Clearing Negative Energy:
How to Smudge Yourself
At any time during a Sage & Smudge ritual, you may want to include a Personal
Energy Clearing for yourself. Or, you may want to specifically create
your own personal energy balancing and clearing ceremonies, ones you practice on
a regular basis. Some people carry out this type of Personal Clearing ceremony
daily or on a very regular basis.
You can successfully clear any negative energy that you may
have come in contact with, and easily carry out your own energy balancing and
clearing ceremonies. Think about situations that cause you stress or discomfort,
times you spend in challenging or uncomfortable environments, or with others who
drain your energy. When you have identified common personal energy-draining
situations, you will know when you might wish to work with this sage and smudge
technique.
To begin your own ceremony, create a positive affirmation, or
a mental image of a safe and nurturing environment. You may want to write down
your thoughts in your Sage and Smudge journal. Gather your sage and smudge
tools, hold your wand or stick in your non-dominant hand, or place your chosen
dried herbs in a suitable vessel. Light your smudge in your preferred manner as
you begin your clearing and healing meditation.
Watch the smoke rise or drift towards (or away from) you for
a moment. Then breathe in the essence of the sacred smoke herbs, and focus on
yourself and your body for a moment. Notice any particular areas that need your
attention. Then bend and use your wand or the feather (if your smudge is burning
in a vessel) to move the smoke down as far as possible, to your ankles and feet.
Move the smoke from that position near the floor, slowly up the length of your body to the top of your head, pausing briefly now and again to focus on your affirmation or mental image. This helps to cleanse your aura of any disturbances or negative energy you may have experienced that day.
Finish your Personal Energy Clearing, holding the wand or the feather in front of you at the level of your heart, and watch the sacred smoke rising up. Repeat any affirmations, include any visualizations for your own well-being and spiritual purpose. Breathe again deeply, and then complete the ritual.