The burning of herbs or incense is a Sacred practice held in common by many traditions.

In American Indian traditions we call this practice "Smudging" or sometimes "Smoking" even though the herbs may not be inhaled.

 Smudging, practiced traditionally, takes many forms. Sometimes we tie the herbs in a bundle called a "Smudge Stick" and allow them to dry.

There are some herbs that lend themselves to braiding, such as the "Sweet Grass"..

In the Old Way, the end of the smudge stick or braid was lit from the council, central or cooking fire.

Now we often use a candle. Matches aren't very efficient because it takes a while to get the stick smoking.

 In some cultures, pinches or even branches of herbs are placed directly in a camp or council fire, or onto the burning wood in an indoor fireplace.

In other cultures, a coal is removed from the fire and placed in a special receptacle.

The Sacred Herbs (which are hung to dry and then crumbled) are sprinkled on the hot coal.

This is the form most "new age" smudging takes today.....

Most people use prepared, quick-lighting charcoal.

 It's available from many Indian trading posts, at pow-wows, health food stores, new age shops, and even Christian supply stores.

 (Smudging is similar to Catholic and Orthodox incense burning, for which Christian supply stores carry prepared charcoal.).

The container used as a receptacle for your lighted charcoal and Sacred herbs needs to be fire-proof.

 *Ceramic and Glass bowls or Abalone Shells work well. There are also special chalices designed for smudging....

 *Unless you use a chalice, place a layer of soil, sand or salt in the bottom for insulation, before adding your charcoal and herbs.

 *The charcoal and smoldering herbs can heat the container up enough to scorch the surface it's resting on or the hand holding it.

If you prefer to light your whole bundle or braid, hold it in a candle flame until the smudge glows red.

 *Blow out the flame; it should smolder at least a few minutes. You'll need a bowl or shell to catch the hot ashes.

When burning a bundle or braid of smudge they will eventually go out themselves.

Should you need to put them out before they do, you can easily tamp them out as you would a cigarette or cigar.

 If you are burning herbs in a special receptacle, you can use a stick or spoon to gently tamp out the charcoal and herbs.

The addition of a small amount of water also will do the trick, if you are in a hurry. But-Using Water is considered a disrespect to the Fire Spirits..

 *The main idea behind burning herbs is to release their energy and fragrance, not to fill your room or your lungs with smoke. Burning excessive amounts of smudge or excessive burning of smudge can lead to respiratory distress, and other respiratory problems.

 *A curl or two of smoke rising from your herbs is all that's necessary. If your eyes are burning, you're coughing or suppressing the urge to cough, you're either using herbs that don't agree with you or making way too much smoke. (Put out smudge, open the windows, leave the room and close the door.)

 *Show consideration for other people when burning smudge. 

There are many Indian tribes, each with their own culture and belief systems. Not all tribes view the smoke rising from the herbs in the same light.

 *And different herbs may be used for different purposes, depending on the person's tribe of origin.

 *Commonly, Sage, Sweet Grass and/or Cedar are burned to purify one's self, one's space and one's spiritual or healing tools.

*After lighting the smudge, we offer it to the cardinal directions, or hold it near our hearts.

 *We wash or fan the smoke over our bodies by first bringing it towards the heart, then inhaling, pulling it up over the head, washing it down the arms, etc.

 *We also burn herbs during healing work and prayer.

 *This helps one connect to their Spirit Helpers.

 *The smoke carries ones intention to the Sky World, where the Spirit Beings and our Ancestors live.