ShapeShifter

         ©Diana E. Stanley
The burning of herbs or incense is a practice held sacred by many
traditional cultures and is frequently called "Smudging". Smudging
takes many forms. Sometimes herbs are tied in a bundle called a "smudge
stick" and allowed to dry. Some herbs lend themselves to braiding.

In olden times, the end of the smudge stick or braid was lit from the
central or cooking fire. Today, however, a candle is recommended as it
takes some time to get the stick smoking.

Loose dried herbs may also be placed directly onto the burning wood in
an indoor fireplace or crumbled between the fingers over a piece of
charcoal. The container used for the charcoal and herbs needs to be
fireproof. Ceramic or glass bowls with a layer of sand or salt work
well. Especially nice is an abalone shell with a layer of colored sand
in the bottom. Remember that the container may be come warm enough to
scorch a surface or burn your hand.

When burning a smudge stick or braid, they will eventually go out on
their own, but should you need to put them out quickly, you can tamp the
end out in sand or soil, shaking off the excess. Using water is messy
and not generally recommended. The idea behind burning herbs is to
release their energy and fragrance, not to fill the room or your lungs
with smoke. Burning excessive amounts can lead to respiratory distress
or problems (and may also set off your smoke alarm). Show consideration
for other people when smudging. Avoid smudging in the room when
infants, pregnant persons, asthmatic or allergy-prone people are
present. Smudging is not recommended during pregnancy! Never leave your
smudge sticks, candles or charcoal unattended to avoid fire hazards.

There are many cultures and belief systems. Not everyone views the
practice of smudging in the same way and different herbs may be used for
different purposes.

Generally, Sage, Sweet Grass, and Cedar (also known as Cypress and
Juniper) are burned to purify and protect one's living area, self and
sacred tools.

Bay leaf is traditionally used to protect against colds and flu.

Epazote is helpful in establishing healthy boundaries and often used in
combination with
Fennel and one of the protective herbs (Sage, Sweet Grass or Cedar).

Fennel is effective in repelling negative energies and calms the nerves.

Mints are both uplifting and cleansing and are particularly good when
used in combination with Sage or Cedar.

Mugwort is used for healing, divination and to stimulate dreams and
visions. It can be burned during rituals or before sleeping. However as
some people find it to be slightly mind-altering, avoid its use before
driving. UNSAFE DURING PREGNANCY!

Mullien is an effective herb for healing emotional trauma that
originates from relationships with other people and it provides
protection when beginning a new project. Most people find the smoke to
be very grounding and calming. It is often used at the end of a ritual
in which Mugwort has been burned at the beginning.

Orris root when burned with Celery seeds increases psychic gifts and
concentration.

Pine, Fir, Hemlock, and Spruce are burnt for their purifying and
cleansing effect. They are most effective in combination with other
herbs.

Resin, Balsam, Gum, and Sap are obtained from a variety of sources. Some
examples are sweet gum, birch, acacia, benzoin, copal, dragon's blood,
myrrh and frankincense. Resins represent the four elements (water,
earth, air and fire) when burned. The connection to all creation is
affirmed when using the Sacred Smoke of your chosen resin.

Uvi Ursi was traditionally mixed with tobacco and used for smoking
during peace pipe ceremonies. The fragrance and energy when burned are
very calming and grounding.

Yerba Santa has many uses medicinally. Burn it to nurture and protect
that which is ancient, sacred and wild within yourself. Use it when you
need encouragement or
courage.
Any action, undertaken with intention and belief can become a ritual. It
grows powerful through repetition and connection.
The repetition can be personal~during this life time or over many life
times.

It can be cultural (such as celebrating Christmas) or ancestral (as in
sacred dances passed down through the generations).

Finding your own personal ritual can be a very healing experience. All
rituals have a beginning point. Many begin as dreams or visions.
Sometimes direction comes from your spirit helpers. It is possible that
Spirit will instruct you if you ask and open your heart. An important
way rituals evolve is by paying attention to your feelings when you
attempt to make sacred or healing actions. The right actions feel good.
A sense of well being and connection~of magick~comes into your soul.
Some people experience this quickly and for others it evolves slowly.
Patience and commitment is required as with any new endeavor. Let the
searching flow through your heart, let it be spontaneous. There is no
exact recipe, but
with time, you will find your own personal smudging ritual. Lighting
the smudge and offering it to the four directions is a common practice.
Then fan the smoke over your body, first bringing it to your heart, then
over your head and down to your feet.

When used for cleansing, purifying and protecting, fan the smoke through
the room, around yourself and draw your sacred tools through the smoke.
If desired, you can incant some type of prayer as you do this, releasing
your intent to Spirit.

The burning of herbs is also used during healing work and prayer. This
helps connect you to your spirit assistants and carries your intentions
out to both the physical and spirit worlds. During healing work, the
smoke may be fanned over the person either by your hand or with
feathers. This clears out unhealthy energies and brings in the special
attributes of the herbs.

Invite the Spirit of the Herb(s) to join you and guide you in your
sacred work. Whether you speak silently through your heart and soul, or
aloud, is up to you. Do whatever makes the process seem real and feels
right to you. Use respect, kindness and affection. Consider having the
intention to form a lasting friendship and partnership with the Spirit
of the Herb. Your intention will be known. If you merely wish to use the
herbs rather than form a partnership, their magick may not be as
effective. Part of the spiritual work of the Plant is to work with human
spirits~when you have the intention to be partners, it enables them to
work actively with you and much more of their magic manifests in your
life.


Oh Great Spirit! Hear me as I light the sacred herbs in fellowship with
my Plant brothers. Honor and blessings to all. Guide and protect me on
my journey. Honor and blessings to the North. Direct my steps to places
that balance the physical.
Honor and blessings to the East. Guide me in my journey to knowledge and
wisdom. Honor and blessings to the South. Lead me to spiritual strength
and courage. Honor and blessings to the West. Teach me the gentle ways
of emotional balance. Be with me all, protecting and guiding me in my
search for true wisdom in Spirit's love and light.

Oh Great Spirit, thank you for your guidance, blessings and protection.
Thank you Plant brothers for joining me and sharing your energies and
blessings with me. Go with my blessings, Spirits of the North. My thanks
for your help now and to come in empowering my physical life. Go with my
blessings, Spirits of the East. My thanks for your help now and to come
in empowering my mental life. Go with my blessings, Spirits of the
South. My thanks for your help now and to come in empowering my
spiritual life. Go with my blessings, Spirits of the West. My thanks for
your help now and to come in empowering my emotional life. In SPIRIT's
name, love and blessings to all spirits and creatures of the worlds. My
thanks for blessing, guiding and protecting me on my sacred journey. So
be it