Making Smudges
Gather several fresh stalks of your favourite herbs. Some of the most
Common herbs yield the best fragrances. Mugwort makes a fine smudge on
Its own. You may also want to try cedars, Junipers, Sumac, Osier,
Mesquite, Tansy and Pinyon.I like using white sage. Each of these botanicals has its own savory
Aroma. Experiment with different combinations to suit your various
Needs. This recipe makes an aromatic smudge that is wonderful for
Meditation. It also makes a fine insect repellent and helps to banish
Mildew.
Lay the sheet of newspaper open. Gather the selected herb stalks
Together and hold them tightly in one hand. Bend them gently back over
Onto themselves 6 - 7 inches from one end. Quickly bend the remaining
Lengths back on themselves again in this same 6 - 7 inch long wand.
Holding this all together well, place it on the newspaper at an angle.
Roll it up tightly, like a big cigar and secure it snugly with the
Rubber bands or string.
Place the stick in a warm place, out of direct Sun, to dry for at least
Several days and preferably a week. You may unwrap it in a day or two to
Check it, then wrap it again more snugly. Let it dry out thoroughly for
A few more days. If it is very humid, it may take a couple of weeks to
Dry.
Unwrap the stick, discard the paper and tie the herb bundle securely
With fine cotton cord or thread. When ready to use, ignite one end and
Get it smoking. You can use this as a ceremonial smudge. To make a
Mosquito repellent, perch it upright in a clay pot or coffee can filled
With an inch or two of sand. If you want to burn the smudge for only
Several minutes, you can snuff out the smoking end by rubbing it outside
The pot or shell or pressing it into the sand. Do not use water to
Extinguish it.
