by Lana Shapiro 

We are energetic beings and our energy system speaks to us all the time, we just need to learn how to tune in and listen to it. Some of us may still be in shock and disbelief over everything that has happened since the start of the pandemic and all the after effects.

If you have been feeling like a dark cloud has been following you around or that you can’t get yourself out of a rut, then energetic clearing may be in order. Creating a daily energy cleansing ritual may not only help with clearing negative and stagnant energy, but it also has health benefits which will give your immune system a boost.

Smudging Rituals

Smudging is an ancient purification practice, originally initiated by Native Americans. It involves using a variety of dried herbs tied in a bundle, igniting them to create a “smoke bath” and waving them around. This cleansing practice purifies the physical and spiritual body and brings a sense of peace and harmony to your environment.

Before smudging, open all internal doors, cabinets, and drawers and begin with the intention of ridding your space of unwanted energy and making room for new spirits. You can wave smoke onto yourself to cleanse yourself of negative energy as well.

You may recite a smudge prayer while you are waving the smoke around, important thing is to have the intention of clearing negative energy and inviting positive energy to remain. Take in deep and conscious breaths when cleansing your environment. Begin at the front door and move in a clockwise rotation, waving smoke up into all corners and less-used spaces, focusing special attention on areas that seem “dark.”

Herbs and Plants to Use for Smudging

Most common herb used for smudging today is probably sage — it drives out bad spirits, feelings and influences and it can also be used to repel mosquitos and other bugs when left smoldering. Cedar has very similar properties to sage, with added benefits of helping people with upset stomach, flu, or vitamin deficiency. Bay leaf also has the health benefits of protection against colds and flus.

Some lesser-known herbs that may also be used for smudging are fennel, sweet grass and mugwort – all with their unique properties and benefits. Palo santo is a type of wood with high resin content, it is believed to have purifying properties when it is burned. It’s scent is very relaxing and it helps ease stress and pain.

Other Ways to Cleanse

Smudging is just one of the ways to clear out energy in your space, but there are other things you can do that serve the same purpose. Think of negative energy as little gremlins that attach themselves on everyone and everything around them.

Every physical object in your environment has the ability to hold on to and store energy within itself. Simple cleaning rituals like sweeping and mopping the floor and dusting can also clear out stagnant energy from your home. You can even add cleansing oils to your mopping water. As you are cleaning and purging, visualize negative energy clearing out of your house – again, it’s all about setting the intention.

Don’t Forget To Cleanse Yourself

Make cleansing yourself a daily or even weekly ritual as well. You may do this by taking a bath with cleansing and detoxifying salts. You can give yourself a massage using a mix of purifying essential oils such as cinnamon, clove, ginger, orange, peppermint, sandalwood. Pick whatever scent helps you feel grounded and calm You can incorporate ritual sprays, crystals, incense, and bath bombs into your cleansing self-care routines as well.