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On the first day during the festival of Sukkot that this ritual is performed the Halacha (Jewish law) emphasizes that each person should own the lulav and etrog set they are waving. If owning one’s own set is impossible then one may “purchase” the lulav and etrog by giving the real owner something of value for it. After the waving the new owner may "sell" the lulav and etrog back.

Take the lulav in the right hand and the etrog in the left (If you are left handed consult your Rabbi). Hold the etrog with the stem facing down. Hold the lulav with the spine facing you. The hadassim/myrtle twigs (the one with smallish leaves) should be on the right side of the lulav and the aravot/willow leaves should be on the left side of the lulav.

Say the blessing:

"Baruch ata Adonoy, Elo-heinu Melech ha'olam, asher kid'shanu bi'mitzvo-sav, vi'tzivanu al ni-tilat lulav."

"Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who sanctified us with His mitzvot, and instructed us to take the Lulav."

The first time you wave the lulav and etrog on Sukkot follow with the blessing of Shehechiyanu.

"Baruch ata Adonoy, Elo-heinu Melech ha'olam, asher kid'shanu bi'mitzvo-sav, sheh-heh-khe-ya-nu v’ki-y’manu v’higi-anu la-z’man ha-zeh."

"Blessed are You, Lord our G-d, who sanctified us with His mitzvot, for giving us life, sustaining us, and enabling us to reach this moment in time."

Turn the etrog so the stem faces upwards.

With lulav and etrog in hand extend your arms out and back toward your heart three times. Then extend your arms to the south and back to your heart three times. Follow the same motions to the west, north, up and then down.