In Christopher Penczak's newest book, The Temple of Shamanic Witchcraft, he points out that when we utilize shamanic techniques in witchcraft, rather than blending disparate traditions, we are in fact getting to the root of the craft. One of the simplest and most powerful shamanic tools a witch can use is the smudge stick.

A smudge stick is a bundle of dried herbs, traditionally sage (often mixed with sweetgrass and cedar) that is used to cleanse and bless a space. You can buy these bundles ready made at magic shops and natural food stores, or you can create your own by gathering bunches of your desired herb, tying it up with thread, and letting it dry and compress over time. Before using it, first bless and consecrate it by placing your intention into it. Hold it and say or think something like: I charge these herbs to create protection and sacred space, so mote it be.

You can now use your smudge bundle for rituals of blessing, protection, and creating sacred space. Smudging is great to clear the air in a space where bad emotions have been circulating, and also to clear stuck energy within yourself and others. When you are ready, light one end of the dried bundle, let it burn for a few moments, and then blow out the flame so the smudge smolders and smokes. Try the following ritual to simply and effectively create sacred space.

Shamanic Smudging Ritual

Start by taking a few deep breaths to center yourself, and hold your intention of creating sacred space. Make sure you have at least an arm's length of space around you in all directions. Face north, and hold the herb bundle in the hand you consider dominant.

Using fluid, ritualistic motions, hold your smudge out to the north and say: To the powers of the north. Hold your smudge out to the east and say: To the powers of the east. Hold your smudge out to the south and say: To the powers of the south. Hold your smudge out to the west and say: To the powers of the west. Hold your smudge above you and say: To the powers above. Hold your smudge to the ground and say: To the powers below. Hold your smudge to the left side and say: To those on my left. Hold your smudge to the right side and say: To those on my right. Hold your smudge in front of your chest and say: And to those in my heart, I welcome you.

Hold out your smudge at arm's length, and trace three clockwise circles in smoke around you. You are not casting a circle, but you are purifying the entire space. Say: I stand in the center and create a sacred space. So mote it be. Stand in the center and take a deep breath. Feel yourself oriented in the sacred space of all nine directions around you.

(The Temple of Shamanic Witchcraft © 2005 by Christopher Penczak)

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