Creating Smudge Sticks: 15 Projects to Remove Negative Energy and Promote Wellness

by Peg Couch

Smudging is an ancient ritual most commonly used for purification and the removal of negative energy but can also enhance mindfulness, joy, serenity, and even creativity! Learn to raise your vibrations by creating smudge sticks with 15 projects, starting from the most basic sage stick and progressing to elaborate floral bundles. Each project is made using fresh flowers, plants, and herbs that are then stored in a cool location to dry before using. From the calm-inducing Stress Relief Smudge with lavender and sage, to the Anti-Anxiety Smudge with bay leaf and rosemary, discover recipes to suit your every need. An inspirational quote and suggested intention are included with each project. Now you can benefit from this powerful tradition, no matter what your background. All you need is an open heart and an open mind!

128 pages, Hardcover

Published September 28, 2020

Reviews

[Charla Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely book that is full of inspiration. The photographs are beautiful and there are easy to follow directions for every smudge stick offered. And, there is a wide variety of smudge sticks to choose from.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. Pretty book, lots of pics (some of which seemed like filler). Had some basic info for building smudge sticks, but they were all a very specific style - flowery, pretty & bouquet-like. She builds them from fresh materials, but doesn't show what they look like as they dry. She also doesn't really go into how to make them functional - tightness of bundling, which materials work best for their smoldering properties, etc.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Creating Smudge Sticks Earns 5/5 Herbal Handfuls...Informative Resource!

For whatever reason, from creating a pleasant environment to promoting physical well being to practicing religious rites, smudging is a curiosity that “Creating Smudge Sticks” by Peg Couch provided some clarity, insights, instructions, and practical application with “15 Projects to Remove Negative Energy and Promote Wellness.” The book is a well-written journey for novice and regular practitioners starting with an informative Preface and inspirational Welcome. The list of Essential Ingredients is just that...a list of the “best herbs, flowers, greens, and more” supplies, but a definition, description, or details about the plant variety, background, or what to look out for is not provided. Review Petal Play before starting the step-by-step tutorials for bouquet-style smudge sticks: Making Your First Bundle, How to Burn, Safe Smudging. The most common smudge idea is discussed in Elements of Sage with fascinating information and practical application steps. The directions are clear, and beautiful photos are included to illustrate some of the process, however a diagram emphasizing the key steps and motions would also have been helpful. With the basics presented, fourteen additional projects intent on a specific purpose are provided: Courageous-Heart, Stress-Relief, Happy-Heart, Pure-Energy, Love & Light, Anti-Anxiety, House-Blessing, Peace & Protection Amethyst, Romance, Good-Vibes, Purification, Peace & Harmony, Festive Holiday, Wedding. Be aware that there is a disclaimer that the book is “for educational purposes only...,” “not evaluated by the [FDA],” and not meant “to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.”

Each “Smudge” project, with a wide variety of purposes from which to choose, offers an introductory quote or thought, Suggested Intention, Ingredients, and step-by-step Instructions that I found easy to accomplish and with practice I feel I could be more comfortable with regular smudging.

“Beggars can’t be choosers,” so it’s difficult to complain about having difficulties navigating the eBook ARC I received from the publisher, however, it seems an eBook is not a purchase option. The hardcover book should be delightful as a resource or a gift.

Disclosure: I received an ARC from [publisher] thru NetGalley. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable book as the smudges that are made are beautiful, I would have liked to have seen them once they had dried or some troubleshooting while they are drying. The smudge I like the most was actually part of the builders blurb so no details of what was included or how to build. I think for now, I will probably stick with pre-made smudges. But it was a very pretty book, very calming.

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting, richly illustrated and easy to follow.
I found it useful even if you need to change some ingredients if you don't live in USA.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Doreen Prentiss Gabriellini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful. Well explained, encouraging and definitely worth looking into.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

The photographs in the book helps.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a nice book with simple explanations on making more pretty style sage bundles. Looking forward to giving them a go.