Smudging

What is it?

One of the most common spiritual practices is smudging or the making of ritualized smoke. The smoke of sage, tobacco, cedar, sweet-grass, and other plants is often used for purification. In some instances, the smoke from the burning plants, or mixture of plants, is pulled across the body in a cleansing action. The smoke is a purifying agent, a means of dispelling the everyday energy fields and substituting a pleasant odor for the spirits to work through. Thus, smudging is frequently the first ritual in a ceremony. Smudging may also be repeated during times of hardship or a need to contact your Guides or clearing space of any negative energy or positive ions.

On a trip to Northern Arizona, I had the pleasure of meeting with the Yavapai-Apache Nation’s Medicine Man, Franklin Stanley and his family. They were so kind to share much information with me that day.What stood out the most, was the proper ritual practice of smudging.For years I was not completing the process.You see, smudging is clearing energy and a 2 part process.To effectively change the energy in a space or yourself for that matter…after you have cleared with sage, follow with another herb (see list below).

White Sage The use of sage is for healing. The smoke is used to bless, cleanse and heal the person or object being smudged. Sage is used to 'wash off' the outside world when one enters ceremony or other sacred space. Objects are likewise washed off with sage medicine smoke to rid them of unwanted influences. Blue Sage also known as "Grandmother Sage” is a purifying herb with broad medicinal and magical applications. Blue Sage is widely used for cleansing and purification purposes, it provides spiritual strength.

Cedar Cedar is a medicine of protection. Cedar trees are very old, wise and powerful spirits. Cedar is often used to cleanse a home or apartment when first moving in, inviting unwanted spirits to leave and protecting a person, place or object from unwanted influences.

Sweetgrass

Also called Seneca grass, holy grass and vanilla grass. This very special herb's sweet vanilla-like scent is the breath of the Earth mother, bringing the blessing of Mother Earth's love. Sweetgrass is burned to remind us of essence of the feminine and that the earth provides us with everything we need.

Lavender This native of Europe is often used for invitation of the spirits. Some Christians still regard the scent of lavender as a safeguard against evil. Lavender promotes peace and calm. Burning Lavender is best done on Charcoal Tablets.

Copal

This is tree sap from Mexico that is similar to Frankincense. When burned it has a crisp, clean, sharp scent that is almost citrus-like. Copal is sacred, as it is a gift 'pleasing to the god(s).' Because copal is the blood of trees, it is offered to honor the enormous gift given to us by all of the tree people of our planet. Burning Copal is best done on Charcoal Tablets.

Frankincense and Myrrh At one time both Frankincense and Myrrh were considered to be more valuable than gold. Frankincense became important to most every major religion in the world and is still used in Muslim, Jewish and Catholic rituals. Frankincense is said to ease depression and promote clairvoyance. Myrrh tree resin is said to help one maintain a state of enlightenment. Burning Frankincense and Myrrh is best done on Charcoal Tablets.

Smudging Feather

It is traditional to use a bird's feather to brush the smoke over the person or object being blessed. It is important to use the underside of the feather to wash the smoke over the object of blessing.

May every blessing find you!