This past weekend at the Vernon Wellness trade show, we had the privilege of meeting so many beautiful souls—people from all walks of life, cultures, and communities—who came with open hearts and thoughtful questions about smudging. Many asked how to begin, how to honor authentic Indigenous traditions, and how to ensure their practice is respectful and meaningful. I’m deeply grateful for these conversations. They remind me that smudging, while rooted in Indigenous ceremony, is a sacred act that can be shared with care, intention, and humility.
Whether you’re using traditional smoke smudge or a smokeless mist, the heart of the practice remains the same: it’s about cleansing, grounding, and connecting.
What Is Smudging?
Smudging is the ceremonial act of using sacred herbs—like sweetgrass, sage, or cedar to—to cleanse energy, invite clarity, and create space for intention. Traditionally, herbs are bundled or placed in a bowl and lit, allowing the smoke to rise and carry prayers. Today, many people also use smokeless smudge mists, especially in spaces where smoke isn’t permitted or for those with sensitivities.
How to Smudge with Smoke
- Choose your herbs: Sage for clearing, sweetgrass for inviting good energy, cedar for protection, tobacco for offering.
- Prepare your space: Open a window or door to allow energy to move.
- Light your bundle or loose herbs: Use a match or candle, then gently blow out the flame so the herbs smolder.
- Fan the smoke: Use a feather, your hand, or a fan to guide the smoke over your body, objects, or space.
- Speak your intention and gratitude: Silently or aloud, offer a prayer or thought—what are you releasing, inviting, or honoring?
- Extinguish safely: Press the herbs into sand or a fire-safe bowl. Never leave smudge unattended.
How to Smudge with Smokeless Mist
- Choose a mist made with ceremonial-safe herbs: Look for authentic Indigenous blends that honor traditional ingredients like sweetgrass, cedar, or sage.
- Shake gently: Activate the plant energy and essential oils.
- Spray with intention: Around your body, in your space, or over objects.
- Breathe deeply: Let the aroma guide your breath and focus.
- Offer gratitude: To the Creator, plants, the water, and the teachings that made the mist possible.
A Shared Sacred Practice
Smudging is not just about the herbs—it’s about the relationship. The relationship to the Creator, the land, to the Indigenous teachings, and to the intention you carry. I believe that when people approach smudging with respect, humility, and a willingness to learn, it becomes a bridge—not a boundary.
To those who asked how to honor Indigenous beliefs: thank you. Your care matters. Smudging is a sacred practice that everyone can enjoy, when done with reverence. It’s not about perfection—it’s about presence.
If you’re new to smudging or gifting a smudge kit to someone, consider including a teaching card that explains the herbs, the intention, and the protocol. I’d be honored to help you create one that reflects your values and welcomes others into this beautiful practice.
Let’s keep the circle open. Let’s keep the teachings alive.
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