Censers and the Art of Smudging: Purification, Connection, and Ritual

Energy cleansing: an ancient act of healing

Energy cleanses are ancestral practices that help us release low-vibration energies, protect ourselves, and restore balance.
There are many ways to perform them—some require experience and preparation—but anyone can begin with simple methods that connect us to the intention of cleansing and protecting.

Smudging works on three levels:

• Physical: releases toxins, removes body odors, relieves muscle pain, and supports skin health.

• Emotional: balances emotions such as sadness or anger, brings clarity to the mind, and promotes a sense of peace.

• Energetic: clears dense energies, activates our energy points, and prevents blockages that can lead to physical ailments.

What is smudging?

Smudging is much more than burning herbs—it is cleansing, transforming, connecting, setting intention, and protecting.
Its smoke connects heaven and earth, the material with the spiritual, and opens a space for healing and transformation.
There is no single “correct” way to smudge. What matters is feeling the medicine and trusting in it, always accompanied by a sincere prayer or petition filled with strength and true emotion.

You can smudge using incense, herb bundles, charcoal, censers… always with the proper preparation and protection.

Ways to smudge

• Censer or smudge pot: for deep cleanses, ceremonies, and longer rituals.

• Clay plates or small burners: ideal for personal cleanses and home use, requiring basic knowledge but not extensive preparation.

• Herb bundles: for daily or simple cleanses; in some cases, they can replace a censer for lighter rituals.

Protecting and opening the space

Before smudging a space, a person, or a natural outdoor area, it is important to protect the space and invoke the spirits and forces we work with (deities, apus, sacred animals…).
Protection can be accompanied by medicines such as tobacco, Florida water, aguardiente, or coca leaves.
This prayer is intimate and personal, performed by the person who will open the sacred space.
It is recommended to carry out cleanses during the day, not at night.

Preparing to smudge

• Choose the right time and place.

• Have an altar or sacred table ready.

• Wear ceremonial clothing and protections.

• Prepare all necessary materials (dried herbs, charcoal, matches, feathers, power objects).

• Have an offering ready to close the ritual.

• Do not smudge under the influence of alcohol, strong medication, or other substances.

During the smudging

Set a clear intention: if smudging for another person, say their full name and the purpose.
Trust the process, without doubts or fears.
When smudging spaces:

1. Tidy and clean the house physically.

2. If there are multiple floors, start from the lowest.

3. Smudge the people first, then the space.

4. Close windows and doors that lead outside; open drawers and cabinets inside.

5. Begin at the main entrance, move through the space to the left, and return on the right side.

6. Clean corners, under furniture, and behind doors.

7. Finish by spraying Florida water or another essence, open windows and doors to the street, and close those inside.

8. Bury the ashes.

After smudging

• Close the sacred space, thanking all the forces you invoked.

• Dismantle the altar if used.

• Bury the offering along with the ashes.

• Bathe and wash the clothes worn. If your hair was loose, wash it; if braided, there’s no need.

Herbs for smudging

• Bitter or strong herbs: intense aromas and thick leaves (sage, rue, rosemary). Used for deep cleanses, protection, and cutting energetic ties.

• Sweet or gentle herbs: delicate aromas and soft textures (lavender, mint, passionflower, flower petals, cinnamon). Used to attract love, tenderness, peace; also after strong cleanses to wrap the energy.

• For blooming or energy recharge: lemon verbena, rose mallow, lemon balm, passionflower, citrus peels.

Tools for your ritual

At Sumay Cacao, we offer the essentials to create your own ritual at home:

• Sage bundles: powerful for energy cleansing and protection.

• Incense bombs: practical and effective for purifying spaces.

• Palo Santo: sacred aroma that raises vibration and invites calm.

• Isa’s handcrafted censers: unique handmade pieces to safely hold fire and smoke, adding beauty and connection to your ritual.

Smudging is a bridge between worlds. It reminds us that we are part of nature, and that she offers her medicines to care for us, protect us, and bring us back into connection.

At Sumay Cacao, we believe every ritual deserves beauty and intention.
Explore our collection of smudging accessories and Isa’s handcrafted ceramic censers to accompany you in every cleansing, protection, and moment of connection.