Smudging or burning dried plant material to release smoke which is intended to bring about cleansing or healing has been an important and integral part of the Native American tradition.
Smudge sticks are usually long bundles of fragrant dried plant material which is wound tight at one end. They are then lit at the other end until the material catches fire and then blown out so that it now continues to smolder to release the fragrant smoke.
Smudge sticks are usually long bundles of fragrant dried plant material which is wound tight at one end. They are then lit at the other end until the material catches fire and then blown out so that it now continues to smolder to release the fragrant smoke.
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Such smoking is thought to clear negative influences, restore balance, induce spiritual purification, increase spiritual awareness or prepare a person’s mind, body and spirit for any special ceremony.
Such fragrant smoke is also used to cleanse environments, whether at home, work or for special purposes. The aromatic materials that are typically used by the Shamans include sage, wormwood, cedar or sweet-grass.
While burning the smudge sticks, the bundles are held in one hand, carrying the smoke to where it is required by working around the space and directing the smoke where required by wafting it by hand or with a feather.
Such fragrant smoke is also used to cleanse environments, whether at home, work or for special purposes. The aromatic materials that are typically used by the Shamans include sage, wormwood, cedar or sweet-grass.
While burning the smudge sticks, the bundles are held in one hand, carrying the smoke to where it is required by working around the space and directing the smoke where required by wafting it by hand or with a feather.
Here are some of the prayers that are chanted by a Shaman while burning incense and cleansing, healing and empowering people and places…
“This smoke from the sweet grass will rise up to you and will spread throughout the universe; its fragrance will be known by the winged, the four legged and the two legged…”
- High Hollow Horn (The Sacred Pipe)
“… I remain undaunted, for I dwell within my spirit that is filled with the heady essence of Sage, Cedar and Sweet grass and with my head held high do I walk into the light that illuminates my new trail.”
- Mary Summer Rain
- High Hollow Horn (The Sacred Pipe)
“… I remain undaunted, for I dwell within my spirit that is filled with the heady essence of Sage, Cedar and Sweet grass and with my head held high do I walk into the light that illuminates my new trail.”
- Mary Summer Rain
