Spiritual Start Guide

1. Gather your tools and have an exit strategy

First and foremost, ensure you have all your tools handy and that you've opened a door or window before lighting up. After all, that negativity needs to have a pathway to get out.

2. Set your intention and say a mantra

Intentions are central to the practice of smudging, so take a moment before you light the sage to determine what exactly it is that you're trying to purify or release from your space or from yourself. Then, decide on a mantra or prayer to repeat while saging that encapsulates this intention. 

It can be something you come up with on your own, or for a little guidance you can use: 

"I let go and release what no longer serves me."

“If something is not align with the highest light and truth, let it be emptied and release into the divine light”

“I have opened this space to love and affection; may all the positive energy around me benefit my space. May it come with nurturance, compassion, forgiveness, and truth”

3. Light up

Once you're ready, hold the sage at a 45-degree angle, light it using your match or candle, and let it burn for about 20 seconds. After that, gently blow out the flame so you see orange embers on one end. The smoke should now billow up.

4. Slowly walk around your space

Slowly walk around your space and allow the smoke to waft around. Guide the smoke and the negative energy toward the open windows or a door, so it can escape.

Give special attention to areas in front of mirrors, in corners, and in spaces like foyers, hallways, and doorways, also saging technology like our phones or laptops is beneficial, you can hold the sage wand underneath them and then wave it around them.

5. Be safe

Sage burning 101: Always stay present! If you see little embers fall on the ground, tamp them out immediately. Never let the burning sage stay unattended for any reason. Also, take care not to inhale too much of the smoke.

6. Extinguish your sage

Once you're ready to extinguish a sage smudge stick, press the burning tip firmly into your fireproof vessel, dirt, or sand until the smoke no longer rises.

Pro tip: Don't get it wet! Don't use water to extinguish the hot embers. It will ruin the tip of the stick and make it harder to light next time. When you are done using the smudge stick, you can keep it in a vessel or holder until you are ready to use it again.