The Tradition Of Smudging With Sage

Sage (salvia) from the Latin word
salvare which means "To Heal" has long been
used in smudging ceremonies to promote purification
protection, longevity, immortality and to cleanse
negativity of thoughts and bad spirits, both
physical and spiritual. Even Folklore myth tells of
magical use:

He who would live for aye
must eat sage in May

One belief in using a "Smudge Wand"...
Begin the smudging ceremony by lighting a
sage wand, once ignited gently wave over
the "flame" to extinguish it.

Begin by gathering smoke with your
hand and draw it into the perimeter of your
body, give special attention to areas of stress
and unbalance in relation to the individual
spirit-body.

Offer reverence to the four direction
moving the sage wand in a clockwise motion.

To the East, the Clarity of the rising Sun.
To the South, the Child where Light comes from.
To the West, the Introspection of the setting Sun.
To the North, the Wisdom where cold comes from.
To Father Sun.
To Earth Mother.

Sage smudging ceremonies can be done to
cleanse personal items, living environment and
physical body.

By allowing the purification and cleansing
properties of old pathways, new awarness and direction
begin to fill the body, mind and spirit.

This ceremony follows "Dancing with the Wheel" by Sun Bear a sacred teacher of the Chippewa descent and founder of the Bear Tribe. The Bear Tribe which welcomes native and non-native alike is located in Spokane, Washington. Their hearts are open to all...

Page Updated 11-14-99

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