Between all the noise and expectations, it’s easy to forget the little things that help you pause, breathe, and reconnect with yourself. 

That’s why simple, grounding rituals, especially for moms, can be so powerful. For many, creating and using a custom smudging kit is one of those practices. It’s intentional, it’s personal, and it can feel like wrapping yourself in a warm, familiar blanket when everything around you feels a bit chaotic.

Source: Canva

If you’ve ever been drawn to the idea of smudging but felt unsure about where to start, don’t worry. The beauty of crafting a smudging kit is that it’s entirely customizable. It’s less about following someone else’s rulebook and more about creating something that resonates with your values, personality, and spiritual needs. 

Whether you’re new to this or looking to refresh your practice, let’s explore how you can create a smudging kit that truly feels like it belongs to you.

What is Smudging, and Why Do People Do It?

Smudging has deep roots in many Indigenous and cultural traditions, often viewed as a sacred ritual for cleansing, grounding, and balancing energy. At its core, it’s about intention and mindfulness—using the smoke from burned herbs or plants to clear negative energy, set intentions, or cultivate a sense of peace.

By creating a personal smudging kit, you’re engaging in a meaningful process that can nurture your mind, body, and spirit. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Reflect on Your Intentions

Before you start gathering items for your smudging kit, sit with yourself for a moment. What are you looking to get out of this practice? Your intentions will guide the creation of your kit. It’s like packing for a trip—what you bring should support where you’re headed.

For example, if you’re focused on grounding yourself, you might choose herbs like cedar or vetiver with earthy, stabilizing energy. If you’re seeking clarity, white sage or peppermint may align better. Let your intentions steer the wheel as you build your kit.

Step 2: Choose the Core Components of Your Smudging Kit

Now comes the fun part: curating the components of your smudging kit. While there are some traditional items people often include, there’s no “right” way to do this. The best smudging kits are deeply personal and meaningful to the person using them.

Here’s a basic guide to help you get started:

Herbs or Plants for Smudging

The heart of your kit is the herbs or plants you’ll use for smudging. Some popular choices include:

  • White Sage: Known for its cleansing properties, white sage is often used to clear negative energy. (Read the benefits of burning sage here.) Keep in mind though, wild white sage has faced overharvesting issues, so be mindful to purchase sustainably sourced or cultivated bundles.
  • Palo Santo: A sacred wood traditionally used in South and Central American cultures, Palo Santo is often burned to invite positivity and clarity. Be cautious about overharvesting here, too—ethical sourcing is key.
  • Lavender: Perfect if you’re looking to invite relaxation, lavender is calming and gentle.
  • Cedar: Often used for grounding and purification, cedar has a rich, earthy aroma.
  • Eucalyptus: This one’s fantastic for inviting a refreshing, uplifting vibe—wonderful during times of mental fog or fatigue.

Feel free to mix and match herbs intuitively or based on your intentions. You can even grow certain plants (like lavender or rosemary) at home if you want your kit to be even more personal.

A Bowl or Shell

You’ll need a heat-safe container to hold your herbs or capture ash while smudging. Traditional kits often include an abalone shell, which ties back to Indigenous practices in the Americas. If this doesn’t align with your personal values or if you’d prefer something else, a ceramic or clay bowl works beautifully.

A Feather or Fan

Many people use a feather or handheld fan to gently guide the smoke. Feathers often symbolize communication or connection, but if this doesn’t suit you, you can find or create something that does. Think of it more as a tool that works to direct energy where it’s needed.

Step 3: Add Your Personal Touch

Ask yourself: What speaks to your spirit? What resonates with your personal journey?

Some ideas to incorporate into your kit might include:

  • Crystals: If you’re drawn to crystals, you can add them to your kit as part of your ritual. For instance, use clear quartz for amplifying intentions or black tourmaline for grounding energy. (For healing crystals, check out this guide.)
  • Written Intentions: Keep small slips of paper with your personal intentions, affirmations, or prayers in your smudging kit.
  • Photos or Symbols: A loved one’s photo, an inspirational symbol, or an item that holds sentimental value can add a deeply personal layer to your kit.
  • Essential Oils: While not part of a traditional smudging kit, essential oils can complement your ritual, especially if you like to focus on scent. A drop of lavender or frankincense oil can set the mood before or after smudging.

There’s no rulebook here—this is about your spiritual needs and what feels meaningful in your practice.

Step 4: Mindfully Source Your Items

Choosing materials that align with your intentions is crucial, but sourcing them thoughtfully is just as essential. For herbs like white sage or Palo Santo, make sure they come from sustainable and ethical sources. Local herb shops, Indigenous-owned businesses, or even growing and harvesting your own plants can be fantastic ways to ensure you’re using these sacred items respectfully.

If you’re unsure where to start, ask questions. Vendors who respect the cultural roots and ecological impact of their products will gladly share that information with you.

Step 5: Create a Ritual That Feels Right

Once your smudging kit is ready, think about how you want to incorporate it into your life. You don’t have to follow anyone else’s script—this is about what works for you. The most important thing is to make it feel authentic and supportive of your intentions.

You Are the Heart of Your Practice

At the end of the day, a smudging kit is just a collection of items—the real magic lies within you. Your intentions, your energy, and your willingness to pause and reconnect with yourself are what make this practice meaningful.

And remember, whether you’re clearing energy from your home, finding clarity in tough times, or simply carving out a pocket of peace in your day, you’re doing something beautiful for yourself.