Magick Morning: Our Daily Morning Self-Care Routine, The Ultimate Guide To Working With Moon Phases, I prefer to use my 4-inch mini cast-iron cauldron, sign up for our FREE Nature Magick e-mail newsletter. Sweetgrass. This part is as important as the smudging phase! Enjoy. for about 3 weeks. In the cold months, most herbs stop producing leaves, so drying also allows the herbs to be available in winter; by drying, you can enjoy their energy and benefits throughout the year. I had already dried and preserved about 5 mason jars worth for tea and still had tons left over. Sage grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. If you want to dry in the best way, you must choose this moment for the harvest. Tie the loose end to the original knot at the base of the stick. [Here's How To Do It Right], Here's How to Use Palo Santo Smudge Sticks [Tips & Tricks], What is the Purpose of Smudging? How to Make a Smudge Stick: 1. Air drying is best for white sage. What Kind of Sage is Used for Smudging? However, it is very easy to recognize when the dry herbs are ready. Aspen is known to be used traditionally for protection and the essential oils in the leaves work as a type of anxiety reducer.Aspen burns quickly, Because of this, sometimes it's simply preferred to add Aspen essential oils in Sage Smudge Sprays.. Rosemary. We use cookies to give you the best experience, as detailed in our privacy policy. Next, all you need to do is let it dry. Fold in any stray sprigs, tucking them under the string as you go. A Smudge Stick - This can be made of either Palo Santo wood or California White Sage, otherwise known as White Sage (this is not the same as the sage that we use to season our food). This allows the negative energy and smoke a place to escape. Attracts positive energy. Generally it takes about two weeks for fresh smudge sticks to dry completely. In both cases, the concept is to facilitate the passage of air, which serves to take away the moisture and dry the leaves, just like hanging clothes. Lighting a smudge stick a day or two before the holiday will clear the air for loved ones so they may feel safe to return home from the land of the dead. Cotton thread or organic hemp string. Abalone Shell - We love using Abalone Shells to hold our smudge sticks because they fit so nicely in your hand and they're beautiful, but you could also use a bowl made of ceramic, glass, or clay. To make your own herbal smudge sticks will need: fresh herbs (5 to 10 sprigs per smudge stick) flowers and petals natural twine scissors Whatever your beliefs, put yourself in a state of gratitude and appreciation for the harvesting and bundling session. It is often used in the production of perfume as it is an aphrodisiac. What is a Smudge Stick? 4. Patchouli is an herb believed to attract prosperity and love. The oven door must be left slightly open to allow the water vapor to escape. [Finding the Right Herbs], Where did Smudging Come From? The procedure is simple and only takes a few days: after having collected the sage leaves, perhaps choosing the largest, wash them carefully and let them dry on a cloth. Now you have your own beautiful, energy-clearing smudge stick! You can use cotton to bind them. Light one end evenly over a heat-safe bowl and let it burn for a few seconds, before putting out the flame. Find us on: What Kind of Feather is Used for Smudging? Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Affiliate Disclosure | Member Area. Your email address will not be published. Depending on what type of herb you used, and how humid your weather is, it may take a couple of days or as much as a week to dry out. … Matches, preferably wooden. Today we are making (inexpensive) sage smudge sticks! To dry, you can hang a bundle up on a door or wall as I do. Foundation Spellcasting FAQ Privacy Policy Terms of Use Contact Us About Magickal Spot. White Sage (joy, wisdom and restores harmony) ... You can opt to leave your stick out in the sun to dry, hang it up in the shade, or put it on a rack/in a paper bag. How to dry out sage for smudging? Hang the bundle upside down in a cool, dry place for at least a week. In the oven, the herbs are placed on a baking sheet and must be turned and checked often. You can also use culinary sage to bring wisdom and healing. 