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Smudging
Native American ceremonies are entered with an open heart,
so one may be guided by the spirits to enter the sacred realm.
Our Native American Elders each taught that in the healing process, the
cleansing of participants and the environment of destructive spirits is
essential. Many Elders believe that before one may be healed he must be cleansed
of any bad feelings, negative thoughts, bad spirits or negative energy. This
helps the healing come through in a clear way without being distorted or
sidetracked by negative energy in either the healer or the patient. Certain
herbs, commonly sage, sweet grass, and/or cedar are burned to purify the
spiritual and physical presence.
The botanical name for true sage is Salvia Officinal is, Garden Sage; or Salvia
Apiana, White Sage.
Other combinations of herbs available on a regional basis are, Dried Lavender is
one example.
Herbs are dried and then burned in a shallow pottery bowl or shell.
They may also be tied in a bundle forming a "stick". Often a feather fan is used
to facilitate directing the smoke and burning of the herb.
The drier the herb, the more likely it will burn easily.
White Sage, is grown in the Western US burns more readily than the Garden Sage.
Garden Sage is easily grown and dried. Both varieties of dried Sage may be
purchased at many new age bookstores, and
Native American shops.
One's physical body or a space such as a home, sacred place or office may be
cleared by smudging.
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The Process
First, bless the sage or herb by placing your palms a few inches from it and
directing clear positive energy into it. If one wishes prosperity, healing or
clearing, focus your thoughts on whichever and "charge" the smudging material
with that energy.
This is a crucial.
Next, if the material is loose, place it in a pottery bowl or shallow dish and
ignite it. Blowing on it or using a fan may be necessary at first. A loose
grouping of material in a bowl seems to burn better than a tightly packed pile.
If you're using a smudge stick, usually tied together with thread or string,
light the end and again blow on it or fan it until it begins to show red embers
and creates smoke.
Be careful not to burn someone or something.
Smudging a person
Direct the smoke starting at the head over and down the front of the body
allowing it to clear and cleanse the body. Once the entire front of the body has
been smudged, ask the person to turn and smudge the back of the body. Many
prefer to pull the smoke toward the face or area they sense needs more
cleansing. Allow this if it's needed.
Be conscious not to use too much smoke as sage has a pungent odor. For some it
may be overpowering.
Use it sparingly if they have an adverse reaction to the smoke.
Once the negative has been cleared, I ask the person to close
their eyes and fill their mind and space with positive energy or thoughts.
This fills the void created by clearing the negative.
When smudging a group, a circle is a very powerful way to proceed.
if questions or comments email
or call 706-988-2122
thank you
Copyright 2011 CG Become One with Spirit - All Rights Reserved
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