Smudge It Out
A very simplistic way of looking at smudging is to remove energetic clutter and create space for something new to come in. The steps:
You can smudge with sage, white sage, cedar, Palo Santo, Epsom salts and sea salt. Make sure the plants you are burning comes from a trusted source. I know a couple different healers that grow their own sage, you could too. We also have smudge stick bundles at Modrn. I usually don't smudge when the kids are around because they don't like the smell but if this is a concern I will usually smudge with Epsom salts. The process is a little different and I'll include it below in this email.
You will need the old energy to leave your house so it's important to have windows and/or doors open.
There are lots of different ways and ceremonies to do but the most simplistic one I do in my home and space is to light the sage stick or what I'm smudging with and walk clockwise in the house/room. I start in the east and complete a circle. I sometimes I will say a prayer or thank or release the energy to go.
I will leave my door or windows open for as long as I feel that the space needs it, this could be 5 minutes or all day. It also depends on the temp outside.
I like to smudge my healing space or home once a week or if I have clients or guests coming in I’ll do it before a visit or session. Don't be surprised if you start to hear things like "I love the vibe/feel when I walk into your house."
What you'll need to burn Epsom salt
A cast iron pan (with a long handle if you can)
Trivet or non-incendiary silicon mat
1/4 cup Epsom salts
3 tablespoons rubbing alcohol (91 percent isopropyl alcohol)
Long wooden match or candle taper lighter
Instructions
Place salt in pile in the cast iron pan.
Pour the isopropyl alcohol over the salt, saturating it completely.
Place cast iron pan on the trivet or silicon mat in the room that needs to be cleared. Keep it away from flammable items such as fabric or carpeting and make sure there is plenty of space around the pan so it can't ignite anything nearby.
Light the salt and alcohol with a long wooden match or the taper, keeping your arm and hand well clear of the flame.
Stand back and allow it to burn completely. Allow the pan to cool before you attempt to remove it. Never leave flames unattended.
Safety Tips
When burning, consider the following tips.
Clear everything out of the room that could be placed next to the pan.
Always watch the flame and have a towel or fire extinguisher handy.
Non-Flammable Option
Epsom Salt
Fill a small bowl with Epsom salts.
Place it in the appropriate location.
Empty and refill the bowl frequently, about once a week or more frequently during times of stress or negative energy.
Defuse Essential Oil (my kids love this because they can change what is defused)
I view essential oils as plant medicine and like any medicine quality of the ingredients is very important because you might be inhaling, digesting or putting them on your skin. My go to right now is: