Or it can be ancestral, such as the autumn dances held through out California by the Indians who have lived here for thousands of years.

Finding ones own personal ritual is a very healing experience. All rituals have a beginning point. Many traditional rituals began as dreams or visions. Often the ritual evolved out of the enactment of the dream or vision.

Direct instruction for ritual sometimes came from Spirit helpers. This still happens today. It is possible that Spirit will instruct you through dreams or visions if you ask and open your heart.

Another way ritual evolve is by paying attention to ones feelings as one makes or attempts to make Sacred or Healing actions. The right actions feel good.

A sense of well being and connection, of magic creeps into ones soul. Some people experience this quickly, but for others it evolves slowly. Patience and commitment are required as with any new endeavor.

Personal herbal rituals can evolve out of brewing tea or burning herbs. You can research how your genetic or spiritual ancestors used herbs. You can ask your family elders about various practices used in the past. You can read or take classes, using information while watching your feelings.

I gather herbs in a Sacred Way. With my intention made known to the plant, or following the plant's instruction to me. This act alone weaves me into the web of life and the universe. It connects me to both my ancestors and to all people and beings who have lived in a Sacred Way.

The ritual of gathering herbs in a Sacred Way is powerful healing for my soul, the time I spend in ritual with the Plant People sustains me. When you find your right and perfect ritual, I know it will sustain you too. Let the searching flow through your heart, let it be spontaneous.

There is no exact recipe for your personal healing rituals, but with patience and commitment I know you will find them.

NOTE: PREGNANCY is not a good time to begin experimenting with smudge.

Most of the herbs can cause miscarriage in people whose bodies are not familiar with their use. If you become pregnant, moderate or stop your use of smudge. Avoid inhaling it directly or avoid it entirely.