Mosquito Smudge Stick

1. Gather fresh bunches or branches of fresh (not dried) P.citrosa (scented geranium and any of the following herbs:

California white sage - Salvia Apiana (cleansing, clears negative energy)

Big Basin or Desert sage - Artemesia tridentata (calling spirits)

Sacred feather sage - Artemesia Fillifolia

Sedona sage - Artemesia ludoviciana

Mugwort - Atemesia vulgarus (stimulates mind)

Lavender - Lavandula officinalis (balance, peace)

Pinon - Pinus edulis

Sweetgrass - Hierochloe odorata (positive energy, welcoming)

Cedar - (purifying, healing)

Juniper - (purifying, protection)

Rosemary - (protection, clarity, healing)

2. If cutting branches, cut to desired length from 4 to 7 inches.

3. Select a number of branches or bunches to your desired thickness, squeezing them together a little to estimate the thickness of the finished product.

4. Holding the bunch of branches wrap floss around the bottom of the bunch approx. 5 times.

5. Continue wrapping to towards the end of the bunch using wider wraps.

6. Continue wrapping back towards the bottom crossing over the previous wraps creating a criss-cross pattern.

7. Wrap around the bottom again 2 or 3 times.

8. Tie the ends together and cut.

9. Trim the bottom of the bunch evenly across below the wrap and any stray pieces sticking out.

10. Place the smudge stick on the mat or fabric and fold part of it over the bunch.

11. Firmly roll the stick between the layers a few time.

12. Hang or set in a shaded dry place to dry.