How to Make Your Own Smudge Sticks

Smoke has been used as a messenger to reach the world of spirits. It ascends towards the heavens and takes our messages and prayers along with it.

What are Smudge Sticks?
A smudge stick consists of a bundle of dried herbs, especially sage. Small bundles of leaves are tied with a string or hide, and are then dried. Often other herbs are added too. In the contemporary procedure, herbs and spices like lavender, cedar, cilantro, etc., are also added. When burnt, the smoke has a very strong, yet pleasant smell. This ritual is used as a powerful form of cleansing and is an integral part of the tradition of the native Americans. Sage is a sacred herb and is said to drive out negative energies and thoughts. It drives away negative spirits and all evil influences. Another herb, sweet grass, has powers to attract positive energies. Burning smudge sticks helps reinstate the balance in your life. This is an art of cleansing yourself and your environment. Our bodies, homes and surrounding environment, not only contain physical matter but there is also a constant flow of invisible energy. The ritual of using sacred smoke for purification is not restricted to native American herbs, the incense and herbal smoke mixtures have been used for thousands of years in different parts of the globe including parts of Asia like China and India, Europe and other western countries as well.

Making Your Own Smudge Sticks
For thousands of years, smudging has been a part of native American tradition, but now, its power is known everywhere. Here are some easy ways on how to make these sticks.

You will need:

• A sheet of newspaper or sushi mat
• A sturdy, thin piece of thread or string
• Garden clippers that will come handy in cutting the herbs to the required length
• Plant material (usually white sage but you can include lavender, mugwort, yarrow, hemlock pine, balsam, cedar, juniper)

Method:

• The branches of the sage need to be cut 7 to 10 inches in length.
• Take a string measuring around two and a half times the length of the sage branches that you have cut.
• Hold 2 to 3 branches together with their tips downwards.
• Hold the branches with the end or the base facing upwards and the tips downwards, with your thumb in an upward position.
• Start by wrapping a small amount around the base, in order to hold the branches together.
• Now start wrapping the string tightly starting from the base and upwards.
• Make sure the string is firm but not too tight. If the branches are tied too tight, they will not dry properly and if they are too loose they will fall apart when dry. So you need to use the right amount of pressure while tying.
• Starting at the base of the branches, move towards the tips. When you reach the tips, work backwards and continue tightening the string downwards to the base, this will give you a zigzag way of tying the string.
• Now tie the two loose ends of the string at the base.
• Place the wrapped branch in the sheet of paper or sushi mat about quarter way up and roll the stick up inside the paper firmly. When the paper is used up, you have a smudge stick ready.
• Flat surfaces burn better so you can trim the edges of the sticks.
• Use a flat basket or screen to dry them. It usually takes a week for drying herbs depending on the moisture content and the surrounding temperature as well.

Note: Some plants may have toxic fumes. Do not burn herbs unless you have enough information about them. Also, as it is a sacred ritual and you are using the help of mother nature, take the permission of the plant and then thank it before plucking it.

Smudging is a sacred act. The tradition of smudging has its roots and beliefs in the depths of time. With these tips, you can have your own smudge sticks which will not only help you to enhance your life but also to do so in an inexpensive way. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead, bring your family together and cast out the stress and negativity from your life. Welcome the much-needed love and peace, and live a happy and healthy life.