For many years, Native American traditions have included the use of sage and other herbs for ceremonies. Most often used for spiritual purification of the home or the clearing out of “bad vibes” or negative energy, burning sage sticks or sacred herbs, or “smudging”, as referred to by many, is very common among indigenous and religious/spiritual communities. To make a white sage smudge, white sage leaves must be dried and separated from seeds, buds and stems, then pulled and crushed into bundles or balls. Frequently bundled into thick, twine-bound “sticks,” use a white sage smudge by lighting one end of the stick, letting it burn for a moment, and then extinguishing the flame (it may occur without your help), allowing the smoke to continue to flow. The smudge stick can then be carried through the rooms and later placed onto any surface upon which it won’t burn, or extinguished by gently crushing out the smoldering end. Scientifically speaking, white sage or other sacred herbs are said to release negative ions when burned, which researchers have found contributes to a brighter mood.

White sage smudge

Mystics both modern and ancient instruct that the proper way to handle such sacred bundles is with the utmost care and respect, learning how to acknowledge and respect the Native American traditions as you go. Cat Criger, University of Toronto’s aboriginal elder-in-resident, explains that, “To understand the protocol means you have to learn something about the aboriginal people. So in a sense the medicines are working in a kind way, saying ‘learn about me and we can respect each other and we can walk together.” This means finding an honorable spot in your home for the storage of (preferably above waist level), and especially during the burning of the bundles. Criger advises purchasing birch baskets to place them in for storage. Leftover ashes should be treated with reverence, taken outside and left on the earth.

Smudging can be used not only to cleanse a space, but one’s self, one’s mind, spirit or even one’s body. One powerful cleansing technique involving the use of Native American white sage smudge (or other sacred herbs) is called the Sacred Smoke Bowl Blessing. This tradition is most often used for purifying newly purchased items (new homes or vehicles), your bedroom, a new dwelling space or work area before entering or working in the space, self-cleansing before doing a reading, starting meditation or going to sleep, or purifying a sacred object of some type. Although some Native Americans typically use the word “cleansing” to describe the technique, it can also be thought of as shifting the energy in the space from negative to peaceful or positive. The four basic elements (wind, water, fire and earth) will be represented in this blessing, as is common throughout Native American rituals or ceremonies. Specifically for the Sacred Smoke Blessing, users burn the smudge stick in a shell or small bowl, which represents the water, or a gift from the ocean. When users distribute the smoke, they will use a feather, considered a gift from the birds, our winged friends. The unlit sage or ashes afterward represent the earth, while the lit smudge stick represents fire.

Experts from the Ojibwa tribe direct users to prepare for smudging a space by closing the windows, covering the mirrors, opening doors and cupboards and powering off all electronics. Starting on the left side of the door, according to Ojibwa cultural educator Eddy Robinson, is preferred, as is continuing along the left as you move throughout the entire space while continuously praying. The intention here is to request for positive energy/spirits to remain while the negative energy/spirits leave the premises. To finish up, Robinson states, “When you get to the front, you shoot the smoke out the front door and then you wait a minute or two. Then you go outside and you put the ashes of the sage on the doorstep, and that is to protect the entrance. And then after that you put on a feast for the house.”

So, in general, before using white sage smudge or other sacred herbs, remember to have some type of ventilation — this is a must, as the smoke which carries away the negative energy must have a way to leave. The smudge pot or shell you select must be non-combustible, of course, and long wooden matches are ideal for lighting the sage bundle because lighters or candles are not commonly used for such ceremonies. Before smudging someone else or a space, always smudge yourself (swirling the lit smudge stick around your body and head, either blowing the smoke away or waving it off with a feather.) As you acknowledge the four elements, you should also acknowledge the four directions of north, south, east and west before you smudge, and then finish by crushing the smoldering end into a bowl or bit of sand.

Have you used a white sage smudge? Let us know your experience in the comments.