A beginner’s guide to smoke cleansing your space. Estimated reading time: 4 minutesNo matter what time of year it is, it is a good idea to regularly take the time to smoke cleanse your home since your home is a central meeting point for family and friends. Whether it is merely cooking a family meal or having friends around for drinks, there is sure always to be something happening. With this in mind, it is essential that the environment you spend most of your time in works for you. So, have you tried smoke cleansing your space? If not, then let us help you.Include a ritualAbove all, your home is a place of rest, where time is spent with loved ones. To remove any negative energy, include the ritual of smoke cleansing throughout the year.You can use any smoke cleansing stick, a large shell, matches, and a feather. Each symbolises one of the four elements: air, earth, fire, and water. Energy stays in an area, so it needs clearing—especially negative energy—as it will impact the atmosphere and people in that room.As a result, it is always best to smoke cleanse the space before big celebrations, after stressful events, or periodically. Doing so will leave a cleared area set with intentions for peace and harmony. A bonus is the beautiful fragrance the smoke cleansing sticks give off.What you need to begin smoke cleansingTo begin clearing your space, you will need a smoke cleansing stick. Please see the notice at the end of this article regarding specific plants for burning. There are many choices, such as yerba santa, cedar, palo santo, sunflowers, lavender, etc. Find the one that works for you. Next, you will need a fireproof dish; we use an abalone shell. However, any fireproof dish is perfect.Begin the process by deciding upon an intention to set. Think or speak this intention as you clear the room. Here is an example ~ “Cleanse this space of negativity and fill it with love, light, and happiness.” Then light the smudge stick and fan it to extinguish the flame. Place it in the heatproof dish or hold it over and slightly above it. If you have a feather, you can use it in the next phase, but it isn’t necessary.Smoke cleansing your spaceEnsure the area you are about to smoke cleanse is well-ventilated. Open any windows and doors. Start at the main entrance of the space to be cleared. Move the direction in which the door opens (if the door opens into the room) or a clockwise direction.Allow the smoke to fill the space as you move around the room. Ensuring it reaches all corners and areas of the room, paying particular attention to the edges of windows and doors, clearing negative energies and replacing them with a positive flow.Remember to think or speak your intention throughout the smoke cleansing process. You may fan the smoke with your hand or a feather. As you walk around the space doing this, you sweep all the negative energy out the door. When finished, place your smoke cleansing stick in a fireproof container and extinguish it.How much do I smoke cleanse and for how long?You can choose to clear one room or your whole house. It is a spiritual practice; therefore, it is a personal practice. You can take as long or as little time as you like. Whether you speak your intention out loud or not is also up to you. Use whichever smoke cleansing stick you prefer. In short, clear the negative energy from your space by making the practice your own. Most of all, enjoy the practice in your way!Remember to tag us on Instagram @surrender_to_happiness with all your smoke cleansing pictures. If you want to make your own smoke cleansing sticks, have a look here. If you want to know which crystals work best in your space, click here. Finally, if you are looking for a good smoke cleansing starter kit, we sell a lovely beginner’s smoke cleansing set in our webshop, and for that something extra special, take a look at our home cleansing kit.Important NoticeSmoke cleansing is closely tied to the spiritual practice of smudging by Native American / Indigenous Nations. White sage, palo santo, sweetgrass, and many other plants used for burning are considered sacred medicine by the Native American / Indigenous Nations. It is, therefore, essential that to avoid cultural appropriation and exploitation, you understand the cultural history of these items. As well as the history of suppression forced upon these native populations, where they were forbidden to practice their culture, language, and traditions, including smudging, until 1978 and the passage of the American Indian Religious Freedom Act. Even with the American Indian Religious Freedom Act, Native American / Indigenous Nations still find themselves continually persecuted for various reasons. When purchasing sage and other plants used for burning, it is essential to ensure that they are ethically sourced and that there is no over-harvesting of these sacred medicines. And where possible, always support the Native American and Indigenous Nations.DisclaimerSpread the love