Organic Growers of Australia (OGA)
'A' grade certification # 291

The Earths abundance - prosperity for all

Eartharomas Guide to Smudging

The following is offered as a guide for everyone who would like to experience the benefits of smudging and are new to the practice.

There are no hard and fast rules as such, however we have come to the following understandings after many years of practical smudging in diverse situations:

you do need to respect the process to achieve maximum benefit
a positive intent will help direct the smudging for the results you wish
allow that your heart is guiding you - your head may not be the best judge
and, as in a general approach to life, show gratitude to the universe for what you have been given ~ It is not always obvious but it is in every moment if we choose to be there.

The Smudging Process

1. Find a safe place to set up an altar. You will need a means of lighting and extinguishing your smudge bundle or charcoal disc if you are using loose herbs. We recommend a candle as the ideal way to light the bundle or disc. It can also create a nice ambience. You can use an Eartharomas Sm’uffer to extinguish the bundle or have a bowl containing sand to stub it out in. If you are using loose herbs, you will need to have an earthen or ceramic bowl containing sand to insulate the heat generated by the burning charcoal and herbs. Use caution to avoid injury or damage.

2. Pick the best time so that you wont be interrupted. Turn off your mobile, unplug your landline and don’t have anything else you need to be doing. This is a time for you and your space to cleanse, heal and grow - please make it your top priority for the moment.

3. Set the mood. Find your inner calm or centre. If others are involved, encourage them to do the same. You can do this with appropriate music and/or by sitting comfortably and taking some slow deep breaths until you have focus on your intent. Music is an excellent accompaniment to establish rhythm and focus in the ritual.

4. Once your altar is prepared and your attitude is attuned you are ready to proceed!

Light your chosen herbs and when they are well lit (smoking strongly), offer up a prayer of thanks to the universe for all that was, all that is and all that will be.
If it is a room or a dwelling you are wanting to clear of negative influence, it is important to pay close attention to the places that don’t normally get much light as this is where any negativity will be present. Under furniture and behind doors are some examples. Be thorough!
If it is yourself (or another individual) you are smudging, wash the smoke over the body by bringing it toward the heart while holding the smudging herbs in front of the chest area. The recipient should be gently breathing during this process - take care that the smoke and breath do not interact to procude discomfort. Then pull the smoke up over the head and down the arms and the rest of your body. A turkey feather is the traditional instrument for directing the smoke to particular areas - however, in the absence of a large feather, hands or cards work well.

Offer up another prayer of thanks and you are done. Congratulations!

5. Ensure you thoroughly extinguish your bundle or your loose herbs and charcoal.

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