How to Smudge your Crystals

Smudging is a great way to cleanse and charge your crystals. Imagine the smoke enveloping the crystal and dissipating all the negative energy and infusing it with a reinvigorated energy. This will allow you to harness all its healing properties. 

Smudging is a powerful cleansing technique that originates from Native American tradition. This ceremonial cleansing calls upon the spirits of sacred plants to remove negative energies that do not serve a higher good. Smudging is an ancient method to drive away negative energy from an environment and restore balance, which is why it’s a perfect way to cleanse and empower your crystals. But how do you effectively smudge your crystals?

• Hold the crystal gently in your fingers
• Set a clear intention when smudging

For example: I call upon the light and sage to drive away any negative energy that does not

serve the higher good.

• Move it slowly back and forth through the smoke
• Allow your intuition to tell you when the crystal is cleansed, or when the sage has stopped burning
• End your practise with gratitude i.e. I thank the spirit of this plant for its cleansing properties.

What can I use?

There are several options for smoke cleansing. You can use a sage stick or burning incense – sandalwood is particularly good for cleansing. White sage (salvia apiana) is the most used and both these items can be purchased in your local metaphysical or crystal shop. This way you’re supporting small businesses too!

Important: Light the very tip of your sage stick or incense with a lighter or match. Carefully blow out the flame to allow the smoke to be released before you start smudging.

Tip: use a dish to catch ash if using a sage stick or place your incense burner in a holder so the residue drops onto the board.

Once you have finished smudging your crystals. Set the sage stick down in a seashell or fireproof bowl or leave your incense in its holder and allow it to burn out on its own. It is believed the plant’s spirit will know when the negativity has been cleared and will diminish on its own accord. 

If you don't want to use the whole sage stick, carefully take out one of the leaves and save the rest for another occasion! 

Where should I smudge?

You can smudge inside your home if you wish, or if you’re not allowed or feel the scent becomes overpowering inside, you can sit outdoors. Avoid smudging on a windy day as the smoke may not fully penetrate the crystal.

When should I do this?

Cleansing your crystals should be a regular activity if you want your crystals to be working for you at full capacity. You should always cleanse your crystals when you first receive them. Generally, use your intuition: if you feel the urge to cleanse them – start smudging. 

Why should I do this?

Each crystal has its own life force. If it has been drained from energy or has absorbed a great deal of negative vibrations through its life, it will need rebalancing – much like we do. When we’re overwhelmed or vibrating at a low energy, we need to restore that balance so we can live to our full, authentic potential. Which is why we should treat our crystals in the same way.

Find out more about other ways to cleanse your crystals here.

If you have any questions about smudging please drop me a comment or share your smudging experiences!

The light in me recognises the light in you.