Smudging is a multi-cultural ritual that clears the energy of a person, place or thing. It can be done regularly or when needed. Let’s keep it simple, break it down and clear the air.

Energy is an intangible, modifiable force that is characterized as either positive or negative. It is a vibe or a feeling you get from a person or place. Some people, like myself, are sensitive to energy. I can tell immediately if a place has good or bad energy. Most homes have good energy but divorce, death, family tension and stress add to the layers of energy a house holds. Sometimes the energy is so heavy, it’s stifling. This has nothing to do with how a house looks but how if feels.

A house holds the energy of every person who lives in it, visits or who you come in contact with. Recently I staged a client’s house for sale and then smudged which I call “Stage & Sage”. She usually felt like she was walking into a thick wall upon entering but it now feels lighter and clearer.

 

How to smudge

Be clear about setting your intention. A few loose pieces of sage or a sage bundle, a bowl to catch embers and something to light it is all you need. Start by the front door and work clockwise. I keep it simple by going room by room, corner to corner, opening closets and letting the smoke do its work. I end by opening the front door to allow the negative energy to leave. It is recommended to keep a window open.

“You may opt to clear your own energy by smudging yourself first as a form of cleansing. Fan the smoke from head to toe. Esoterically speaking, sage purges. It should be used with something such as myrrh, frankincense, rosemary, lavender. These elements invite a positive influence to fill the void created by purging. Fire is a great purifier,” says Eric Vazquez.

“My preference for a deep cleanse is definitely smudging which contains the elements of fire and air. Fire burns away what no longer serves the energy field, but also ignites and invites what is wanted and needed. In Native traditions, the smoke from pipes, fires, sage, tobacco, incense and other herbs symbolize prayers and intentions. It’s truly magically scientific when you consider all the elementals in depth,” says Jenni DeLillo.

“I Sage and Palo Santo every morning and night and anytime there is a full moon/new moon Solstice/Equinox. Basically, anytime I feel the energy needs a nice clear shift. It’s best to create a daily ritual, steering away from routine,” says Anthony Sims of Reiki Bar, Wurtsboro.

Pay attention to where the smoke is excessive. Closets tend to hold a lot of negative energy. We wash our clothes, but not our shoes, coats, handbags, etc. Energy gets stuck there. The heart of the home, the kitchen, is another energy hot spot.

 

Changes

When moving into a new home or renting a new place, sage/smudge before you move in. If a chapter of your life is ending and a new one is beginning, whether it is a new job or relationship, smudging will bring a fresh start. Think of it as an energetic jump-start for this new beginning. After all, your own personal space, your home, is the center of your universe.

 

Claudia Jacobs is a professional home stager, decorator and owner of Claudia Jacobs Designs in Newburgh. Visit claudiajacobsdesigns.com or call 845-294-8993. Send questions and photos to ClaudiaJacobsDesigns@gmail.com.