared…”, or “Only
loving energies may remain here…” You must find the tools and intentions that will
work best for you! You can direct any
unwanted energies on where they should go, (rather than having them linger
around in your basement or your neighbors home). Ex. “Any energies that are unwanted by my
higher self, must go directly into the Earth for transmutation.” Our Earth is a
sentient being who can accept and transmute both light and dark energies, but
if you are going to send unwanted energies to her, be sure to send her your energies
of love and thanks as well! You could
also imagine heavy energies being lifted away from your space in the smoke to
be processed by your guides and helpers.
There are many methods that can be
effective in clearing energy and I would encourage you to do your own internal
and external research, to find out the methods that will work best for you. There are articles and videos online and many
people that you could ask to speak with, who work with plants, medicines and
traditional customs. Remember that much of the information that you uncover
will be coming from another human’s perspective. Be selective in what you accept as your
truth. You can find your own way to
clear unwanted energies, that will resonate well with you, your life and your personal
beliefs.
Care Hudson
Relaxation Therapist
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