Grocery Store Smudge Stick
Upon moving across the threshold of the spring equinox, we all have a greater likelihood to take on aspects of Kapha. Earth and Water elements become more evident as the seasons shift and the Vata time of year recedes. Once frozen waters begin to melt and dribble down upon dampened earth. As these elements increase in the external environment they also increase within our own constitutions; Therefore, Kapha builds and tendencies towards stagnancy swell.
We can think of Kapha like a boulder, and when the boulder is at rest, it’s not going anywhere! However once you get the ball rolling, the heavy/stuck quality of Kapha is kept in check.
Smudging is an easy and fun way to move that stagnant earth! Walk around your living spaces with smoke and the intention of clearing your space! Smudge combines the element of Earth (incense) being transmuted by fire into Air and Ether (smoke). The qualities of smoke are hot, dry, light and mobile – these are all antidotes to Kapha! Moving the smoke around our space clears it of stagnant energy which helps to keep Kapha feeling fresh! The smoke also helps to dry out potential phlegm (one of our key Kapha indicators). Breathe in the smudge to further emphasize the qualities aforementioned into the mind. Sneezing can happen as a demonstration of Udana Vayu (upward moving Vata energy) this illustrates the anti-Kapha potential of the smudging practice because upward energy is the opposite direction of the Earth!
Aside from the emphasizing the mobile quality, smudging can also be a powerful tool to protect your home space. Smoke purifies and cleanses energetically, many cultures have burned it ceremonially for this very reason. When smudging your house, set the intention to remove any negative energy, this could mean to let go of a disagreement the other day with your spouse, or to relinquish annoyance with a friend/sibling within your residence. Smoke resets the energy and promotes sacred space. You can smudge yourself when adverse emotions come up as well.
Commercially produced incense sticks/smudge sticks are an easy introduction into smudging, but as Ayurvedies… we can do better! Homemade smudge sticks are a fun craft with friends and children alike. Even without access to fresh herbs/plants outside, we can grab an herbal assist from the grocery store.
Grocery Store Smudge Stick
In the produce section, pick up a few fresh bundles both of rosemary and sage. Also a small roll of
unbleached/undyed cooking twine.
Begin by packing several strands of rosemary together (the tighter packed the better) and end by wrapping the sage around the rosemary like a candy cane. Now using your cooking twine, tie the base near the stem tight. Wrap tightly in a coil for 1/2-1 inch to create a handle for the smudge stick. For added structure several crosses can be strung to hold extra support. Regardless, be sure to tie the end before finishing. There are many other potentials for smudge materials such as fresh harvested cedar, lavender, juniper,
mugwort, flower petals, etc.
To dry the smudge stick hang it by the handle in a sunny dry location for a week or so until it is dry and ready to burn. A faster method involves placing the oven as low as the temperature allows (170-200F) and placing the sticks on a baking tray and leaving the oven door partially ajar. It should take around 20 minutes
depending on quantity and size.
Now that your smudge sticks are created… Move that earth!
