Smudging is a ritual used to clear the energy of yourself and around you. Often a smudge stick of dried sage tied together is used to perform this ritual. Smudging is used to prepare space, clear negative and old energy away. It is useful to smudge yourself before you meditate, before any healing or prior to performing any sacred rituals. If you do not have a smudge stick a few sticks of incense can be used with the same intention.
Light the smudge stick and allow it to burn. Blow out the flame so the stick smokes and smolders. First begin to smudge yourself so that your energy has been cleared. To do this move the smudge stick around your body starting at your left foot, up around your legs, torso and back of your head and then do the same from your right foot, up the right side of your body and around your head. While smudging, inhale some of the smoke and release any negative energy you are holding on your out breath.
Next smudge the area you wish to cleanse. This may be a room, your home that you have moved into, friends or others if you have gathered together for a ceremony or meditation. It is a good idea to smudge after a lot of people have gathered in your home so that any old and stuck energy is cleared. The smudging ritual is useful any time you wish to clear stuck energy and prepare for the new.