Like me, you may be familiar with use of incense and smoke in religious ceremonies such as frankincense and myrhh that have been traditionally used during Roman Catholic mass. Native Americans have their own similar traditions. One of the most common is a smoke-purification ritual known as smudging. Smudging is meant to cleanse mind, body, and spirit, and foster connection between the individual and all of creation as well as the spiritual world. It’s also intended to create a bridge to higher realms and bring in good energy while removing bad or stagnant energy.
One thing that is a must when performing smudging is intention. Before smudging, think about what your goal is for the practice. Have you just moved into a new house and want to clear the energy? Are you starting a new job and want to bring in good vibes on your first day? Are you stuck in a rut and want an energetic pick-me-up? You must begin with a clear intention in mind before you smudge.
When taking part in traditions from other cultures, it is important to do so in a manner that is respectful. If you are interested in smudging, I urge you to learn more. Rather than just rewrite information from great resources, I will share these links directly with you.
I really like the video linked below from Mallory at Tribal Trade, a member of the Anishinabek Nation. In the video, she uses an eagle feather, but any feather (or even your hands) may be used.
Also, if visit the YouTube TribalTrade page linked below, there are a ton of other great videos and you can even get a free smudging guide emailed to you.
If you prefer to read about smudging rather than watch a video, this link provides a brief overview with simple step-by-step instructions.
Sacred Science's The Art of Smudging
In our new product collection, Leaf and Lore Life, we’ve chosen a select amount of smudging products from a small group of independent, socially responsible suppliers committed to ethical sourcing.
Here are links to some of our smudging bundles: