Smudging, Smoke Cleansing and the Differences

What is smudging?

Smudging is a sacred, ceremonial practice with deep roots in Indigenous cultures in North America. The act of smudging involves burning specific plants, such as white sage, sweet grass, cedar, or palo santo, as part of a ritual for spiritual purification. Burning these herbs can also be used to connect with spirit, Mother Earth, and summon ancestral spirits for help and guidance. Smudging typically follows specific rituals, prayers, and intentions set within Indigenous beliefs.

What is smoke cleansing?

"Spiritual house cleansing" is one of the best ways to define smoke cleansing because the practise requires burning herbs, resins or incense to cleanse the space and shift energy. Smoke cleansing is not rooted in a specific cultural or religion, so there is freedom to cleanse in a manner that works for you and your environment. People often smoke cleanse with lavender, blue sage, or sandalwood depending on personal preference.

Elements of smudging

Smudging acknowledges and practices based on the 4 elements:

⋒ Black (water) - this colour depicts the container, usually a shell

⋒ Red (earth) - signifies mother earth's therapeutic gifts, which often include tobacco, sage, sweetgrass, and/or cedar

⋒ Yellow (fire) signifies the fire that illuminates the sacred medicines

⋒ White (air) - the smoke is represented by a huge bird feather often used to fan the smoke

Elements of smoke cleansing

These smoke cleansing rituals include:

⋒ Spells

⋒ Crystals

⋒ Incantations

⋒ Tarot and any other number of modifications one desires

The difference between smudging and smoke cleansing

Smudging and smoke cleansing may appear identical to outsiders due to the smoke, however, they are done for different reasons. In short, smudging is rooted in Indigenous culture and spiritual ceremony. Whereas, smoke cleansing does not take roots in one specific culture, but instead, it is an open practice that seeks to cleanse and purify the energy around. Avoiding traditional medicines that aren't part of your culture or religion is the most best way to avoid appropriation.

Some may claim that plants have no concept of borders or cultures, and that they only want to help and heal people. While this is true, we cannot disregard the wishes of people who have suffered so much pain and cultural harm due to colonization. Therefore, the best way to avoid appropriation is to avoid using sacred herbs not specific to your heritage, such as white sage.

Benefits of smoke cleansing

Smoke cleansing is believed to have purifying effects due to its antimicrobial properties. Spiritual cleansing can heighten your intuition and aid in reaching a state of healing, as well as dispelling negative energies. It is effective for purifying objects and can positively impact your mood and sleep quality. Additionally, smoke cleansing can be used to alleviate stress and pain, elevate energy levels, and leave behind a pleasant fragrance.