Smudging
Smudging or "smoking" is
a form of purification among the Native Americans. Typically white
sage is used, but oftentimes other herbs are used as well, such as sweatgrass
and cedar. Many commercial smudge sticks come in a combination of
wrapped herbs like sage/cedar together.
Once lit, the smoke from the
smudge wand (or sage pieces if using a smudge pot), is used to cover the
body or things ( scared objects: pipes, feathers, flutes, dance regalia,
etc.) needing cleansed and purified.
It is typical to use cupped hands
to gather the smoke and then smooth it over the "etheric" body (the aura).
Also, feather fans are used assist in the smoke being spread over entire
body or object.
Smudge pots can be various items:
clay pots, iron holders, or the most common abalone shells.
Smudging is viewed as a form
of prayer, a great connection to Spirit. Asking of a blessing, of
a protection.
It is also very typical to smudge
a house or car. When negative things have happened it is a good way
to "clean the slate" and give it a fresh clean feeling. I often do
this after a family argument. It helps to dissipate the energy and
allow us to start somewhat fresh.
While smudging I was given
a prayer to say while speaking with Spirit. Feel free to use it,
knowing that once a story or prayer is given to someone it is theirs, use
this giving credit to Tina Michelle.
Grandfather
When I think of the Great Spirit,
of the Holy One,
I think of the gentle love of
a Grandfather.
So, I ask you, Grandfather,
to hear my prayers.
Bless my feet, Grandfather,
so they may walk a good path.
Bless my knees, that they might
be humble in prayer.
Bless my stomach, so I may never
go hungry.
Bless my heart so I will always
act with love.
Bless my arms that I may carry
the burdens of my loved ones.
Bless my hands that they bring
about the only good things.
Bless my shoulders that they
may carry the weight of my deeds.
Bless my throat that I may speak
in kindness.
Bless my eyes so I can see beyond
the horizon.
Bless my mind so that I can
be open and forgiving.
Grandfather, thank you for all
these blessings.
It is good!
Ah-ho.
Don't know where these quotes
originated. most sent via email. Many thanks to the original author(s).
"According to what we have
been taught, certain plants have entered into a sacred agreement with us
two-leggeds: in exchange for our respectful treatment of them, they will
give up their lives so that we can have their purifying smoke to cleanse
with and to pray with, so that we might stay in balance and keep our walk
sacred. This means we are to pick the plants with honor, asking permission
and giving thanks, taking only what we need and not damaging the plant.
"
"You can use the following smudging
ceremony in manner, or you may create a way that is right to you. No one
way is right or wrong. Place the abalone shell in front of you and thank
it, aloud or silently, for the life that created it and for helping you
in this ceremony. Place the herb(s) that you will be using in the shell,
thanking each as you hold it. They have died so that you could have this
smoke. That should not inspire guilt, but rather gratitude for the sacrifice.
One day you will give your body for other beings of the Earth.
Next, light the smudge mix. As
you bring forth the flame, thank Father Sun, from where all fires arise,
and also thank the spirit of Fire for coming to help you with this ceremony.
Make sure that some of each plant that you have put in the bowl gets lit.
That way the smoke will contain all the energies you have chosen to work
with. Fan the fire gently with your feather until the herbs are burning
enough to create sufficient smoke. Then use the feather to put out the
fire, with one or two quick passes. If the smudge looks like it is going
out, fan it vigorously until it is smoking again. If it does go out, it
is fine to relight it.
Now, using both your hands as
a cup, catch some smoke and bring it into your heart. Catch more smoke
and pass it over your head and down your neck. Then with each hand, one
at a time, pass the smoke along your opposite arm and hand. Then, using
both hands, bring more smoke into your navel and down your legs to the
ground. This process cleanses our hearts, minds and bodies and helps us
to be grounded. While doing this, it is good to see the smoke carry away
any cares or physical injuries.
You can now smudge any objects
that you might want to by passing them through the smoke from the four
directions, starting with the East. Ask that the object be cleansed for
your use or giveaway. If you are smudging with other people, smudge yourself
first and then hold the shell by its edges for the others to smudge. You
can also smudge a house or room that needs cleansing. Go around the room
with the burning smudge, and using your feather, push any negative energies
out through an open door or window. When you are done, let the ashes cool
and give them back to the Earth with care. They are now going to be soil
from which new life arises, so show respect for this part of the ceremony
also, and empty the ashes thoughtfully, again thanking the herbs and the
fire.
Many people smudge before any
other ceremony, to start the day, or before and after a serious discussion.
For us, this is a very real ceremony. After doing it, we feel better, our
energy feels lighter, and so the day goes better. And it is good to cleanse
your house occasionally to clear out any stagnant energy. Above all, realize
that with ceremony it is the sacred intent of two-leggeds which opens the
door for these powers to work with us.
The power of sage is the power to drive away negative energies. California
(broad leaves) and desert (smaller leaves) sage are used interchangeably,
or sometimes even together, but usually people prefer one or the other.
Sweetgrass has the power to call in positive energies. Its sweet smell
helps make us and our objects sweet to spirit. It is sometimes called the
hair of the Earth Mother and is braided in the field, with love, before
it is harvested.
The evergreens -- cedar, juniper and pinion pine -- provide balance and
harmony.
Lavender has a calming and relaxing influence.
Rose petals call in the power of the heart.
Celestial Sisters
The RED ROAD
Email: celestialsisters@hotmail.com
