What is smudging and how it can cleanse your aura

When to smudge

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“Aura and energy cleansing can be done when you’re feeling stuck, such as when you’re feeling stressed or need inspiration,” Serene says. “Your energy inhabits the same environment you live in. Similarly, the energy of the area will also affect you.”

“Smudging can be done anytime. It’s a good practice to do once a month, on a full or new moon. Personal dates such as your birthday work, too. It can also be done every day as part of a wellness routine, or after you have guests over.”

1. Procure your equipment

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Smudge sticks can be found from retailers such as Qi New Age Healing, Full Circle, Love.Magic.Sparkles and iHerb. Serene prefers supporting local brands wherever possible, as well as reputable labels that champion ethical production and sustainability as the energies of the smudge sticks will play a part in smudging. Lastly, pick a smudge stick that resonates with you.

2. Clear the space

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Energies can’t flow properly if there is a mess in the space or environment you’re trying to clear. Likewise, if your mind is bogged down with many thoughts and worries, you won’t be getting the full cleansing effects.

Serene recommends decluttering the area in general as best as you can, especially if you are living in a non-ideal environment (e.g. a rented room or a shared space). Open the windows and doors to introduce sunlight and facilitate ventilation.

3. Set intentions

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Setting your intention before smudging clears the mind and shapes the experience and desired outcome. Think about what you want to achieve. Your intention can be as straightforward as relieving stress, or clearing out toxic energy and welcoming fresh, clean energy.

4. Prepare your equipment

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Here's where you get into the actual smudging process. Start by cleansing your own aura with sweeping motions, specifically targeting areas with tension. Light your smudge stick with a lighter or candle next.

5. Start at the entrance

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With your lighted smudge stick in hand, move to the entrance of the space you are cleaning and start there. As you walk around the space in an anti-clockwise direction, move the bundle around to guide the wafting smoke to clear the energies of the space. Repeat your intentions as you are going through this motion. Serene recommends verbalising your intentions as it helps bring focus to the process.

6. Pay attention to the corners

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More attention should be paid to the corners of the space as these are where energies stagnate. Cleansing one round around the space is sufficient. You should stop at where you started - the entrance. Close the door at the end if you want to.

7. Maintain a neutral and present mindset

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During the smudging process, it is important to stay focused. Phones, laptops and other possible distractions should be silenced and stowed away. Be present.

8. Extinguish your smudge stick

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The smudge stick will eventually stop burning. You can tell when it stops smoking and has no more embers. To be extra careful, prepare a bowl of salt and use it to extinguish any embers and catch any ash that has formed.

9. End it with gratitude

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Be thankful for the smudging experience and the energies that have flowed through. Repeat the process whenever necessary.