The Asylum

SMUDGING

Smudging is the burning of certain herbs to create a cleansing smoke bath, which is used to purify people, ceremonial and ritual space, and ceremonial tools and objects. The burning of herbs or incense is a practice held sacred by many indigenous cultures. It is a ritual for cleansing, purifying and protecting the physical and spiritual bodies. The effect of the smoke is to banish negative energies. Many differing cultures and peoples have their own methods and herbal mixtures for this purpose. Smudging, done correctly, can bring physical, spiritual and emotional balance. The term Smudging originated in the Native American culture. Native American Indians use a variety of smudging mixtures. In olden times, the end of the smudge stick or braid was lit from the central or cooking fire. Not everyone views the practice of smudging in the same way and different herbs may be used for different purposes.

Popular Herbs
The principle herbs used are sage, cedar or juniper, lavender and sweet grass. Generally, sage, sweet grass, and cedar are burned to purify and protect one's living area, self and sacred tools. Pure tobacco is also used by some Plains tribes, and copal in South and Central America. The herbs are burnt on their own or in mixtures, depending on tradition and required effect.

Sage
Sage (Artemisia tridentia) is not the same as the European varieties and is indigenous to the Americas. There are two major genii and several varieties of each genus of Sage that are used for smudging. Salvia, or the herb sage used for cooking, comes in two major varieties: S. officinalis, commonly known as Garden Sage, and S. apiana, commonly known as White Sage. Salvia varieties have long been acknowledged as healing herbs, reflected in the fact that its genus name comes from the Latin root word salvare, which is the verb "to heal" or "to save." Artemisia is the genus commonly considered "Sagebrush", and is more common in California and parts of British Columbia.

There are two major varieties to the Artemisia genus: A. californica or Common Sagebrush, and A. vulgaris or Mugwort. There are many other varieties of both Salvia and Artemisia, and all are effective in smudging. Sage is burned in smudging ceremonies to drive out evil spirits, negative thoughts and feelings, and to keep Gan'n (negative entities) away from areas where ceremonials take place. In the Plains Sweatlodge, the floor of the structure is strewn with sage leaves for the participants to rub on their bodies during the sweat.
Sage is also used in keeping sacred objects like pipes or Peyote wands safe from negative influence. In the Sioux nation, the Sacred Pipe is kept in a bundle with sage boughs. I would think special crystals could be so protected this way as well.

Cedar: Cypress and Juniper
True cedar is of the Thuja and Libocedrus genii. Some Junipers (Juniperus genus) are also called "cedar", thus complicating things some. Some Juniper varieties are cleansing herbs, especially J. monosperma, or Desert White Cedar. But for smudging, the best is Western Red Cedar (Thuja occidentalis) and California Incense Cedar (Libocedrus descurrens). Cedar is burnt while praying to the Great Spirit (Usen', the Source -- also known to Plains nations as Wakan Tanka) in meditation, and also to bless a house before moving in as is the tradition in the Northwest and Western Canada. It works both as a purifier and as a way to attract good energy in your direction. It is usually available in herb stores in chipped form, which must be sprinkled over a charcoal in a brazier. I like a piece of charcoaled mesquite for this purpose, rather than the commercial charcoal cake.

Sweetgrass
Very important to the Sioux and Cherokee nations and many Plains tribes in Alberta and Saskatchewan, its botanical name is Hierochloë odorata. In these tribes, the sweetgrass is braided like hair braids. It could be burnt by lighting the end of it, or (more economically) by shaving little bits of it onto charcoal in a brazier. Again, use charcoaled Mesquite (I believe it comes packaged for barbecue use under the brand name "Red Arrow") to burn it, not pressed charcoal tablets. Sweetgrass is burnt after smudging with sage, to welcome in good influences after the bad had been driven out. Sweetgrass is also used to welcome Spirits into ceremonies.

Diamond Willow Fungus
Is found in parts of Alberta and Northern British Columbia, it is very sweet smelling and is used for cleansing, either on it’s own or mixed with other medicines. Diamond willow fungus is also good for removing headache pain, it is lit and a little smoke is taken in through the nostrils.

Bay Leaf
Bay leaf is traditionally used to protect against colds and flu. Other good anti-cold medicines are Whikis (also known as ratroot), Balsam bark is also good for sore throats and colds. To relieve congestion the best remedy is a heaping tablespoon of mountain sage in a cup of boiling water, let steep for ten minutes, remove the sage, add a tablespoon of honey and drink it down, very bad tasting but will eliminate congestion overnight.

Fennel
Fennel is effective in repelling negative energies and calms the nerves.

Mugwort
Mugwort is used for healing, divination and to stimulate dreams and visions. It can be burned during rituals or before sleeping. However as some people find it to be slightly mind-altering, avoid its use before driving.

Mullien
Mullien is an effective herb for healing emotional trauma that originates from relationships with other people and it provides protection when beginning a new project. Most people find the smoke to be very grounding and calming. It is often used at the end of a ritual in which Mugwort has been burned at the beginning.

Orris Root
Orrisroot when burned with Celery seeds increases psychic gifts and concentration.

