Ritual purification is a feature of many
religions. The aim of these rituals is
to remove specifically defined uncleanliness
prior to a particular type of activity, and especially prior to the worship of
a deity. This ritual uncleanliness is
not identical with ordinary physical impurity, such as dirt stains;
nevertheless, body fluids are generally considered ritually unclean.
Preparing
for a ritual includes clearing ourselves of our mundane thoughts and stresses
before we begin any devotion, magic, or other spiritual practice. Grounding, centering, and smudging are all
popular ways of doing this. A ritual
bath is also a powerful component to add to this clearing of daily stress
before your rite.
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. There are different ceremonies and rituals
that can be done. But it is basically a ritual
for cleansing, purifying and protecting the physical and spiritual bodies. The effect of the smoke is to banish negative
energies.
A smudge stick is a bundle of dried
herbs, usually bound with string in a small bundle and dried. The burning of smudge sticks is believed by
some Indigenous peoples of the Americas to cleanse an area of any evil
presence. Many different cultures and
peoples have their own methods and herbal mixtures for this purpose. Smudging, done correctly, can bring physical,
spiritual and emotional balance.
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. Mugwort rouses prophetic dreams and Lakota
Indians believe it will make bad spirits ill.
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. But even
the happiest homes accumulate in time negative vibrations; it is good to smudge
your home thoroughly at least several times a year. You can also smudge your office space; as well
as use smudging to clear your own energy or the energy of other people. Or smudge a ritual space. Rooms and psychic tools, such as crystals and
other objects that hold energy, are often smudged and cleansed on a regular
basis.
Smudging can sound a bit
intimidating to many people. It can also
look unsafe or too complicated to be practiced often. Rest assured this is not true. Smudging is not complicated, not hard and
totally safe if you follow several very simple steps.
Place
the smudge stick in a fireproof container such as a shell or clay pot. It is best if you create a sense of ceremony
when you smudge your house, as well as find time when you will not be
disturbed; 10-15 min should be enough. Light
the tip of your smudge stick with a candle or match, then gently wave the stick
in the air till the tip begins to smolder. In olden times, the end of the smudge stick or
braid was lit from the central or cooking fire. Resist the urge to blow on the end of your
smudge stick - it is considered disrespectful - fan the end instead.
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. Again, 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.
Hold
the smudge stick over the fireproof container at all times in order to avoid
any lit herbs falling on the floor. You
can use a feather, if you have one, but usually just gently waving your hands
to disperse the smoke is enough. Remind
yourself to stay connected to your breathing throughout your smudging session.
Go
clockwise around your house (usually starting at the front door), and gently
wave the smoke into the air. Spend a bit
more time smudging the room corners, as they tend to accumulate stagnant
energy. Keep your thoughts
positive. Be sure to also open the
closet doors and carefully smudge inside. Do not forget about spaces such as the laundry
room, the garage or the basement.
"This sage is cleansing out all negative energies and spirits...
all negative energies and spirits must leave and do no harm."
When
you have smudged all areas of your house, come back to where you started and
gently extinguish your smudge stick, dipping it into sand while applying a bit
of pressure usually works well. Using
water is messy and not generally recommended. Wait a bit, and then pack your smudge stick,
as well as the container, till your next smudging session. Some people like to re-visit a
cleansed house by going back into all of the rooms with pleasant incense such
as lavender while inviting all loving, protecting, positive spirits into the
home.
To
smudge yourself or somebody else: Once your smudge stick is lit and smoldering, direct
the smoke waves to the overall energy field around your body, starting with the
area above your head and continuing down to your feet. Cup the smoke with your hands to direct
it. Prayers are be chanted or crystals
can be held in the hand. The same steps
apply when you are asked to smudge somebody else. It is usually a good idea to smudge yourself
before, as well as after you smudge the house or do a ritual.
Smudging
should be done with care, reverence and in an attitude of love. Close a smudging by thanking the Divines.
Negativity that invades my sacred place
I banish you away with the light of my grace
You have no hold or power here
For I stand and face you with no fear
Be gone forever, for this I will say
This is my sacred place and you will obey
I banish you away with the light of my grace
You have no hold or power here
For I stand and face you with no fear
Be gone forever, for this I will say
This is my sacred place and you will obey
Remember that the container may be come warm
enough to scorch a surface or burn your hand.
Never leave your smudge sticks, candles or charcoal unattended to avoid
fire hazards. Always use caution when
working with fire.
