Smudging Instructions & Blessings:

SMUDGING INSTRUCTIONS  

1. Use caution at all times. You may open a window a little bit or as needed to ensure smoke does not build up. This will also allow negative energy a  clean exit.

2. If your Sage is wrapped very tight, you may want to unwrap it and pull it  apart a little bit for easier burning. If your Sage is wrapped a little loose, it  should burn just fine while tied (string is cotton and safe to burn along  with the Sage). You may also break smaller pieces off the bundle and burn  in the shell.

3. Light your Sage for about 15-30 seconds. Hold the flame to the tip, slowly  rotate and tilt the stick/bundle in different ways to generate a nice ember.  Gently blow on the ember in 1-second intervals to maintain it. (Always  use caution)

4. Sage will naturally stop burning and go out within a couple of minutes.  This is perfectly natural and just the nature of this sacred item - you will  need to relight as needed. Be cautious of any breeze or draft, which can  prolong the embers and do not leave unattended while burning.

5. Use your Abalone shell (if included) to catch ashes or hold your Sage while  burning (shell will get hot, use caution!). When finished, store your sage in  a moisture free/low humidity area.  (Note - All abalone shells have natural holes, possibly black markings and  a rough patch in the center. You may clean after using if you prefer to  keep it looking nice/new over time. Abalone are products of nature with  natural variations and have been traditionally used as smudging bowls for  more than 12,000 years!)

6. Begin in any room or area and start in the area furthest from the exit.  Move the smoke from the Sage all around the room- high, low, side to  side as you make your way to the exit. (Traditionally a feather is used to  fan the smoke but this is optional)

7. Move on to the next area and repeat Step 6 in each room/area. If  smudging a person or object, slowly move so the smoke flows all around  their body or object, top to bottom and side to side. (This can be done  standing or laying down, always use caution)

SMUDGING BLESSINGS

For Any Purpose, the Process Remains the Same

Remember that what you say is not as important as what you  believe. Try to free your thoughts of any negativity and remember  that Creator has given you the tools to cleanse your space and  protect it.  You may adjust this blessing to suit your specific needs or you may  use it word for word. This unique blessing honors native tradition  and all stages of life.  Light your Sage and use this blessing throughout your smudging  process as much or as little as you feel is needed.

The Sacred Sage Burns As I Walk
With Creator  To Cleanse This Space
And Protect My Home  To Heal,
Bring Strength And Bring Peace  I
Honor The Cycle Of Life And The
Four Directions  

From The New Beginning In the
East, Birth  The Warmth And Light
Of The South, Growth  Closing The
Day, Bringing Change In the West,
Maturity  The North Gives Wisdom
And Guidance, Transition  

To Heal And Strengthen, The Sacred
Sage Burns