Copal
Copal is sometimes used by the Yaqui and in ancient times by the Azteca and the Maya.

Pine, Fir, Hemlock, and Spruce
Pine, Fir, Hemlock, and Spruce are burnt for their purifying and cleansing effect. They are most effective in combination with other herbs.

Uvi Ursi
Uvi Ursi was traditionally mixed with tobacco and used for smoking during pipe ceremonies. The fragrance and energy when burned are very calming and grounding.

Yerba Santa
Yerba Santa has many uses medicinally. Burn it to nurture and protect that which is ancient, sacred and wild within you. Use it when you need encouragement or courage.

Smudging may be done by yourself or with one or more other people.

There are many different rituals and methods used when smudging.

One or more herbs used in different combinations or alone.

Rooms and psychic tools, such as crystals and other objects that hold energy, are often smudged/cleansed on a regular basis.

The initial smudging is for the purpose of purifying the space and participants and for banishing any unwanted energies.

Cleansing the ceremonial or ritual space before and after the event is an essential part of spiritual hygiene.

The final smudge is to clean any negative vibrations and energies attracted or created during the proceedings.

It is also a good thing to do on a regular basis for both one's self and one's living space, to maintain individual and domestic harmony.


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. In olden times, the end of the smudge stick or braid was lit from the central or cooking fire. Today a candle is recommended as it takes some time to get the stick smoking.
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. Remember that the container may be come warm enough to scorch a surface or burn your hand.

Things to avoid
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. Burning excessive amounts can lead to respiratory distress or problems. 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.
Blowing into the mixture is not encouraged as it is seen as blowing one's own negativity into the mixture. The mixture is then wafted around one's self like a smoke bath.

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.

Spiritual connections
Remember that all things are created from some form of electromagnetic energy/ aura and can merge to bring balance or imbalance. The aura and souls of the plants/herbs and people can merge to this end when smudging. Smudging is often used by healers. During the healing the smoke may be fanned over the person by the healer either using their hand, feathers or a fan. This clears out unhealthy energies and brings in the special attributes of the herbs. There are various invocations, chants, and prayers used during the healing. A spiritual connection is believed to be made between the person and his spirit guides - and between the person and the spirit of the herbs to join and guide in sacred/higher frequency work.

Part of the spiritual work of the plant is to work with human spirits.
When you have the intention to be partners, it enables them to work actively with you and much more of their magic manifests in their lives.

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Honoring the Animal Spirits



Buffalo
Abundance
The buffalo or bison is considered by many tribes to be a symbol of adundance for it was the meat of the buffalo that fed the people, the hides that provided clothing and shelter, the bones and sinew provided tools of survival. The Lakota's trace the origin of the sacred pipe to the appearance of the white buffalo calf woman who promised abundance for the tribe as they honored, by prayer, the Great Spirit and all of their relations, meaning the other creations of nature.

"Buffalo Medicine" means to bring a special honor, reverence or appreciation for all of the things that the Earth provides for her children.

Bear
Gentle Strength and Dreaming
The brown bear, common to areas of the Southwestern US can grow from 4 to 5 feet and weigh as much as 400 lbs. Although they have great strength, their gentelness makes the bear's behavior almost "human like". They are relatively good natured, but don't plan on making them mad. They have a serious side!

Bears hibernate in the winter, which may explain their association with "dreaming the Great Spirit" or retrospection. The symbolism of the bears cave being like returning to the womb of Mother Earth also suggests a strong feminine aspect, one of nurturing and protection. Bear cubs, born in the early spring can spend as many as 7 years with the mother bear before reaching maturity.

People with "Brown Bear Medicine" are considered by many as self sufficient, and would rather stand on their own 2 feet than rely on others. They are often considered "dreamers". Many have developed the skill of visualizing new things, but as a result can get caught up in the "dreaming" making little progress in "waking" reality.


Cougar
Power, Swiftness and Balance
By watching the swift movements of the cougar, one is keenly aware that no movement is wasted, no footing unplanned, in their quest for the item they desire. The cougar never wastes anything, but the grace of this hunter provides the young with nourishment and security. Cougars mark their home range, which differs from a true territory because the home ranges often overlap. The juveniles may establish a home range of from six to ten miles away. Within that area, the cat maintains a small resting range for its exclusive use while sharing the remaining hunting area with its neighbor. The cougar scrapes together a pile of leaves along well-traveled trails and marks them with urine. Any wandering lion respects the "No Tresspassing" sign and turns away to avoid conflict.

Someone with "Mountain lion or Cougar Medicine" is likely to be very sure of his or her goals or purpose. They often prefer solitude, and have little regret in taking the easiest prey.


Deer

Graceful gentleness, and Sensitivity

Although there are many types of deer, they all have on thing in common - gracefulness. Deer blend very well with their environment but are very sensitive to every sound or movement. Often twins, even triplets, are born in the spring. Does and bucks live in seperate groups until mating season. The white-tailed deer are moderately gregarious, and family members forage food together along with other family groups, giving the appearance of a large herd.

