smudging

Smudging is using the smoke from burning herbs to clear the aura or energy field of a person or a place. The American Indians use smudge sticks, which are made from the dried leaves of certain herbs, usually sage or pine, tied up in a bundle. You can also use incense cones or sticks, or even loose incense burned on a quick-light charcoal briquette for the same purpose. The best incenses for this are sage, pine, frankincense and myrrh, or cedar.

To smudge a person, have them stand facing the East with their arms stretched out sideways. Light your incense or smudge stick and then put out the flame so that it still smokes. Begin in front of them, using your hand or a feather to waft the smoke up and around first their head, then their upper torso and arms, then moving down their body towards the ground. Repeat this pattern moving clockwise (sun-wise) around them, head to toe, until you return to stand in front of them again.