VIBE (noun) –
A person’s emotional state or the atmosphere of a place as communicated to and felt by others.
Positivity vibrates at high frequencies while negativity vibrates at much lower ones. When we live at higher frequencies, our thoughts are clear, we’re focused, and we lead happier and more fulfilled lives. Our bodies are healthy, we’re emotionally balanced, and we feel connected with nature and the world around us. Even our home radiates with positivity and sense of zen and peacefulness.
Until one day it doesn’t. Until a negative argument with a lover, friend, or family member casts its ugly shadow in a specific space. Sometimes negative energy lingers after someone else has been there, or after a certain experience happens in that space.
Think back to a time when you walked into a room or space and suddenly felt sad, uncomfortable, or just ‘off’ for seemingly no reason at all. That’s energy, my friends. And it has the power to linger long after the person or event that caused it.
So, how do we cleanse our space to make way for positive vibrations? Smudge sticks.
By definition smudge sticks are bundles of dried herbs bound together by string. As a practice smudging involves burning these bundled herbs and fanning their smoke across around a particular space for the purpose of healing. Native Americans used smudge sticks in ceremonies to cleanse and bless people and spaces. Now you can too.
While most smudge sticks are typically made with sage, you can add fragrant flowers and dried herbs for a personal touch.
What plants can I use to make smudge sticks?
Popular plants, herbs, and flowers used in smudge sticks are white sage, cedar leaf, sweetgrass, pine needle, mugwort, juniper, rosemary, lavender, rose petals, peppermint, lemon balm, and yarrow.
What supplies do I need?
My go-to smudge stick contains white sage, lavender, roses, and cedar. You’ll also need undyed cotton twine to bound your bundle.
How do I make smudge sticks?
Gather your collection of plants and flowers in a small bundle of your desired thickness. Allow your sage to be the outside ‘wrapper.’ Measure your cotton string to be approximately 4x the length of your bundle. With the tips of your plants facing down, start wrapping the string tightly around the base of your bundle. Work your way up to the top. Once you reach the top begin working your way back down to base. Tie the loose ends of the string together. Your smudge stick must be completely dry before burning it. Once wrapped set it aside to dry for 7-10 days.
Note: it’s much easier to wrap your bundle when the plants are freshly picked as their leaves might crumble if you try to wrap them with string when they’re already dry.
How to smudge:
Light your smudge stick. Once it has a flame blow it out so its smoke continues to emanate. Walk around the space you want to cleanse fanning the smoke and repeating this mantra aloud: “I command all negative energy to leave my space, and divine love and joy, to be put in its place.”
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In need of higher vibrations in your life? Is it time to cleanse your space? What other healing rituals do you try to refocus and rebalance yourself? Tell us in the comments below!
xo,
Gabrielle and Italia
