Burning herbs or incense
for cleansing, purification, protection of physical and spiritual
bodies, banishment of negative energies and creation of sacred space
Shamanic Smudging
by Stephanie Yeh
Shamanic smudging—or just
smudging—is an age-old tribal tradition which has been used for
centuries to create harmony and peace. There are many different
shamanic smudging ceremonies, and different tribes use a variety of
herbs for smudging.
To define it more clearly,
shamanic smudging is the burning of herbs or incense for cleansing,
purification, protection of physical and spiritual bodies,
banishment of negative energies and creation of sacred space. You
can use smudge sticks (herbs that are tied into a bundle for easier
handling), braided herbs and botanicals (like sweetgrass) or loose
herbs (burned on charcoal or mugwort, or in a firepit). Shamanic
smudging releases the energy and fragrance of the herbs and
botanicals so they can heal, cleanse and purify.
In many traditions, shamanic
smudging involves a four directions ceremony or prayer, which sends
specific kinds of smoke or prayers into the four directions.
Different tribes have different smudging prayers that “program” the
smoke to do a specific action, such as cleansing or aiding in
divination.
In general, shamanic
smudging can be used in daily life for practical purposes—to restore
physical, mental and emotional balance; to shield against negative
energies; to cleanse yourself, your magickal tools and your space;
and to restore you sacred space.
Common Herbs Used In Smudging
Although different tribes
and traditions use different herbs for shamanic smudging, some of
the most popular herbs include desert sage, white broadleaf sage,
juniper, pinon (sometimes in resin form), sweetgrass, copal (in
resin form), mugwort, lavender and sacred tobacco. Here are some
general uses for the different herbs often used for smudging:
PINON RESIN
Primarily fire element though can also be used as for four-element
general purposes. Has a pleasant and meditative fragrance. Is
cleansing, strengthening, warming, and used by Native American
cultures for its spiritual and healing properties. Produces a thick
stream of smoke, and is excellent for refreshing the senses and
reviving a tired soul.
COPAL GOLD RESIN
Primarily fire and water elements though can also be used as for
four-element general purposes. When burned, the scent is sweet,
resinous, slightly woody, mildly earthy and spicy. Was a holy
incense used by the peoples of Mesoamerica. Traditionally used as
incense in divinatory and cleansing ceremonies. The resin contains
aromatic chemicals called terpenes, which make it volatile and
flammable. Used by Mayan shamans prior to ingesting mushrooms.
MYRRH RESIN
Primarily earth element though can also be used as for four-element
general purposes. Produces a lot of smoke when burned, very earthy,
piney scent. Gathered from an almost leafless Middle Eastern shrub
called the Commiphora Molmol. It was used by the ancient Egyptians
in rituals of Healing and Passing. It is one of the ingredients used
by the Egyptians to embalm bodies. Useful for spirituality,
meditation, happiness, release, transformation, strength, confidence
and stability.
FRANKINCENSE RESIN
Primarily fire element though can also be used as for four-element
general purposes. Is the resin of an African tree and produces a
rich, dense smoke when burned. Used extensively in meditation and
healing. In numerous religious traditions, frankincense's spiritual
scent was believed to confer divine blessing. Pliny the Elder
mentioned it as an antidote to hemlock poisoning.
DESERT SAGE
Primarily air element though can also be used as for four-element
general purposes. Has a somewhat sharp, light and refreshing scent.
One of the most sacred herbs among Native Americans. Used to purify
the mind, body and spirit before prayer, meditation, ritual or
ceremony. Also used to purify sacred items such as pipes, magical
tools, tarot decks and eagle feathers. Can be used for area, house
and personal cleansings. Some people carry a small amount of Sage in
a pocket or medicine pouch to insure personal and spiritual safety.
JUNIPER
Primarily fire element though can also be used as for four-element
general purposes. Has a sharp, piney scent. Excellent to stimulate
and revive when tired in body, mind or Spirit. Used in ancient times
for ritual purification of temples. Smoke believed to aid
clairvoyance. Also useful for purification and to stimulate contact
with other worlds. Burned during the Plague to resist disease
LAVENDER
Primarily air element. Has a light, aromatic and refreshing scent.