People with "Deer Medicine" are often described as being swift and alert. They are intuitive, often appearing to have well developed, even extra sensory perceptions. Some times their thoughts seem to race ahead, and they appear not to be listening.

Deer Medicine brings beauty and grace to any surrounding. Just as the deer bounds from one place to another, a person with Deer Medicine often moves quickly from one situation to another, often never staying long enough in one place to get a "full meal."


Eagle
Courage, Spirit, and Bravery
Eagles have long been associated with the highest pursuits. In 1969 a voice rang out to the world, "The eagle has landed." What better symbology for a landing on the moon than the "eagle". From the time that the Persians and Romans carried eagles into battle, these majestic birds have symbolized courage, strength and bravery. As aerial hunters, eagles are the undisputed masters of the skies. Many tribes have identified the eagle as the one closest to the Creator.

The wings of the eagle are an engineering marvel with feathers that can act as little winglets to reduce turbulence, increase lift, and prevent stalling at low speeds. With a grasp much stronger than a human hand, the eagles talons have legendary power. It uses its powerful back talon to kill small prey instantaneously while its front three grasp its prey securely.

Eagle feathers, revered by Native American Healers as having powerful medicine, are regulated by a "feather bank", insuring that eagles are not killed for their powerful medicine. Eagle Medicine is the power of the Great Spirit. It is the spirit of tenacity. People with Eagle Medicine often have "high ideals", and need space to spread their wings. It is no accident that men in many tribes adorned themselves with eagle feathers given for acts of courage and bravery, and that a healer gingerly wraps his eagle feather in his medicine bundle after a ceremony.

Dog
Loyalty and Protection

Man's best friend... One of the tribal stories said that when the Spirits got ready to leave the Earth, they drew a line in the dirt. On one side was man and on the other the spirits from the Upper Worlds. Just then a great fissure was created by the line, and man was no longer able to cross over to the spirit realm. As they stood there, the fissure grew and widened, and at the very last minute "dog" jumped across to stand with man.

All of the Southwest tribes had dogs. It has been reported that all breeds of dogs are descendants of the wolf, but even though the early dogs were considered part "wild", they were fiercely loyal to their owners. Historically, dogs have been portrayed as the guardians of ancient secrets, hidden treasures, and infants.

Volumes have been written about the dog, but someone touched by the healing energies of loyalty can tell you of the "power" of Dog Medicine.


Horse
Power
The horse has been pictured as an animal with supernatural power in many cultures. In the Native American tradition, Shamans fly other realms on mythical horses. Before horses were introduced by the Spanish, the life of the plains tribes was much more earth bound, having to carry all of their belongings from place to place. With the arrival of the horse, they were free to move and travel great distances with these beasts of burden.

People with Horse Medicine often carry the burdens of other people. They are strong and able to "bare up" under the strain of difficult circumstances.


Wolf
Teaching, A Guide to the Sacred
Wolves have been long regarded by Native Americans as teachers or pathfinders. Wolves are fiercely loyal to their mates, and have a strong sense of family while maintaining individualism. In the stars, Wolf is represented by the Dog, Sirius, thought by many abroginal tribes to be the home of the "Ancients." It seems to be through this connection that Wolf has come to be associated with ancient teachings.

Wolves are probably the most misunderstood of the wild animals. Tales of cold bloodedness abound, in spite of the their friendly, social and intelligent traits. They are truly free spirits even though their packs are highly organized. They seem to go out of their way to avoid a fight. One is rarely necessary when a shift in posture, a growl, or a glance gets the point across quite readily. Traditionally, someone with Wolf Medicine has a strong sense of self, and communicates well through subtle changes in voice inflection and body movements.They often find new solutions to problems while providing stability and support that one normally associates with a family structure.

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Native American Commandments

Treat the Earth and all that dwell thereon with respect.
Remain close to the Great Spirit.
Show great respect for your fellow beings.
Work together for the benefit of all Mankind.
Give assistance and kindness wherever needed.
Do what you know to be right.
Look after the well being of mind and body.
Dedicate a share of your efforts to the greater good.
Be truthful and honest at all times.
Take full responsibility for your actions.


Great Spirit,
give us hearts to understand;

never to take from creation's beauty more than we give;
never to destroy wantonly for the furtherance of greed;
never to deny to give our hands for the building of earth's beauty;
never to take from her what we cannot use.

Give us hearts to understand

that to destroy earth's music is to create confusion;
that to wreck her appearance is to blind us to beauty;
that to callously pollute her fragrance is to make a house of stench;
that as we care for her she will care for us.

We have forgotten who we are.
We have sought only our own security.
We have exploited simply for our own ends.
We have distorted our knowledge.
We have abused our power.

Great Spirit, whose dry lands thirst,
help us to find the way to refresh your lands.

Great Spirit, whose waters are choked with debris and pollution,
help us to find the way to cleanse your waters.

Great Spirit, whose beautiful earth grows ugly with misuse,
help us to find the way to restore beauty to your handiwork.

Great Spirit, whose creatures are being destroyed,
help us to find a way to replenish them.

Great Spirit, whose gifts to us are being lost in selfishness and corruption,
help us to find the way to restore our humanity.