How to Burn a Smudge Stick

Smudging is an ancient practice spiritual practice used for cleansing, or blessing a person, area or object. By burning smudge sticks, the idea is to draw the energy out of the sacred plants. A variety of plants can be smudged such as: sage, cedar, sweetgrass, juniper and others. Each plant has different properties that are used for different reasons. Some plants are to drive out negative energy, others to bring in positive energy and still others for protection.

Things You'll Need

• Smudge stick
• Matches or lighter

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Instructions

• 1

  Light the tip of the smudge stick with the matches. Blow it out once it begins to smolder.

• 2

  Wave the smudge stick in the air to fan the smoke. Don't blow directly onto it. Smudge sticks can put out a lot of smoke as they burn. You can also set the smudge stick in a container filled with enough sand or salt to hold it upright.

• 3

  Extinguish the smudge stick when you are done using it by smothering it in the sand, or salt.