For centuries the Native Americans have been burning herbs for the purposes of purification, protection and health. This
practice is commonly known as ‘smudging’ and the following workshop illustrates the general technique, discuses the herbs
that are commonly used, and explains the symbolism of the tools used and where to obtain the essentials from.
For the purpose of clearing a room of malevolent spirits or negative energies we will discuss primarily the use of sage and
it's properties.
The general belief held among practitioners of smudging is that when sage is burnt, the smoke attaches itself to any negative
energies that might be present and as the smoke clears it takes these energies with it, releasing them to regenerate into
something more positive.
Whether you believe the spiritual explanation of this or not, scientific tests have shown that the smoke of burning sage
literally changes the ionization polarity of the air and as investigators we know that negative ions within the air of a room
causes airborne static electricity. This is usually witnessed as sparkles of light and in the physical form of your hair
standing on end. Sage therefore should be considered an essential item of equipment to be carried every investigators kit box.
Regular smudging with sage can be done to cleanse your equipment, your living space and your physical body. The following
steps demonstrate the typical 'smudging' practice as carried out by CaSPIR UK.
- Begin by lighting the sage (you may hold the bunch in
your hand or burn it in a shell).
- Once ignited, gently wave over the flame to extinguish it (do not blow it out.
- Gather the smoke with your hand (or feather) and draw it into the perimeter of your body.
- To direct the smoke you may either wave the shell containing the burning sage or by directing the smoke by using your hand (a
feather is more traditional)
- For the living environment, start at the doorway and work in a clockwise direction.
- Cleanse the door frame, the walls, and any window frames.
- Pay particular attention to corners, the top of the walls and behind the doors.
- By allowing the purification and cleansing properties of sage to clear your items of equipment, your body or your rooms, the
space is created for new awareness and new direction to begin to take its place.
It is important to note that smudging with sage is not a
permanent solution to your spirit problems as it only disperses
the energies. For longer relief you should smudge with 'Sweetgrass' an hour or so afterwards or seek the help of a medium.
In mentioning 'Sweetgrass', it is useful for the investigator to be aware of the properties of other herbs that are used by the
Native Americans during thir ceremonies. The following list introduces these plants and their spiritual properties.
- Desert Sage (Artemesia tridentata) - This plant is burnt to drive out negative energies, spirits and influences.
- Cedar (Libocedrus descurrens, Thuja occidentalis) - This plant is also used to purify, especially for negative emotions.
- Sweetgrass (Hierochole odarata) - This herb is used to bring positive energy into an area after negative energies have been
banished using sage.
- White Sage (Salvia apiana) - This sage is used just like desert sage, but many people prefer White Sage because of the sweeter
aroma it gives off.
- Lavender (Lavandula officianalis) - This herb is burnt to restore balance and create a peaceful atmosphere. It is also used to
draw in loving energy and spirits.
- Mugwort (Atemesia vulgarus) - This herb is used to stimulate psychic awareness and prophetic dreams. The Lakota people also
believe that when Mugwort is burned it 'makes the bad spirits sick', and they move away from it.
- Copal (Bereseru microphylla) - This resin was used by the Mayans as a food for the Gods. They believe that as the smoke of the
Copal would rise, it would carry their prayers to the ears of the Gods. Copal is used in divination and in purification
ceremonies. Copal is the Frankincense of the Western Hemisphere.
- Juniper (Juniperus ssp.) - This herb is also used to purify and to create a safe and sacred space. Juniper was often carried in
a medicine pouch or a pocket for protection.
- Yerba Santa (Eriodictyon californicus) - This herb can be used to purify and to set and protect boundaries. The name of this
plant reflects its nature - Yerba Santa means sacred herb.
- Osha (Ligusticum porteri) - The root of this plant can be burned as an incense or carried for good luck and protection from bad
influences. Osha is also a preferred gift for Native American elders.
Traditional Tools Used and their Symbolism
The smudging ceremony, like most ancient traditions includes representatives of the four
cardinal elements; earth, air, fire and water. Some traditions believe that their is a fifth element involved, the spirit of
the practitioner. The following breakdown explains this representation.
- Herb to be burnt - represents Earth.
- Shell - represents Water.
- The act of burning - represents Fire.
- Smoke - represents Air.
- Feather - some nations believe that a feather is a more
powerful representative of Air
Most smudging supplies can obtained online at....
