Sage Goddess Smudging Protocol for clearing sacred space

We talk about smudging all the time here at Sage Goddess because it’s a critical first step in any sacred ritual and just a great way to clear negativity and raise the vibe at any time. I smudge daily to purify my sacred space before any ritual, ceremony, or meditation. It’s an integral part of my spiritual practice — in fact, it’s what this community was built upon! Sage Goddess began with my hand-wrapped smudge bundles, which I offered to those around me to spread healing, love, and light. It remains my mission to share and educate others about this ancient practice, and I feel inspired to offer you some of my most cherished personal smudging tips! Here’s my smudging protocol so you can do this for yourself. 

Sage Goddess Smudging Protocol

Please note: Your ritual or ceremony can be performed with the smoke of any sacred herb or tree resin. Each plant carries its own magical properties and benefits, and you can pick one to resonate with your specific intention. If you’re feeling drawn to a specific type of smudge, trust your intuition — your spirit knows what it needs.

First, begin by saying a brief centering prayer.

‘Great Spirit, ancestors in the light, and guardian angels who surround me, I ask that you come closer and guide my hands and this smoke as we prepare to clear and consecrate this sacred space.’

Then, light your sage, palo santo, copal, or other resin or herb. 

Take a deep breath and feel your feet on the floor. Become aware of your breath. Take three deep, cleansing breaths. On the inhale, call into yourself strength, peace, and wellness. On the exhale, release fear, resistance, and physical tension.

And take a moment there. Let the process unfold slowly.

As the herbs and/or resins begin to smoke, move to the easternmost quadrant of your room or space. Fan the smoke out in front of you with your right hand, and say these words out loud:

‘Guardians of the east, remove any energies from this space that are not serving my highest good. Please replace them with clarity, focus, and peace.’

Next, move to the southernmost quadrant of your room or space. Fan the smoke out in front of you with your right hand, and say these words out loud:

‘Guardians of the south, remove any energies from this space that are not serving my highest good. Please replace them with courage, strength, and curiosity.’

Then, turn toward the westernmost quadrant of your room or space. Fan the smoke out in front of you with your right hand, and say these words out loud:

‘Guardians of the west, remove any energies from this space that are not serving my highest good. Please replace them with happiness, lightheartedness, and physical ease.’

Finally, turn toward the northernmost quadrant of your room or space. Fan the smoke out in front of you with your right hand, and say these words out loud:  

‘Guardians of the north, remove any energies from this space that are not serving my highest good. Please replace them with grounding, patience, and wisdom.’

Now that you have cleared the energies of your space, take another deep, cleansing breath. Extinguish your bundle or herbs and give thanks to the plants for their energy. Release the guides and guardians with gratitude as well. Remember you can do this process as needed, but best practice would be at least twice each month at the new and full moon and before any ceremony or deep meditation. So long as it is done mindfully and reverently, this protocol cannot be overused or exhausted. The Great Mother can carry and release what is too heavy for you with love.

Amen, A’ho, and So it is.

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