The art and importance of smudging (or, as I like to call it "saging"):

Derived from a Native American ritual, smudging continues to be used today for "spiritual house cleansing."
We can smudge rooms, homes or even objects or people. We smudge so that we can cleanse the energy of the object or space that needs energetic balance or healing.
Light the end of the bundled sage and allow for the flame to extinguish and the smudging (ie. smoke) to begin.
With the sage bundle smoking, gently wave the sage around every corner of your home or around the designated object.
Smudging can also be used as a form of aromatherapy, leaving a clean, earthy scent behind the wafting smoke.
I also find smudging to be a helpful mindful and/or meditative practice, sometimes partnering my smudging with a repeating positive mantra ... "may this home be healthy and safe" ... or another mantra of your choosing.