Smudging

Published Aug 18, 2007

3 Articles; 6,621 Posts

Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatric, Behavioral Health.

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.

taken from:

http://jksalescompany.com/dw/smudging.html

the chosen plant material should be dried and tied into bundles with cotton string or any other natural plant fiber. we wrap bundles as thick as our hands can hold. four colors of string is combined to honor the four directions--red for the east, yellow for the south, black for the west, and white for the north. or the material can be crumbled, cut or coorificely ground and stored in a container that prevents the loss of the aromatic oils that give sage its characteristic fragrance.

a natural container is needed to hold the mixture as it burns or smolders. some prefer a large shell (although some people believe that a shell has water energy which impairs the fire energy of the smudge), others use an earthenware bowl or a hollowed rock.

you will need a way to fan the embers to keep them burning. in some traditions, it is considered disrespectful to blow upon the smudge with one's breath. you can use your hand to sweep air into the embers, but a feather, feather fan, or wing are much more effective. to keep smudge burning you will also need matches or perhaps a lighter.

you can use this ceremony to purify and cleanse people, places and things. smudging brings an awareness of the sacred and should be performed with sensitivity and respect. as you add each pinch of the smudge mixture to the shell or pot, offer thanks to the grandmothers and grandfathers of each of the four directions. the order of honoring may differ from nation to nation. some start with the east, others from the north or east. always the rotation is sunwise, following the path of the sun (east-south-west-north, for example). then to mother earth (down), father sun (up) and finally to the great mystery within all things (brought to your heart).

bring all of the smudge together in a mound in the center of the container. after igniting the mixture, fan it until it is burning well. continue to fan the embers as needed to keep them smoldering. once again offer the smoke to the seven directions--east, south, west, north, mother earth, father sun, and the great mystery.

cleanse yourself by drawing the smoke over your head, over each shoulder, and over your heart. with the help of another, you can be cleansed under each foot, along your legs and across your back. sacred space is smudged before it is entered by others or at the beginning of the ceremony. pass through the smoke whatever ceremonial instrument you wish to use--the fan, the pipe, your hands, a dream catcher. this is a useful way to cleanse your dream catcher to make it ready for use.

when the ceremony is complete, the ashes should be totally burned (avoid using more than you will need) and respectfully returned to mother earth, perhaps at the base of a tree, a shrub, or rock. never dump the ashes into the garbage or trash. the purpose of the medicine path is to always walk in beauty, in balance between ego and heart, honoring the great mystery within you and all that is, and respecting all other beings in the web of life.

taken from:

http://www.the7thfire.com/smudging_with_sage.htm