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SMUDGING WITH HERBS
Smudging is the burning of certain herbs to create a cleansing
smoke bath, which is used to purify people and space. The effect
of the smoke is to banish negative energies. Smudging, done correctly,
can bring physical, spiritual and emotional balance. The term Smudging
originated in the Native American culture.
Part of the spiritual work of the plant is to work with human
spirits. When you have the intention to be partners, it enables
the plant
energies to work actively with you and much more of their magic
manifests in your life.
Smudging itself takes many forms. Sometimes herbs are tied in
a bundle called a 'smudge stick' and allowed to dry. Some herbs
lend
themselves to braiding. Loose dried herbs may also be placed
directly onto the burning wood in an indoor fireplace or crumbled
between
the fingers over a piece of charcoal. The container used for
the charcoal and herbs needs to be fireproof. Ceramic or glass
bowls
with a layer of sand or salt work well. Especially nice is
an abalone shell with a layer of colored sand in the bottom.
The idea behind burning herbs is to release their energy and
fragrance, not to fill the room or your lungs with smoke.
Make sure the bowl/vessel
you use can support the heat that will be produced so it
will not crack. Avoid smudging in the room when infants, pregnant
persons,
asthmatic or allergy-prone people are present. Never leave
your smudge sticks, candles or charcoal unattended to avoid
fire hazards.
When burning a smudge stick or braid, they will eventually
go out on their own, but should you need to put them out
quickly,
you
can tamp the end out in sand or soil, shaking off the excess.
Using water is messy and not generally recommended.
Traditional smudging herbs
There are many herbs that can be used for smudging, but the
principle ones traditionally used are:
| Cedar |
Cedar is used for purifying, healing and protection. Confusion
can arise because some of the botanical Junipers are called
cedar. |
| Sweetgrass |
Sweetgrass is used to attract and welcome positive energies.
Often used in conjunction with, or after sage. |
| Lavender |
It is used for smudging in conjunction with, or after sage,
to create harmony and tranquility. A nice combination to use
for areas of high stress. |
| Copal |
Copal is a type of resin. The word is derived from the word ‘copalli’,
meaning incense. It is good for psychic work. |
| Sage |
Sage is used for purifying - to clear negative energies,
spirits, emotions, intentions etc. It is also a very protective
herb and is used to protect sacred areas during rituals.
There are many varieties of Sage, but the main genus Salviia
generally used for smudging. Salvia has two main varieties,
namely S Officinalis (Garden Sage) and S. Apiana (White Sage).
Both are acknowledged for their healing properties.
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Ways to smudge
To produce the smoke, you need to set light to the smudge stick,
braid or loose herbs. You might find that a match isn't quite
enough for the job, in which case use the flame from a candle,
lighting taper or cigarette lighter.
Directing smoke
Once the smudge stick is smouldering nicely, you need to direct
the smoke. You can achieve this by using your cupped hand, a
fan, or more usually, a large feather. Actually blowing on the
end of
your smudge stick is frowned upon, as you are then contaminating
the stick. Fan the end to keep it burning, or carry a lighter
with you in case it doesn't want to be coaxed!
Cleansing objects
Passing them through the smoke, in a spiraling or a figure eight
motion can clear crystals and other sacred objects. Both are
sacred symbolic movements: a spiral represents an ever expanding
and focusing energy; a figure eight on its side is the symbol
of infinity.
Smudging the self
There are many ways to actually smudge. One ancient way is to
start by drawing on the power of the five elements, by burning
your smudging
herbs in a shell. An abalone shell represents Water and the flowing
and filling power this element offers us. The sacred herb is
a gift of Earth and represents her creativity and strength. When
we light the herb we are invoking the transmute element of Fire
and the smoke that rises represents Air, carrying and releasing
our cleared intentions and prayers. Through our deliberate action,
we ourselves bring the fifth element: ether or life energy.
Next we offer the smoke to the seven directions: east, south,
west, north and up, down and center. Returning to center we
are now ready
to purify ourselves. Start by holding the shell in front of
you and gently fan the smoke up to your heart. Pass the shell
up
along the center of your body, encircling your head. Be aware
of how
you feel through out this process. Are there places that you
feel a desire to clear and honor? It is important to follow
your own
inner guidance.
Cleansing an area
Working in an anti-clockwise spiral, start at the centre of
the area and slowly work your way out to the outer edges,
this way
the smoke is always being directed outward and away from
the area, be sure to get into every nook and cranny. If cleansing
an entire
room, leave the windows and door ajar, so the smoke can escape
and take with it all the negativity.
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