To use your smudge stick: light the tip and the blow it out (like you would an incense stick). Surround your body, the objects or a certain place you would like to cleanse with the smoke. Traditionally the ash is caught in a shell as this is also an ideal place to place an extinguished smudge stick. If you do not have a shell, a bowl would fine to hold underneath instead. To extinguish the stick smother the end (like you would a cigarette) but please be aware that the stick may continue to burn, so double check once smothered