Caution: A lit sweetgrass braid should not be left burning while unattended, and care should be used when extinguishing smoldering braids.
Directions for use:
Light the end of your sweetgrass braid and after it has ignited, extinguish the flame and direct the smoke around your body. You may wish to hold a container in your other hand to catch ashes or to serve as a resting place for the smoldering braid if you use a fan or feather to direct the smoke. You can direct the smoke around yourself, another person, or in your place of ceremony to purify the energy that is present. The smoke from your sweetgrass braid may also be directed as an invocation, honoring the four directions, the father sun and the mother earth ("fathermother god"). To extinguish your braid, smother the end and examine closely to make sure the sweetgrass is completely out. Note: your smudge may continue to burn if not completely extinguished.