smudging
 

I can not seems to keep my smudge stick burning, suggestions

wrong forum to ask - This one is for help about forum problems etc

You might want to post in the Wicca/Pagan section.

What I do is hold it upright and blow on the sage to keep it burning.
If that doesn't work, you might want to 'dry' the sage more so it will burn better.

I've tried using sage but either I'm doing it wrong or the smell just turns me right off! I like the smell of fresh sage though.

There are a 'lot' of various sages.

One you might like is Lavender Sage.

Okay thanks John :)

You are welcome.

There are some exotic sages.

For example, there is even a smudge available that have 7 colors (flowers) representing the 7 respective Chakras.

For cleansing there are many other things than saging. Frankincense incense, for instance, cleanses and is way better than sage. Dragons blood incense also cleanses.

Sounds Great!

By the way, there is even a Dragons Blood Sage.

There have been studies indicating that sage is being over harvested in many areas. Not only that is the issue with appropriating a culture.

Therefore I try and use herb smudges that do not utilize sage. Usually local plants I harvest ethically myself. Unfortunately I have witnessed as a traditional witchcraft practitioner I have noticed mentioning alternative cleansing plants on online platforms has led to an increase in these alternatives being sold and the exposure of them increasing demands, an example being rosemary.

There are real issues regarding the threat to our environment, local plants and animals, and appropriation.

These days I find myself trying to remain more ethical and true to my own culture without divulging too much information of my personal practice. I have noticed some, especially businesses, misusing information they gather from such places as social media.

Some might not realize it, but a lot of the 'new' sages are fueled by cultivation. There are some huge Sage farms that have been producing huge amounts of Sage.
Rosemary, Mugwart, Lavender, Cedar, etc. are all mass farm produced today.

By burning, do you mean smoldering so smoke appears or burning as in actual flames? Are the grasses in the smudge stick completely dried out and free of moisture? If they're still green, they probably will not work properly.

"Smoldering so smoke appears".........

The Smudge sticks are dry. If not, they will mold. Having moldy Sage is not a good idea to have around.

I use white sage leaves not a stick

Since I have trouble with smoke, I use crystals or sound for cleansing.