SO BOOM!
You might have heard of smudging and perhaps even practiced it. Yet, there's incredible value in understanding the history and the profound sacredness behind this age-old tradition.
Native American tradition offers three primary herbs for smudging: sage, cedar, and sweetgrass. Each serves a unique purpose in the realm of cleansing and spiritual wellness:
- Sage is renowned for its power to dispel negative energy.
- Cedar, on the other hand, bestows blessings and healing, making it ideal for purifying spaces affected by illness.
- Sweetgrass, the third member of this trio, beckons positive energy into your life.
Here, we'll focus on sage, as it's the most common choice for cleansing people, places, or objects.
The Origin Story of Sage
Allow me to share an ancient story passed down from Bear Heart, my Native teacher. In a North American village plagued by strife and negativity, a young boy arrived, bearing a bundle of a plant called sage. His mission was to teach the people how to combat the prevailing negativity. As they gathered in a circle, he introduced them to sage, a plant that would transform their lives. The aroma of sage had an almost magical effect, bringing harmony among the villagers. In a matter of moments, the boy ignited a fire and invited everyone to smudge themselves with sage, guiding them through the process.
As they began smudging, a remarkable transformation occurred. Animosity and discord melted away, replaced by a shared sense of goodwill. As the villagers became engrossed in acknowledging one another, the boy disappeared, leaving behind the powerful gift of sage.
Smudging with Sage
The practice of smudging has deep roots that reach thousands of years into human history. Across different cultures, the use of incense and smoke in religious and spiritual ceremonies has served as a means to connect with the sacred and the divine. Even today, you'll find incense in use within the Roman Catholic Church and various other religions for purification.
According to Native elders, burning dried sage serves as a potent tool for clearing negative energy and restoring harmony. The smoke produced during smudging forms a bridge between our physical world and the realm of the sacred, opening a portal to subtle spiritual energies. When we smudge, we tap into a lineage of prayers and ceremonies spanning thousands of years. The smoke carries our own prayers to the Great Spirit.
The Science of Smudging
Research also supports the efficacy of smudging as an antiseptic. A study published in the journal Ethnopharmacology in 2007 revealed a 94% reduction in the bacterial count within a room following an hour of smudging with medicinal herbs. Although an hour of smudging may set off smoke detectors, this finding highlights the remarkable purifying potential of this practice.
When and Why to Smudge
The versatility of smudging makes it suitable for various situations:
- Smudge yourself with sage after a challenging day or a distressing incident.
- Begin meetings or ceremonies by smudging participants to establish a centered and present atmosphere.
- Address areas marred by upset or negativity by burning sage.
- Regularly smudge spiritual objects such as feathers, fetishes, or crystals to keep their energies pure and vibrant.
- Purify your energy field by smudging yourself upon waking in the morning. Pass the smoke over your heart, invoking 'harmony'; over your head, for 'humor'; down your front, for 'humility'; and behind you, for 'honesty.'
- Keep your living space clear by smudging regularly, directing the smoke toward an open window.
- When planting a garden, smudge your seeds both before and after planting to ensure a thriving start.
- Prior to using second-hand items, like thrift store purchases, smudge them with sage to remove the previous owner's energy and usher in fresh beginnings.
How to Smudge
For your smudging ritual, gather the following:
- Sage (either loose leaves or a smudge stick)
- An abalone shell (or any fire-resistant container)
- A lighter
- A feather (optional) for guiding the smoke.
Light the sage and begin smudging. Share the abalone shell to spread the cleansing smoke. A feather can be used to direct the smoke as desired.
Once you've completed your smudging, safely extinguish the burning sage in the abalone shell or in the ground, returning the ash to the earth.