5 Dry the sage with a clean towel. Preparation Open a window in each room your are smudging. [A Quick Guide], A few tricks to better dry out sage for smudging. DEBRA RIGAS 29 SEP 2017 CLASS. California white sage is a popular choice is used to for cleansing, purification, love, protection. If you pick the herbs by cutting twigs, you can tie them together, making bunches to hang upside down. If it takes a little bit more time, don’t freak out! Top with up to five more layers each of herbs and paper towel; then slide them into your microwave. Pull the leaves from the stems and spread them in a single layer, not touching, on couple of sheets of paper towel. The ideal place is an outdoor room like a porch; if you stay inside the house, you still need to ventilate very often. What is your favorite smudge recipe? A clay pot is ideal to help with drainage for your sage plant especially if you live in a rainy climate. Make a loose knot on the bottom of the bundle and begin wrapping the twine around the bundle tightly in a spiral up and the back down and then tie a knot to the loose bottom knot. I told you it was simple! Once the room feels clean, you’re done! - Once your smudge stick is completely wrapped, use the excess twine to it hang upside down in a dark room (like your closet!) Sage, like all other cleansing herbs, lasts only a few days after harvest and these kinds of plants then lose their fresh energy and their properties; if they are dried, however, they can be stored for a long time and so it is very useful to learn how to do it. Once the smudge stick has a steady flame, blow it out so it is smoldering and smoking. For this smudge stick combination, Rosemary and Sage have been used which is the perfect combination for clearing negative energy, protection and air cleansing. This gives you the benefit of a nice smelling room. Always avoid humid places and too much light. Aspen. Here I am going to describe different techniques to do so, some tips for quicker results, and my personal favorite way to dry out sage for smudging. Confusingly, the sage most used in smudge sticks is not culinary sage but sagebrush; it transforms energy and brings change. I know that when this happens, you get frustrated, but you can avoid this by respecting sage’s drying time! To smudge :: Light the tip of the smudge stick with a lighter, match, or candle. Trim off any excess pieces so that the ends of your smudge stick are even. Smudging is the act of burning special healing herbs as part of a cleansing ritual to clear energies, air or a physical space.According to Marika Messager, at the Numinous, smudging can be seen as the psychic equivalent for “washing your hands before eating” and it has science proved facts: as stated by Prof. Chandra Nautiyal, smoke from some herbs can even change the molecular structure of air and energy. Dry it the open air. The leaves will already have a shape to them so let their direction inform how you’re adding new bits and how you ultimately tie it all together. Sometimes less (such as in Summer). Once you’re finished with your smudging, just run your sage stick under a bit a water and set it aside to dry. The drawback of air drying is that the times are long and variable according to the climate. Be patient and give your sage the chance to dry out completely to let it do the work! Smudging is an ancient practice in many cultures and religions. [Which Herbs To Pick? Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Sage. California white sage is a good all purpose sage for your cleansing needs. With the long end of the string, begin to wrap the bundle tightly, spiraling up towards the top of the bundle. Honoring The Four Elements: Earth, Air, Fire, Water. Common Sage: meditation, cleansing, purification Rosemary: cleansing, invigorating . How to Dry Cedar for a Smudge Stick. If you have a relatively small quantity of sage leaves to dry or if you're in a hurry, you can even use your microwave to dry the herbs. You not only get to reap the benefits of the smell for months, but a floral sage smudge bundle is also a beautiful addition to you altar and sacred space.. It is a natural process that requires a dry and ventilated place. Among them, the Native Americans have long used sacred (or white) sage, cedar, tobacco and sweetgrass for ceremonial purposes and purification rituals. patchouli sage smudge stick. "Don't use water to extinguish the hot embers—it will ruin the tip of the stick and make it harder to light next time. Drying out sage for smudging is a foundational part of our smudging cleansing ritual. There should be enough moisture left to wrap them up without pieces crumbling off. While it’s true that with the microwave the drying is done in a few minutes, but it is a low-quality method and will ruin your precious cleansing sage. But how do you dry out sage for smudging? Collect them before flowering. Before you