Smudging is used in pagan, Wiccan and many new age religions for purifying and cleansing people, ritual areas, crystals, tools and objects of negative energies. Smudge sticks are bundles of dried herbs, mainly sage that are bound with string in a small bundle and dried. Often other herbs or spices are added including cedar, lavender and mugwort. They have a strong, pleasant aroma when burnt. Simply light one end of the smudge stick, then either holding it or resting it in heatproof dish or abalone shell, use a feather to direct the smoke around the person, object or area to be cleansed.














