Smudge Sticks; What Are They? How Do You Use Them? Do You Need One?

What Is A Smudge Stick? Where Did It Originate From?

A Smudge Stick typically refers to a dried bundle of Common Sage or Salvia Officinalis. The first record of people burning Sage Bundles were the Native Americans. They often burned them during rituals and ceremonies to get rid of any unwanted energies,and to ask the spirits for blessings, prosperity, and protection.

In many native cultures, plants were considered more than living things, they had a soul, and a spirit. Burning sage was a way of communicating with the spiritual realm and connecting to the spirit of the plant and the earth. By burning the sage with intention, they were asking the spirit of the sage to lend its cleansing and protective energy into their space, body, or energy.

What's With The Abalone Shell?

That's a great question that I receive all of the time. It is not necessary to use an Abalone shell when burning your Sage, you can lay it on anything that will not catch fire. However, if you choose to use an Abalone Shell to rest your Sage while its burning, you are actually creating a synergistic loop. The Abalone Shell represents water, the Sage while unlit represents the element of Earth, The smoke represents the element of Air, and the lit Sage is representing Fire. By connecting all four elements, you are inviting harmony and balance into your space. The smoke is said to bind to negative energy and spirits and to carry them away. It is also said to carry prayers into the Universe. A good tip is to always open the windows when burning Sage to allow the smoke and negative energy a way out.

Do You Need One?

If you feel there is a lot of negativity around you or in your personal space, you should give it a try, you will be surprised at how cleansing they really can be. There is a sort of relief and immediate lift in the energy around you. It is quite amazing to be honest.