Days: 1, 4, 7-8, 14, 19, 23 & 25

I remember the first time I was exposed to the practice of native American smudging. The medium in her white headdress and eagle feathers chanted catholic prayers and waved a burning sage stick around my apparently haunted house, (another blog maybe later, lol). It was a much more dramatic (and effective) house “cleansing” than the Baptist minister one, which was still pretty interesting, but I digress.

Seeing the dramatic effects on the energy of the surrounding environment, I quickly became a fan of smudging. I enjoyed learning that there were special days on the ancient lunar calendars where cleansing your environment with smoke and fire is recommended. Even modern research proves how smudging actually purifies the air! So, what is smudging and how do you do it?

Smudging is an ancient practice that has been used by many indigenous cultures for centuries, particularly among Native American tribes. It is a ritualistic way of purifying a person, place, or object by using the smoke from sacred herbs. The most commonly used herbs are

• sage,
• cedar,
• sweetgrass, and
• tobacco, each carrying its unique spiritual significance and purpose.

The act of smudging involves lighting the end of the bundle of herbs and letting it smolder, producing a fragrant smoke. This smoke is then fanned with a feather or hand, allowing it to cleanse and bless the area or person. The smoke is believed to carry away negative energy, purifying the space and bringing about a sense of harmony and peace.

The Process of Smudging

1. Preparation: Gather your materials – a bundle of dried herbs (sage is often preferred for its strong purifying qualities), a fireproof bowl or shell, and a feather or fan to disperse the smoke.
2. Setting Intentions: Before you begin, take a moment to center yourself. Think about what you want to achieve with the smudging. It could be to cleanse your space of negativity, to prepare for a new beginning, or to invite positive energy into your life.
3. Lighting the Herbs: Light the end of the herb bundle until it starts to smolder and produce smoke. If it catches fire, gently blow out the flames, allowing it to burn slowly.
4. Smudging the Space or Person: If you are smudging a space, walk around the area, waving the smoke into all corners, doorways, and windows. For a person, you can use the feather to direct the smoke around their body, starting from the feet and moving upwards.
5. Prayer and Reflection: Throughout the process, maintain a prayerful or meditative state. Speak your intentions out loud or in your heart, inviting the blessings of the smoke to purify and protect.
6. Closing the Ritual: Once you feel the cleansing is complete, extinguish the smudge stick by pressing it into sand or soil, ensuring it is completely out. Give thanks for the cleansing and the sacred smoke.

The Sacred Herbs

• Sage: Known for its strong purifying properties, sage is used to clear negative energies and promote healing.
• Cedar: Often used in protection rituals, cedar invites positive energy and is thought to ward off harmful influences.
• Sweetgrass: Associated with kindness and love, sweetgrass is used to attract positive energies and good spirits.
• Tobacco: Considered sacred, tobacco is often offered as a gift to the spirits and used in prayers and blessings.

The Spirit of Smudging

Experience the Power of Smudging

Smudging offers a profound connection to the spirit world and serves as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of all life. It teaches respect for nature and the significance of maintaining balance and harmony within ourselves and our surroundings. I invite you to try smudging on one of the upcoming Lunar days and share your experience with me. I’m eager to hear if you feel any changes or notice anything out of the ordinary.