Holding the smudge stick by the “handle” end, use a lighter to ignite the tip.  Blow out any open flames so that the leaves slowly smolder.  Next, wave the smudging wand around a room, person, or objects to direct the fragrant, cleansing smoke.  Catch the ashes in a heat-resistant dish.  (An abalone shell is traditional, but you can use a smudge pot, incense burner, or even a regular plate, as long as you put something under it.)  Smudge sticks can be extinguished in a dish of sand and re-used many times.  Of course, never leave burning smudges unattended.