How to Smudge

Smudging is more than smoke — it’s spirit in motion. Whether you’re preparing for a ceremony or simply clearing heavy energy from your space or self, these sacred tools offer protection, purification and power. Below, you’ll find guidance on how to work with each one intentionally.

White Sage and White Sage with Dragon’s Blood

Spiritual Use:
White sage is a potent purifier that clears heavy, stagnant, or chaotic energy from people, places, and objects. It resets a space back to spiritual neutrality — like opening the windows of your soul and letting fresh light in.

When infused with dragon’s blood resin, the sage takes on a more assertive energy: it not only clears but also protects and seals. This blend is ideal for times of spiritual warfare, deep shadow work, or when you need firm energetic boundaries.

How to Use:

  • Light the tip of the bundle until it catches flame, then gently blow it out. A steady stream of smoke should rise.

  • Hold the bundle over a fire-safe dish or shell (shells bring in the water element).

  • Move around your space or body, wafting the smoke with your hand or a feather.

  • Pay special attention to corners, doorways, mirrors, or areas that feel energetically “off.”

  • When finished, snuff the bundle in in the fire-safe dish or shell.

Use before rituals, after visitors, or anytime you sense lingering negativity.

Palo Santo (Holy Wood)

Spiritual Use:
Palo Santo doesn’t just cleanse — it uplifts. Unlike sage, which wipes the energy slate clean, Palo Santo clears negativity while drawing in blessings. Its sweet, woody scent calls in peace, creativity, and sacred presence. It’s perfect for light daily clearings, opening and closing sacred circles, or grounding after emotional stress.

How to Use:

  • Light one end of the stick and allow it to burn for about 30 seconds.

  • Blow out the flame — the stick should continue smoldering with visible smoke.

  • Hold it upright in a dish or shell and walk through your space, allowing the smoke to trail gently behind.

  • Fan it around your body or items needing cleansing.

  • Because it extinguishes quickly, you may need to relight it more than once during use.

Use when beginning your day, after emotional events, or to bless new beginnings.

Florida Water

Spiritual Use:
Florida Water is a liquid spiritual cleanser that cuts through spiritual residue without smoke. It refreshes the aura, clears emotional heaviness, and purifies spaces where smudging isn’t practical. It’s particularly helpful after nightmares, arguments, spiritual rituals, or moments of grief.

How to Use:

For Cleansing Your Aura (Body)

  • Pour a small amount into your hands.

  • Rub lightly between your palms, then sweep your hands over your body — starting at the crown, down the front of the body, then the back and sides.

  • Pay special attention to the heart, solar plexus, and back of the neck.

  • You can also apply a few drops to the wrists, behind the ears, or chest as energetic “anointing.”

This is especially useful after emotional interactions, nightmares, or ritual work.

For Space Clearing

  • Add a splash to a bowl of water or a spray bottle (diluted with water).

  • Sprinkle or mist it in doorways, corners, under beds, or around mirrors.

  • Wipe down altar surfaces or ritual tools with a cloth lightly dampened with Florida Water.

For Ritual Use

  • Use to cleanse candles, crystals, pendulums, or tarot cards before use.

  • Apply to your hands before spiritual work or divination.

  • Use to anoint thresholds, sacred objects, or the perimeter of a space you want protected.

⚠️ Notes:

    • Avoid contact with eyes or broken skin.

    • Florida Water is flammable, so do not use near open flame.

    • Always test on fabric before spraying linens or clothing.

Florida Water leaves behind a floral-citrus scent.

When to Smudge:

  • Before and after rituals or meditation

  • After emotional release or spiritual encounters

  • When moving into a new space or clearing negative energy

  • Following illness, nightmares, or difficult interactions

  • When feeling spiritually attacked

  • To create sacred space for healing or rest

Always remember: your intention activates the tool. These plant allies amplify what you’re already choosing — to clear, protect, restore, and reclaim your energy.