| Smudging
Smudging is the burning of certain herbs to create a cleansing smoke
bath, which is used to purify people, ceremonial and ritual space,
and ceremonial tools and objects.
The burning of herbs or incense is a practice held sacred by many
indigenous cultures. It is a ritual for cleansing, purifying and
protecting the physical and spiritual bodies. The effect of the smoke
is to banish negative energies. Many differing cultures and peoples
have their own methods and herbal mixtures for this purpose.
Smudging, done correctly, can bring physical, spiritual and emotional
balance. The term Smudging originated in the Native American culture.
Native American Indians use a variety of smudging mixtures. In olden
times, the end of the smudge stick or braid was lit from the central
or cooking fire. Not everyone views the practice of smudging in the
same way and different herbs may be used for different purposes.
POPULAR HERBS
The principle herbs used are sage, cedar or juniper, lavender and
sweet grass. Generally, sage, sweet grass, and cedar are burned to
purify and protect one's living area, self and sacred tools. Pure
tobacco is also used by some Plains tribes, and copal in South and
Central America. The herbs are burnt on their own or in mixtures,
depending on tradition and required effect.
Sage
Sage (Artemisia tridentia) is not the same as the European varieties
and is indigenous to the Americas. There are two major genii and
several varieties of each genus of Sage that are used for smudging.
Salvia, or the herb sage used for cooking, comes in two major
varieties: S. officinalis, commonly known as Garden Sage, and S.
apiana, commonly known as White Sage. Salvia varieties have long been
acknowledged as healing herbs, reflected in the fact that its genus
name comes from the Latin root word salvare, which is the verb "to
heal" or "to save." Artemisia is the genus commonly
considered "Sagebrush", and is more common in California. There are
two major varieties to the Artemisia genus: A. californica or Common
Sagebrush, and A. vulgaris or Mugwort. There are many other varieties
of both Salvia and Artemisia, and all are effective in smudging. Sage
is burned in smudging ceremonies to drive out evil spirits, negative
thoughts and feelings, and to keep Gan'n (negative entities) away
from areas where ceremonials take place. In the Plains Sweatlodge,
the floor of the structure is strewn with sage leaves for the
participants to rub on their bodies during the sweat. Sage is also
used in keeping sacred objects like pipes or Peyote wands safe from
negative influence. In the Sioux nation, the Sacred Pipe is kept in a
bundle with sage boughs. I would think special crystals could be so
protected this way as well.
Cedar: Cypress and Juniper
True cedar is of the Thuja and Libocedrus genii. Some Junipers
(Juniperus genus) are also called "cedar", thus complicating things
some. Some Juniper varieties are cleansing herbs, especially J.
monosperma, or Desert White Cedar. But for smudging, the best is
Western Red Cedar (Thuja occidentalis) and California Incense Cedar
(Libocedrus descurrens). Cedar is burnt while praying to the Great
Spirit (Usen', the Source -- also known to Plains nations as Wakan
Tanka) in meditation, and also to bless a house before moving in as
is the tradition in the Northwest and Western Canada. It works both
as a purifier and as a way to attract good energy in your direction.
It is usually available in herb stores in chipped form, which must be
sprinkled over a charcoal in a brazier. I like a piece of charcoaled
mesquite for this purpose, rather than the commercial charcoal cake.
Lavender: Protection, purification, restores balance, creates a
peaceful atmosphere, wisdom, cleansing, happiness, harmony,
grounding, cleansing, attract loving energies and spirits, fidelity,
friendship
Sweetgrass
Very important to the Sioux and Cherokee nations, its botanical name
is Hierochloë odorata. In these tribes, the sweetgrass is braided
like hair braids. It could be burnt by lighting the end of it, or
(more economically) by shaving little bits of it onto charcoal in a
brazier. Again, use charcoaled Mesquite (I believe it comes packaged
for barbecue use under the brand name "Red Arrow") to burn it, not
pressed charcoal tablets. Sweetgrass is burnt after smudging with
sage, to welcome in good influences after the bad had been driven
out. Sweetgrass is not comon today.
Bay Leaf
Bay leaf is traditionally used to protect against colds and flu.
Fennel
Fennel is effective in repelling negative energies and calms the
nerves.
Mugwort
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.
Mullien
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
Orris root when burned with Celery seeds increases psychic gifts and
concentration.
Copal
Copal is sometimes used by the Yaqui and in ancient times by the
Azteca and the Maya.
Pine, Fir, Hemlock, and Spruce
Pine, Fir, Hemlock, and Spruce are burnt for their purifying and
cleansing effect. They are most effective in combination with other
herbs.
Uvi Ursi
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
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.
~SMUDGING~
Smudging may be done by yourself or with one or more other people.
There are many different rituals and methods used when smudging. One
or more herbs used in different combinations or alone. Rooms and
psychic tools, such as crystals and other objects that hold energy,
are often smudged/cleansed on a regular basis. The initial smudging
is for the purpose of purifying the space and participants and for
banishing any unwanted energies. Cleansing the ceremonial or ritual
space before and after the event is an essential part of spiritual
hygiene. The final smudge is to cleans any negative vibrations and
energies attracted or created during the proceedings. It is also a
good thing to do on a regular basis for both one's self and one's
living space, to maintain individual and domestic harmony. Smudging
itself 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 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.
THINGS TO AVOID
The idea behind burning herbs is to release their energy and
fragrance, not to fill the room or your lungs with smoke. Make sure
the bowl/vessel you use can support the heat that will be produced so
it will not crack. Burning excessive amounts can lead to respiratory
distress or problems. Avoid smudging in the room when infants,
pregnant persons, asthmatic or allergy-prone people are present.
Never leave your smudge sticks, candles or charcoal unattended to
avoid fire hazards. Blowing into the mixture is not encouraged as it
is seen as blowing one's own negativity into the mixture. The mixture
is then wafted around one's self like a smoke bath. 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.
SPIRITUAL CONNECTIONS
Rememebr that all things are created from some form of
electromagnetic energy/ aura and can merge to bring balance or
imbalance. The aura and souls of the plants/herbs and people can
merge to this end when smudging. Smudging is often used by healers.
During the healing the smoke may be fanned over the person by the
healer either using their hand, feathers or a fan. This clears out
unhealthy energies and brings in the special attributes of the herbs.
There are various invocations, chants, and prayers used during the
healing. A spiritual connection is thought to be made between the
person and his spirit guides - and between the person and the spirit
of the herbs to join and guide in sacred/higher frequency work. 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 their
lives.
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