The Power of Smudging
- Michelle Farley
- Mar 19, 2020
- 3 min read
You are probably thinking, what is she talking about? If you already have your sage and smudging feather, good on ya! If you have no idea what I am talking about, I welcome you to pull up a chair and sit a spell.
Smudging, or other rites involving the burning of sacred herbs or resins, is a ceremony practiced by some Indigenous peoples of the Americas. In some cases the ceremony is for spiritual cleansing or blessing, but the purposes and particulars of the ceremonies, and the substances used, can vary widely between tribes, bands and nations. While several well-known cultures may use forms of sage (for example, common sage or white sage) and cedar that is local to their region, the use of sage is neither universal, nor as widespread as was once commonly believed (Wikipedia, 2020).
A quick Google search can answer many of your questions (here are just a few): ?
What does it mean to smudge your house? The smudging ceremony is a Native American tradition that cleanses bad feelings and negative spirits from houses. Smudging is done by burning specific dried herbs and letting the smoke float around the house.
How often should you smudge? There's not a set certain amount of times you should smudge. If you feel negative energy, vibes etc.. it may be helpful to do a cleansing of your home. I would recommend a Seasonal cleansing: four times a year when the seasons change.
What is the purpose of a smudge? Smudging connects people to the Creator and provides communities with a way to gain spiritual protection and blessings, as well as to improve spiritual health. The smoke created by burning sacred herbs is thought to purify the body and soul, and bring clarity to the mind.
Can you smudge a person? The person being smudged pulls the smoke to them and gently inhales the smoke. ... A person can smudge themselves, or, someone can lead a smudge by holding the container and directing the smoke over others.
I have been blessed to have grown up with the art of smudging. In her younger years, my
mother spent time working on a reservation in northern New Mexico. If you know me, you know my mother was quite the nomad, always learning about other cultures, religious practices and beliefs, and fully immersing herself in the culture wherever she lived.
Pictured to the right is my smudging stick and feather (from Of a Muse), an antique jar I acquired along the way, feathers from a local ranch, and my great-grandmother's rosary beads that she used during World War II (my great uncle served and was killed in action).
With the outbreak of disease and a sense of fear this week, I will be smudging the house (and myself) this week. My go to store for sage is also owned by one of my favorite gal pals and girlfriends: Of a Muse. You can order everything you need and they will ship it straight to you.
Not only does smudging have health benefits (such as keeping away harmful germs and viruses), for me personally it brings a sense of peace and tranquility. I would love to hear if you smudge: if you do, what do you use (I use sage), and what sort of experiences have you had.
Keepin' the west wild! RED
Comments