Smudging is the common name given to a powerful cleansing technique from the Native American tradition; however, the burning of herbs for emotional, psychic and spiritual purification is a common practice among many religious, healing and spiritual traditions.  It is a ceremonial way to cleanse a person, place or an object of negative energies or influences.  It is also an effective method for energizing or blessing a person, place or object.

Smudging can be useful when you're feeling depressed, angry, resentful, unwell or after you have had an argument with someone.  It is common to smudge yourself, the space and all the guests or participants before a ritual or ceremony or celebration.  You can smudge your home or work space s part of a general spiritual housecleaning.  You can cleanse crystals or other objects of any negative or lingering energy with a smudging ritual.