Smoke Cleansing for Beginners – Rituals, Crystals & Ethical Practices

Cleansing is a simple yet powerful way to clear negative energy and invite positive vibrations into your space. Whether you are new to this practice or looking to refine your technique, here are a few tips and tricks to get you started!

How to Perform a Smoke Cleansing Ritual

To smoke cleanse, you will need:

• A bundle of herbs (such as rosemary, lavender, or mugwort) or a stick of Palo Santo, cedar, or another sacred wood.
• A heat-proof dish to catch ashes.
• A lighter or matches.
• Please be sure to remove pets from the area and make sure there is adequate ventilation. Animals are very sensitive to smoke/scents!

Steps:

1. Light the bundle or stick and allow it to burn for a few seconds before gently blowing out the flame.
2. Once the flame is out, use your hand or a feather to waft the smoke around the space or person you are cleansing.
3. Set your intention, whether it’s releasing negative energy or inviting positivity.
4. When your ritual is complete, fully extinguish the bundle or stick in the heat-proof dish. We don't want any stray embers!

Pro Tip: Be mindful of how long the herbs burn—early in my practice, I let a cedar bundle burn too long and almost set the plants on my altar on fire! Learn from my mistake. I now always keep a bowl of sand nearby just in case.

 

Using Crystals for Cleansing and Protection

Crystals can help amplify cleansing rituals and protect your space. Some of the most popular choices for this include:

• Black Tourmaline – Absorbs and repels negative energy.
• Clear Quartz – Enhances clarity and spiritual protection.
• Selenite – Clears stagnant energy and self-cleanses.
• Obsidian – Shields against negativity and psychic attacks.

How to Use Crystals:

1. Hold your chosen crystals and set an intention for their purpose.
2. Visualize a bright white light surrounding your space as you ask the crystals to cleanse and protect it.
3. Place the crystals in areas such as doorways, windowsills, and room corners.
4. Carry a small crystal with you for personal protection.
5. Regularly cleanse your crystals using sunlight, moonlight, sacred smoke, or burial in the earth. Be sure to research the best cleansing method for each stone before cleansing them; some are pickier than others.

One of my favorite ways to use crystals is placing selenite wands above door frames. I once had a friend walk into my home and immediately comment on how "light and clear" the energy felt—I like to think the crystals played a big role in that!

By incorporating crystals into your practice, you can cultivate a peaceful and protective energy within your space.

Example of a Cleansing and Protection Spell

If you're someone who prefers a more structured ritual, try this simple cleansing and protection spell:

Materials Needed:

• A white candle
• Salt

Steps:

1. Light the candle and sprinkle salt in a clockwise direction around the perimeter of the room or space.
2. Visualize a bright white light filling the space and ask for protection and positivity.
3. When the ritual is complete, extinguish the candle and dispose of the salt outside the space to carry away negativity. For instance, I have a spot in the corner of my yard where I bury all of my cleansing materials.

Ethical Considerations in Smoke Cleansing

If using white sage, it’s important to practice ethical sourcing. White sage is a sacred plant in many Indigenous cultures, and purchasing from reputable sources that support Native American communities ensures its use is respectful and sustainable. Mindfully using white sage with an understanding of its cultural significance prevents appropriation and honors its spiritual roots. If in doubt, you can choose a different herb, like cedar, to cleanse your space.

By incorporating smoke cleansing, crystals, and simple spells into your routine, you can create a space filled with positive energy, clarity, and protection. Happy cleansing!