The first thing to remember when you are
making your own smudge sticks is that, as with
any spiritual intent, be sure to wash and cleanse
yourself – deliberately getting rid of any
negative energy in the process – before you
begin. There are also a few other guidelines
you’ll need to follow.
- Before picking the plant matter, honour the
plant and ask its permission to take a branch
or stem for your spiritual intent. Respect the
plant and let it continue to give of its life. - When picking stems, make sure they are long
enough to be bound together. - Use any of the herbs mentioned above or use
pine or cypress, if your location allows. You
do not have to use plants and herbs that are in
your immediate vicinity – though, if you have
grown the plants yourself, this will give you
tremendous satisfaction. - If you want to, add essential oils, but use
them sparingly and try to choose one that will
enhance the purpose of, or add an extra
quality to, your bundle.
YOU WILL NEED
Selection of leaves and stems
Elastic band
Thick cotton twine
Small bowl
METHOD
✤ Arrange a small handful of leaves and stems
fairly symmetrically into a bundle – don’t use
too many.
✤ Put the stems in the elastic band to keep the
pieces together while you tie the bundle,
removing it when you have finished.
✤ Take a long piece of thick cotton twine and
place the bundle top (the thicker end) in the
middle of it.
✤ Using the two ends of the twine, bind the
bundle together tightly in a criss-cross
fashion, starting at the top and finishing at
the bottom part of the stems. (Take your time
over this – the more secure you make the
bundle the better it will burn. Some leaves or - twigs may protrude, so you need a receptacle to
- catch falling ashes.)
- ✤ Bind the end of your bundle securely with the
- twine and perhaps make a dedication to your
- purpose.
- ✤ You will now have a cone-shaped bundle. Let it
- dry out thoroughly before burning it, because it
- won’t burn properly if it is at all damp.
- ✤ To use the herb bundle, light the thicker top
- end and then blow out the flame out so it
- smoulders. Some bits may drop out of the
- bundle so remember to have a bowl or
- receptacle handy to catch them.
