The Fine Art of Smudging

An Aboriginal Canadian friend of mine who teaches at the Whispering Lodge in Toronto was explaining to me how physical or emotional healing cannot take place until the person is cleansed of any of the following conditions:

1) Emotional conditions such as resentment, bitterness, envy, jealousy and guilt

2) Negative thoughts about others or one's past or future

3) Negative emotions such as grief, hatred, desire

4) Bad or evil spirits

5) Attachments or negative energy sent to us from other people

In most Aboriginal traditions, a sweat lodge, basically a tent or teepee or cave filled with smoke and heat, is used to remedy the sick person of these conditions. In ancient Rome, buildings called purgatoriums were used for the same purpose. These smoke and heat filled places were considered sacred spaces in which the spirits or God could lift negative entities and energies from an individual without interference with others. Many indigenous cultures throughout the world use burning herbs, plants and resins to accomplish the same purpose. In some cultures the smoke is taken into one's hands and rubbed over the body to blacken it. This is where the modern day practice got its nickname -- smudging.

Below is a list of common herb, plants, grasses and resins that are commonly used in smudging ceremonies. You can light these substances yourself and carry a bundle of the substance around your home in a counter-clockwise circle to cleanse your space. I highly recommend cleansing the body outside, however, as I have found that sage can burn very fast and create a lot of rapid whirling smoke that easily sets off the fire alarm.

Sage Sprigs - the most common substance used for cleansing is sage. The word sage comes from the Latin word Salvia which means, "to heal." There are also varieties of sage, which are from the Artemisia family of plants. This includes mugwort which s used for cleansing and protection. White sage is used for cleansing and protection. Combining branches of pine and white sages together and burning them is used to attract prosperity.

Cedar and Juniper branches - These evergreen boughs have historically been used to help cleanse, purify and protect ones belongings. Sometimes brooms are made from them to use the smoke "sweep" to cleanse a home during a house blessing.

Sweetgrass - This musty smelling grass is used to drive out bad influences and draw good influences into the home. It is often used after a prayer or ritual to "hold" the magic" in its place.

Copal - this aromatic plant resin is mainly used in South American rituals. The touch of the strongly scented smoke from burning copal is thought to cleanse and purify any object or person.

Frankincense and Myrrh - these "biblical" resins are used in Africa, the Middle East and Europe for ceremonies and rituals. Burned together they are thought to balance yin and yang, or the masculine and feminine energies in a place or dwelling. Either is thought to draw blessings into a home.

Tobacco - Tobacco is burned to float prayers upwards to the Creator where they will be heard and answered. Burning a tobacco along with sage, cedar or sweet grass is thought to enhance the magical intentions of the smudge.

Smudges and resins can be bought commercially from occult, new age and gift shops. I usually put the branches, plants or resins in the bowl and blacken my hands and face with it. While doing this I pray for protection, purification and blessings from above. If healing another person or purifying a room I will sometimes use a feather or a branch to waft the smoke in the desired direction.

Smudging is not all hooey and voodoo. The practice is also thought to created negative ions in the air that remove static and create a positive atmosphere. Not only do people usually feel good afterwards, it also creates a space for the free flowing of positive energies and prayers.

Samantha Steven's articles have been published in many high-standing newspapers and she has published several books. If you wish to buy Samantha's books about metaphysics click here http://www.insomniacpress.com/author.php?id=1 10 You can meet Samantha Stevens at http://www.psychicrealm.com where she works as a professional psychic. You can also read more of her articles at http://www.newagenotebook.com

---

How Brewer?s Yeast and MSM Clear Constipation

Brewer's yeast can help to ease, reduce, or clear your... Read More

Eat Fiber and Avoid Constipation

To have regular bowel movements and escape constipation you need... Read More

Dandelions! This Common Weed is a Wonderful Spring Tonic

Those Glorious Dandelions! Taraxacum officinale (composite family)Spring is coming! Starting... Read More

Water Therapy: Therapeutic and Esoteric Properties for Your Home Spa Smart Bathing

Something New Interesting About Water Therapy."The more I find out,... Read More

Home Saunas and Kits: Benefits, Pre-Planning, and Purchasing Tips

For quite some time now home saunas have gained massive... Read More

Your Home is a Toxic Waste Dump!

Did you know that the household and beauty products that... Read More

The Causes Of Stuttering In Childhood

Stuttering is a problem that affects approximately one in every... Read More

Natural Aphrodisiacs - The Right Way

Aphrodisiacs are amongst the oldest cures, being ones of the... Read More

Alternative Approaches to Pain Relief

Pain. The great leveler. The rich feel it. So do... Read More

A Constipation Remedy Using Potassium and Prunes

Potassium and prunes are a natural constipation remedy that you... Read More

Everything Old Is New Again: Rebuilding Your Vision

Glasses, contacts, or surgery. These are the usual choices offered... Read More

How Can Green Tea Benefit My Family?

No doubt you've heard of Green Tea and the health... Read More

Massage Magic - Music & Touch

What Massage Therapists Do!Have you ever thought what massage therapists... Read More

Back Pain and Pain in Other Extremities: If Nothing Else Has Worked, Try Doing Visualizations

(*In this group are included pain in the back, neck,... Read More

More Fruit Constipation Remedies Part II

Here are some more constipation remedies using fruits. Try to... Read More

Allergy Approaches through Lifestyle

What we do is just as powerful as what we... Read More

Quick Tip for Runners Who Have Knee Pain

Running with knees that hurt and are not getting better... Read More

Hypnotherapy in the Treatment of Phantom Pain

Much of what goes on in our bodies is controlled... Read More

Reversing Macular Degeneration: Without Drugs Or Surgery

I would like to report some anecdotal research findings that... Read More

Reflexology & Meridian Therapy

Reflexology & Meridian Therapy are combined healing arts that utilize... Read More

Alzheimer?s Home Testing Manual Now Available Online

If you're concerned about the condition of an older family... Read More

Herbs and Essential Oils ? Powerful Medicine

We can find many beneficial uses for natural herbs and... Read More

Magnetic Bracelet Used in Research Study Now in United States

At the end of 2004 results from a study on... Read More

The Subconscious Mind As Teacher: Why It Can Help You Relieve Your Pain

Many disciplines are designed to program the subconscious. But except... Read More

How To Prevent The Flu

Can you prevent the flu? or is it just luck... Read More

The Many Uses of Mint

There are many varieties of mint plants. If you want... Read More

How to Treat Your Liver Right

The liver has many functions, but the one I will... Read More

Kundalini Questions

Alex Wrote;"What is the difference after the kundalini awakens, and... Read More

Diet Food Stinks!

One big thing that can keep you from eating healthy... Read More

Manipulate The Body And Mind With A Portable Massage Table

A portable massage table can be very essential tool. Massage... Read More

Herbal Medicine for Diabetes

Herbs used in traditional Indian medicine to treat diabetes seems... Read More

Herbal Medicine: An Ounce Of Prevention

In recent years the issue of Alternative Healing has taken... Read More

How To Lower Cholesterol Without Prescription Drugs

Don't accept that prescription just yet. In most cases it's... Read More