Smudging Ceremony

Sage Cleansing for Purification and to Feel Better

A smudging ceremony, or sage cleansing, uses smoking sage to rid your surroundings of negativity and give your spirits a boost. Rooted in Native American rituals, this practice has been gaining popularity in the mainstream, and this is no surprise, considering that smudgers can usually feel the benefits right away.

Smudging ceremony supplies for a sage cleansing. But please, don't be overwhelmed by the choices. All you really need are just a few basic things.

If you're not familiar with smudging, here's a brief overview. First, you place the special dried sage in a fireproof container, usually a natural flat shell (like the one pictured in the lower-left corner of the accompanying photo), ignite the white sage briefly and let it smolder. Finally, you use the aromatic smoke to "cleanse" you and your surroundings of negativity. (For a more detailed supply list and step-by-step instructions, please see my Smudging Ceremony Instruction Page.)

Why Smudge?
The long answer, of course, is because it cleanses your surroundings of negativity. But the short answer is even better. People smudge because it makes them feel good. It can be the perfect for when you've encountered a toxic person, had a hard day at work, or are simply feeling blue. Personally, when I'm done burning the sage -- or smudging -- I always feel more refreshed and ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead.

Why Do Smudging Ceremonies Work?
In the movies, the person doing the smudging is usually a new-age or "hippie" type. (To quote Seinfield, not that there's anything wrong with that.) But in my personal experience, the practice is more widespread than the stereotype might suggest.

As someone who spent quite a bit of time selling smudging supplies at a little shop in Michigan, I've seen sage, smudge, and shells purchased by lawyers, homemakers, entrepreneurs, office workers, and more. My point is this. These are mainstream, grounded people, and they've found smudging to be useful. But why?

Maybe it's the smoky, sweet aroma. Maybe smudging does, in fact, cleanse the surroundings of negativity. Or maybe it's simply a primitive reaction to the campfire-like experience (but on a much, much smaller scale fire-wise). Personally, I believe all these things are true. Regardless, smudging never ceases to lift my spirits.

I've recommended this practice to many friends over the years, and every single one of them has absolutely loved the way the smudging has made them feel.

Where to Get Smudging Ceremony Supplies.
Although this practice is gaining popularity, you still can't always find the necessary ingredients at your local shopping center -- unless you're one of the lucky folks who have a metaphysical, or new-age type store in your area. But thankfully, everything you need is available on the Web. (Isn't everything these days.)

As for me, I'm very lucky. My favorite metaphysical superstore, aptly named Gypsies is owned and operated by my Mom, who happens to be an astrologer. If you're ever in Bay City, Michigan, you should definitely check it out. As for me, I order white sage in bulk. Why? Because I never, ever want to run out.