Michigan Paranormal Research Association

Smudging Ceremony

I have discussed with numerous people the benefits of a smudging ceremony and what it all entails. I believe that everyone can perform a smudging ceremony however that doesn’t mean I think everyone should do it themselves. If you’re dealing with a dark or negative energy/presence, you must have a determination and complete understanding of the situation. I see many house infestations and intrusions as a battle to assert oneself and the will of God. It doesn’t matter what religion you pertain to but rather that you fully believe in your abilities and the strength invested in you from whatever Greater Spirit.

Smudging can be used for a variety of things. I like to smudge any new location I move in to and you can even smudge your home for any future tenants. Even if there isn’t any evil or dark entity in your home, it is always good to clear out any restricted energy and residual energy. For example there may have been fights in the house recently or a family illness. This all collects energy that can be harmful and is completely healthy to remove. Some individuals choose to smudge their house and themselves on a seasonal routine. Consider it a form of “house cleaning” and see it as an opportunity for great growth and progress. You’d be amazed to see how effective it is with improving the family’s moods and comfort. I think we can collect and attract things on a daily basis so it is no wonder why things can get “clogged up” after some time.

Smudging can vary but it typically all consists of the same materials and essentials. On average, most ceremonies include the burning of white sage. There are four sacred herbs in the Native American culture; White Sage, Cedar, Tobacco and Sweet Grass. Many people choose to combine sweet grass and white sage together to form a potent smudge stick. A smudge stick is any of these herbs, dried and bound by twine or thread so it performs as a smoldering wand for the ceremony. White sage has a unique and earthy smell that many find intriguing. You’ll also need a abalone shell to hold the smoking contents as your perform the rights. I like to heat up a charcoal disk on the stove and place it in and under the herbs so there is a constant source of heat to burn the contents. While the herbs are burning I proceed to use my ceremonial feather to waft the smoke about the rooms. Make sure you enter every single room, closet and nook and cranny in the house; including the porch and attic!

While in each room and area, begin to repeat a set of prayers that you are comfortable with. I like to say something to the effect of, “There is no negative or dark energy or entities allowed here anymore. Only that of bright white light and positive energy. You are no longer welcome here and in the name of the Lord Father Jehova and the Lord Jesus Christ I command you to leave.” Using the Lord’s name in prayer and when fighting the dark is extremely effective in my opinion. By whatever unwritten laws, you have the right to command these things to leave and they must abide. Logically it shouldn’t work but it does! Repeat this prayer in each room and proceed to waft the smoke about with your feather. You can use any kind of feather and even make your own ceremonial feather.

After or before the smudging or even during if you have a partner joining you (which I highly recommend) you can use olive oil to enhance the effectiveness of the house cleansing. I dab some olive oil onto my finger and mark each window, door and opening in the sign of the cross (you can do it differently if you’re not comfortable with it). I also repeat the prayers as I do this. If you want to maximize the potency of the cleansing I also recommend using sea salt. You can even just use sea salt by itself every once in awhile without having to do the entire cleansing ceremony. Sprinkle just a pinch of salt or less in every four corners of the room or however many there are. Repeat the prayers and command that they leave and move on. Sometimes the spirits aren’t malicious and have just chosen to stay behind for whatever reasons be it unfinished business or fear, etc. If you feel this is the case, explain to them that it is your home and you’d like to live in peace. If they need help moving on direct them to attend a funeral and for them to leave with the deceased member. Typically I have read that spirits roam and visit loved ones for three days (the number three occurs in many occult matters…The Father the Son and the Holy Ghost, wiccan/pagan rituals usually include things in threes, etc.) and then cross over. Tell them to go into the white light and not to be afraid because he has loved ones waiting for him. Or her for that matter! I hope this helps and if it is a severe case, there is power in numbers but make sure everyone has the right motives and is there to clearly help and not meddle with the dead. Feel free to ask any questions or request help if needed! Good luck and God bless!