How to make your own smudge stick

Smudge sticks are derived from Native American culture, where they were used in ceremonies to cleanse and bless people and places. Smudging, or smoke cleansing is used in many other cultures too. Indigenous Australians use native eucalyptus leaves in smoking ceremonies to cleanse people and places of unwanted energies.

The sticks that you may be used to seeing are usually made up of dried sage, but can be made with many other combinations of dried herbs and flowers like lavender, rosemary, thyme, or any other scents you prefer. When smoking, the sticks give off a rustic aroma that’s calming and pleasant.

Preparation

Selection of chosen herbs, a sharp knife or scissors, sturdy stick – this is your centerpiece – so sturdy but not too big to burn, candle matches, coloured threads (embroidery threads work well).

 Instructions

• If possible, pick herbs fresh from the garden. Dried herbs will flare too easily. However, you can combine fresh and dried herbs if you need to
• Try to gather your herbs as they come into bloom during waxing moon. Approach the plant with respect and ask its spirit for permission to use it in your smudge. Cut the plant with a sharp knife or scissors – (you will need pieces around 20 to 30 cms / 8 to 12 inches long)
• Gather your material together and light a candle, asking the spirits of the plants you have gathered to help make powerful smudge.
• Take a sturdy stick as a base. Arrange the other stems around it. Keep the dried herbs on the inside.
• Take a piece of thread or animal hide and tie it around the stick, starting at the bottom. If you want to add dried herbs that are powdered or crashed, you can put these on the inside of the smudge stick as you start to bind the bundle.
• Tie your smudge stick quite firmly. The thread should reach at least halfway up the length of the stick.
• Now hang your smudge stick by the tied end somewhere warm until it is almost dry, but not totally moisture free.