Smudging with Sage
Smudging is a native custom which is designed to cleanse the air/space of negative energy. The principle behind this custom is that positive and negative energy cannot exist in the same space at the same time. With the burning of a natural herb, such as sage, cedar or sweet-grass, a positive energy is created in the space where it is burned. If there is negative energy in the space, it must either become positive or leave. The result is a clean space, free from negative energy.
When smudging your home, start at the space furthest from the door you normally use to enter your home. Smudge each room, closet and space from that point to the door that you enter your home through. As you walk around the rooms, say the following prayer or create one of your own with the same intention. You may also smudge yourself or others by using a feather or fan. (yes, you can also use your hand) to wave the smoke around your body, citing an affirmation of cleansing.
Sage tends to burn slowly so you may have to fan it to keep it burning. Be sure that once the herb has been set afire that you extinguish the flames so that only the smoking herb remains.
Cleansing Affirmations
We smudge to clear the air around us.
We smudge to clean our minds so that we'll have only good thoughts of others.
We smudge our eyes so that we'll only see good things in others.
We smudge our ears so that we'll only listen to good things about others.
We smudge our mouths so that we only speak of good things about others.
We smudge our whole being so that we may portray the good part of our self through our actions.
Only allow the positive and smudge away the negative.
May peace and blessings be with you in all that you do.