Useful for attracting peace, happiness and restful sleep. Also
reduces depression, grief and sorrow. Aids in meditation and
divination, and often said to aid in manifestation. Known as Elf
Leaf, Nard, Nardus, Spike and Lavandar. Traditionally associated
with fairies and elves
WHITE BROADLEAF SAGE
Primarily air element though can also be used as for four-element
general purposes. This is a broad leaf sage is highly prized for its
strong aromatic properties (strongest of the different types of
sage). Considered the king if all sages. Excellent for meditation,
divination, smudging, cleansing and purification.
YERBA SANTA LEAVES
Traditionally used for enhancing psychic abilities, magical
protection, healing and spiritual strength. Excellent for meditation
and divination. Said to be ruled by the moon. One Native American
tribe rolled the leaves into balls, dried it in the sun and chewed
it for a natural mouthwash.
HIBISCUS FLOWERS
Primarily fire and water elements. Produces a sharp, invigorating
scent that lasts for a long time after burning. Often used in
divination and psychic communication. Excellent for rejuvenating the
senses and restoring life force.
ROSE FLOWERS AND PETALS
Primarily water element. Produces a heavy, warm, aromatic scent with
just a hint of sharpness scent lasts a long time after burning.
Excellent for meditation, divination, increasing psychic abilities,
contacting powers and beings in other dimensions and psychic
communication. Also traditionally associated with attracting love,
conferring peace, stimulating sexual appetites and enhancing beauty.
SWEETGRASS
Primarily air element. As its name suggests, sweetgrass produces a
sweet and light fragrance that does not last for long. Excellent for
cleansing sacred space. Sweetgrass is a rare grass which is found
growing wild in very few places. Traditionally, sweetgrass is
believed to invite the good spirits.
You can burn these herbs
singly or in combination with each other. One good combination that
covers all four magical elements of air, fire, water and earth is
pine resin and sage (either desert sage or white broadleaf sage).
This combination is appropriate for general use, cleansing, ceremony
and ritual.
To order smudging supplies,
visit the Esoteric School Store at
http://www.shamanschool.com/magicsupplies.html.
When To Smudge Yourself
Smudging yourself on a daily
basis can be very helpful in keeping yourself balanced and
maintaining a peaceful state of being. However, you should
definitely use shamanic smudging techniques when you’ve been around
people who are ill, depressed, fearful, angry or generally
emotionally unbalanced; before meditating to create a calm state of
being; when you’re feeling blue or depressed; or when you’ve been
under a lot of stress.
Smudging yourself is easy.
If you’re using a smudge stick, light the smudge stick on a candle
flame. Hold the stick in the flame until there is a lot of smoke and
the stick is burning well (that’s why a candle is better than a
match—it can take a while to get the stick really smoking). Using a
feather (or feather fan) or your hand, gently fan the smoke onto
your body, starting at the top of the body and moving downward. Get
the back of your body as best you can (it’s often easier to use a
smudge pot and loose herbs for this). When you’re done, inhale a
little of the smoke (just a little!) to purify your insides.
If you’re using a smudge pot
or Firebowl and loose herbs, light the herbs (using self-lighting
charcoal—not the barbeque kind!) until it is smoking well. Then, put
the Firebowl on the ground and stand over it with your legs spread
and feet on either side. Weave back and forth in the smoke until you
have been thoroughly cleansed. Clothing is optional for this
approach, and smudging in the nude is recommended for a more
thorough cleansing. Again, when you’re done, inhale a little of the
smoke to purify your insides. People often feel more relaxed,
lighter and brighter after smudging.
If you’re going to use the
smudge smoke during meditation, use a charcoal burner or Firebowl,
light the herbs and enjoy the scent and smoke as you meditate.
Meditating with these herbs often produces a deeper and
longer-lasting state of relaxation and contemplation.
Getting Started, Getting
More
To find out how to use
smudging to cleanse your personal space, sacred objects and your
house, check out the Firebowl ebook from the Esoteric School. Get
the details at:
http://www.shamanschool.com/courses/firebowl.html
Esoteric School of Shamanism
and Magic A Path to Freedom! Real Magic. Real Solutions. Courses and
materials for all levels of study.
http://www.shamanschool.com info@shamanschool.com or
888-446-2442
Stephanie Yeh, co-founder of
the Esoteric
School of Shamanism and Magic, helps clients use magical and
shamanic techniques to manifest their desires. Stephanie has created
several online and video classes to make this information more
accessible. She also helps others learn to create abundant health
and wealth with spiritual and practical resources through her site,
Prosperity Abounds.
Sage bundle photo
courtesy of
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