can wrap most herbs into a smudge stick, hang them up to dry slightly for a day or two. If you don’t have a dryer, use a traditional oven. Use white cotton as this color can recall the energy of the cleansing action you want it to perform and manifest for you. The plant accumulates substances and energy that will be needed to cover the effort of making flowers and seeds. The dried aromatic herbs are perfectly preserved in glass jars with screw caps, to be kept in the pantry. Because only when sage is dry can this herb create the cleansing smoke able to truly banish negative energies from your place and create enough room for fresh, new, positive energy. Once you … Plants to use in Smudge Sticks . Set the smudge stick to dry in a basket or on a drying screen for 7-10 days (or as long as necessary). Making DIY smudge sticks to use throughout the year seemed like a fun new way to preserve the sage and create a handmade gift to give to friends. Wait until your bundles are completely dry (this usually takes a … Sunlight is not optimal for drying; it reduces the time but compromises quality since some components of the herbs are photosensitive and thermolabile. Place the bundle outside or hang it up for drying. We will like to hear from you in the comment section. It also allows the sage to get to the perfect consistency to be burned and to create the cleansing smoke you need to cleanse yourself and your space. Smoke attaches itself … Pro tip: Don't get it wet! However, if there is dew, it is better to wait, letting it evaporate naturally. You can make use of a drying screen or basket for a quick result. Keep the end long. The best way to dry it is to gather it together in a bundle, tie it together, and hang it in your garage or another place so it will dry evenly. Fireproof dish or abalone shell Sand or soil for extinguishing herbs at the end. You want the herbs to just start drying, but not be crispy. | Are you familiar with shamanistic practices? Don’t rush it! A White Sage smudge stick (Best for purifying.) Once the smudge has been prepared, it must be allowed to dry before it can be used. To dry sage in the oven, set the lowest possible temperature: the higher the heat, the lower the energy of your herb. If you can only place it outside, just remember to bring it inside or cover it at night so it doesn't get any dew on it. You should allow up to 7 days for the stick to dry properly. The important thing is to choose the right place for drying, somewhere ventilated, and not humid. If you pick the herbs by cutting twigs, you can tie them together, making bunches to hang upside down. If the right conditions are created, it is possible to dry cleansing herbs without difficulty, preserving their energy and magickal properties. If, on the other hand, you only collected the leaves, they must be placed on a grate or a tightly meshed net. a sage bundle (or smudge stick) some recommend a seashell or bowl of ceramic, clay, or glass to hold burning sage or capture ash some recommend matches over a manufactured lighter You can dry sage in a perfectly natural way without using any tools. The times vary a lot but are usually quite short; the herbs must be carefully monitored to avoid burning them. The Benefits of Burning Cedar, Juniper, Sage, Bay Leaves and Palo Santo Video by: Ilmypsychicjane. Leave the stick in a dry, dark place until it’s ready. Thanks for your support! Once dry, place them on a sheet of parchment paper (or on a tea towel) to let them rest away from light in a ventilated place. Or you can place the leaves and stems on … The expert eye recognizes at first glance the correct degree of drying, but just touch to hear if they “rustle” or crumble between your fingers to understand when to stop drying and put them in the pantry. Or if you’re working with dried ingredients already, disassemble an existing sage smudge stick (look for a high-quality one with large leaves still in tact, not one that looks crumbly already). For example, I let Russian sage dry for 24 hours before wrapping it. By continuing to use this website, you consent to the use of cookies. [Colors Explained], What to do With Sage Ashes or Stick after Smudging? Due to its speed, this method is suitable for those who do not have much time, but it is certainly not the best in terms of quality. Also read: What Kind of Sage is Used for Smudging? In its cultivation cycle, sage has a moment in which the concentration of active ingredients is higher; generally, this is the period before flowering. You can opt to leave your stick out in the sun to dry, hang it up in the shade, or