I thought, with all the current uncertainty, now would be a good time to write a blog on keeping your personal vibrations high.
Normally with sacred space clearing I would tell you that there are many options available other than having to use smudging bundles but with all the worry about the coronavirus certain herbs and essential oils are extremely beneficial to use as not only will it help keep your house and personal vibrations high but will help as natural antimicrobial, antiviral and antibacterial depending on what herbs or oils you choose to use.
If you are new to smudging your personal space please don't be put off by thinking it's complicated or you need specialised equipment in order to give it a go. All you need to get started is a smudging bundle of your chosen herb/s and your hand. If you don't want to fan the smoke with your hand, use a piece of card or folded paper with a little bit of rigidity to it.
If you want to be very strict about your smudging, the recommendation is to start at your front door and work clockwise around your house, making sure you get into all areas with the smoke. I don't think clockwise from your door is necessary but there are other things I do think are necessary.
* Set your intention - what do you want to create in your scared space? What do you want to manifest within your home? Is it to create clear, flowing energy? Is it to raise the vibration within your home? Is it to bring in love and harmony? Be very clear about your intention.
* Invite in whomever you feel you need to be with you, your ancestors, your guardian angels, your spirit guides, divine healing universal energy, whatever feels right at that moment at time.
* If you choose to smudge, give thanks for the plant and for everyone involved in the process of getting the plant to you for use in your work.
* If you choose to use a feather or multiple feathers, give thanks to the animal who's plumage you now use to carry out your sacred work.
If you want you can buy "tools" to help with your smudging, there are many options available such as:
Smudging Bowls
These bowls have a bit in the centre to hold the smudge stick in place so once it's lit the ash will fall into the bowl making it a good option for people who struggle to hold the smudging stick, shell and feather at the same time.
Abalone Shell
These shells are the traditional bowls used for smudging. They are hardwearing with a beautiful pearlescence on the inside. They will heat up from the lit smudging bundle so make sure you have a heat-proof mat to rest it on.
Feathers
There are many different forms of feathers available for smudging ranging from single feathers to grouped feathers to full wings. It is entirely up to you what you prefer to use, I have large single feathers but my go-to item is a set of Raven wings that were a gift.
So, when it comes to smudging your house, make sure you have the windows open as the negativity has to be able to leave as you bring positivity in and a raising of vibrations occurs.
Smudging your House
When working through your house it is ideal to move from room to room making sure to get the smoke into all the corners of the rooms at floor and ceiling level, this includes the inside cupboards and under the beds.
Smudging Yourself
Smudging yourself is something that I recommend you do every day, even multiple times a day if your require or feel like it. All you have to do is surround yourself with the smoke from the smudge stick, moving the smoke around your body from the feet up. Make sure to cover all space around your body by extending your arms as far above your head as you can reach and out to the sides as far as you can. That whole area, your aura, should be smudged.
Give Thanks
Once you are finished, give gratitude to all who gave assistance, those who you called to be present, the herb/s. You can say "Thank you, thank you, thank you" or "Om Shanti".
The other option if you feel smudging is not for you is that you can use essential oils. There are various ways for using oils but at this time of year, when heating isn't used much the best option is investing in a diffuser.
Diffuser
There are lots of different styles and sizes of diffuser available to buy and it will be down to personal preference.
They have a reservoir that you fill with water and you can add a few drops of your favourite oil or a blend of oils to use in your home.
A word of caution here - if you choose to go down the route of essential oils and you are unfamiliar with using them, do your research about the oil you intend to use, not all oils are suitable depending on whether you have cats, dogs or babies and young children in the house. This caution does not end here, do not presume it will be fine. Check about your oil and any contraindications it may have.
Below I have listed some of the common smudging herbs used and their properties along with oils. This list below is small and in no way exhaustive but it gives you an idea and starting point if you want to take it further.
Smudging Herbs
White Sage - Dispels negativity, excellent for cleansing people and objects (including crystals) and has antimicrobial properties.
Palo Santo - Brings in love, abundance, creativity and is wonderful at cleansing your aura and soothing emotional pain.
Blue Sage - Brings in healing energy, another brilliant herb for cleansing, removes negativity and aids meditation.
Sweetgrass - Brings good energy into the home, promotes happiness, openheartedness and harmony
Cedar - Good for blessing the house while cleansing at the same time.
Essential Oils
Lavender - Relaxation and happiness
Lemongrass - Purifying, cleansing and energising
Myrrh - Enlightenment, healing and grounding
Frankincense - Protection, purification, spiritual connection, antidepressant qualities
As I said, these lists are far from exhaustive, but feel free to look into various options and go for what feels right for you.
Look after yourselves my lovelies.
Blessings
The Wild Woman xx
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