Please, read the direction before smudging, especially if you did not use it before.
Use caution at all times. You may open a window a little bit/ as needed to ensure smoke does not build up. This will also allow negative energy a clean exit.
If your Sage is wrapped very tight, you may want to unwrap it and pull it apart a little bit for easier burning. If your Sage is wrapped a little loose, it should burn just fine while tied (string is cotton and it is safe to burn along with the Sage). You may also break smaller pieces off the bundle and burn it in a shell.
Light your Sage for about 15-30 seconds. Hold the flame to the tip, slowly rotate and tilt the stick/bundle in different ways to generate a nice ember. Gently blow on the ember in 1-second intervals to maintain it. (Always use caution)
Sage will naturally stop burning and go out within a couple of minutes. This is perfectly natural and just the natural and just the nature of sacred item- you will need to relight as needed. Be cautious of any breeze or draft, which can prolong the embers and do not leave unattended while burning.
Use your Abalone shell if you have one to catch ashes or hold your Sage while burning (shell will get hot, use caution!) When finished, store your sage in a moisture free/low humidity area.
You may use in any room or area, but start in the area furthest from the exit.