put it on a rack/in a paper bag. Store your sage properly. After the rinse, gently shake the sage and then place them on a clean, dry towel. [Different Shrubs], let sage manifest its properties and benefits. Now it’s time to smudge! Have thoughts, prayers or intentions in mind that you will say while smudging the room. Now hang your smudge stick by the tied end somewhere warm until it is almost dry, but not totally moisture free. [Different Shrubs]. Sage picked in the morning retains a higher content of essential oils and therefore will have a greater scent once dried. [History Explained], How to Light Sage for Smudging? You can use your sage from your garden and whatever herbs you have as well! After you dried your sage, now it’s time to store it properly! How to Use Your Smudge Stick. The drying process works by depriving the herbs of the water contained within them, thus blocking the action of the various microorganisms that would cause them to deteriorate. How to make your own DIY Smudge Sticks. Before you start your sage plant, you will want to find a place outdoors that will provide optimal growing conditions. The last stage is to lay the stick down to dry. It is impossible to give standard drying times: the humidity of the air, the type of herb, and the climate are variables that greatly change the times. You can reuse your smudge stick as many times as you’d like. There are also those who dry herbs using the microwave oven, but I’m not going to tell you how to do it because I don’t recommend the method. After three or four days, the sage will be dry, and you can keep it in an airtight glass jar, either keeping the leaves intact or crumbling them. Then it’s ready to reuse later. [Guide], Is Smudging Bad for Your Lungs? The real reason I made smudge sticks was because we had sage growing out our ears! Fresh Sage. Why? Summer is the ideal time to collect, consume, or dry the sage leaves when they have their most intense balsamic period. ], Does Smudging Kill Germs? There are several herbs commonly used for smudging, and it really doesn't matter which one you choose, apart from your being comfortable with it. In some types of sage, it is possible to dry the flowering twigs, just pick the flowers before they open for them to look their best. Now you’ll have a fresh, DIY, organic smudge stick. You can also lay them out flat to dry, but here I suggest setting them on top of a screen or very loosely woven basket that is raised up off of any solid surfaces so that air can flow underneath and around the bundles. Sometimes less (such as in Summer). Feel free to share this article on Pinterest! Making a sage bundle (also referred to as a smudge stick or smudge bundle) is fun, simple, and can be a beautiful ritual in itself. You can dry sage in a perfectly natural way without using any tools. Collect them when the flowers are still closed. Sagebrush. Supplies: Fresh Rosemary. If you have to keep your plant indoors, make sure to keep it next to a sunny window. Generally it takes about two weeks for fresh smudge sticks to dry completely. Magickal Spot is a witchcraft site dedicated to offering magical education, and we do this thorough explanation of the craft and its many nuances. The process can be accelerated by heat, but with caution: light and too high temperatures can also cause the herbs to lose some of their energy. If, on the other hand, you only collected the leaves, they must be placed on a grate or a tightly meshed net. It’s better to wait a bit longer and let sage manifest its properties and benefits than rushing things and having to deal with failure! Set an intention and carefully use the smoking sage stick to cleanse your space. Find an ideal place to plant the sage. The smoke from a burning smudge stick is thought to remove negative energy. Collect them in the morning. Dry Your Smudge Sticks . When you get back to the stems, tie the remainder of the string to the 2" loose piece you left at the beginning. Once you're ready to extinguish a sage smudge stick, press the burning tip firmly into your fireproof vessel, dirt, or sand until the smoke no longer rises. In my DIY smudge stick, I used sage (for clearing negative energy) and rosemary (used for protection), but you can bundle most herbs to create a smudge stick with different purposes. Sage smudge stick (l); red cedar smudge stick (r) Choose Your Herb. Or on a door or wall as I do ideal time to store it properly flowers and seeds one! Your Herb and spread them in a single layer, not touching, on couple sheets. 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