As featured in Martha Stewart
Since ancient times we have been drawn to the elements of fire and smoke and its mesmerizing nature. Historically, we have created numerous traditions to honor our human connection to the natural world and the mystical nature of “smoke.” The same practices continue in the present day. In the Western world, rituals incorporating handcrafted incense made from sacred woods and spices for meditation, healing and purification remain. In the East, the tradition of the hearth as the center for home and family exists in outdoor fire pits and cozy living room fireplaces. Just as smoke rises, we are seeing an elevation of wisdom and understanding in the powerful nature of healing that the plants offer humanity. The understanding and spiritual connection to these “sacred spirit medicines” is finding a path of ascension in the world as we hunger for a deeper bond to nature and to one another.
I was introduced to sage (Salvia Apiana) and “smudging” for the first time in Northern California in a sacred ceremony with a Native American “Medicine-Man.” As a New Yorker at the youthful age of 18, I was naive to this culture, and yet this experience opened my eyes, and my spirit, in new ways. I was drawn into the world of plants and indigenous culture with great reverence and a desire to understand life more deeply.
When introducing the art of “smudging” into your personal environment, intention is paramount. Begin with an intention of gratitude for the plants and the cultural connections that brought forth its wisdom and medicine forward for us all to benefit from a unified perspective. Next, consider your desired benefit. The sacred plants are incredibly versatile and at the same time, have key aspects to their nature and the alchemy that they offer.
The ritual use of burning sacred plants is embedded deep within our DNA. Whether we intend to purify our space of unwanted energies or bless ourselves and our environment for healing, abundance, meditation or devotional practices, the plants anchor our intentions within our personal space and environment at large and mind-body connection.
Smudging can be done with herbs that are bundled together with twine or that are in wooden form such as “smudge sticks.” Regardless of your chosen medium, it is important to honor the plants, sourcing sustainably and ethically grown and harvested plants for your intentional practice. All of the plants mentioned here are cleansing and purifying in nature.
Some of the most notable plants for smudging are:
Sage: Although there are numerous species of sage, the most common for sage sticks is Salvia apiana. This variety can be grown in most climates and is wonderful to add to your home garden.
Key benefit: cleansing and purification. Clears patterns of negative thinking.
Sweet grass: This resilient plant has an incredibly uplifting aroma that evokes sunny, warm days of youth and innocence.
Key benefits: use for blessing for marriage, childbirth and to bring more love and joy into your life
Lavender: One of the most versatile herbs of the earth best known for its cosmetic, culinary and medicinal properties.
Key benefits: use for a cleansing space of conflict and emotional upheaval from the boardroom to the bedroom to the meeting rooms of recovery
Cedar: This tree of strength and wisdom comes in many species and has a sweet, woodsy aroma.
Key benefits: Used for protection, prosperity and to establish healthy boundaries in relationship
Palo Santo: This native South American tree offers a multiple of healthful benefits including repelling mosquitos when burnt.
*please source sustainably and use reverently due to increased demand and harvest
Key benefits: cleanses stagnant energy in the auric field and personal space, enhances connection to intuition, increases a sense of groundedness
Yerba Santa: Known by the Spanish as the “holy herb.” This plant is native to California and offers a host of medicinal properties.
Key Benefits: wonderful to deepen meditation and to devotional practice
Tips For Smudging
As with all healthy practices, consistency is best. A weekly, or at minimum monthly smudging practice synergizes the power of your presence, your intention and the spirit medicine of the plants. This will help to cleanse, reset and bless yourself, your loved ones and your home, office or other personal space with positive energy, clarity and benevolence. You can also smudge your crystals, jewelry and other objects that you cherish.
From a practical perspective, once your chosen plant material is ignited and burning, gently blow it out and invite its medicine deep into your being to intertwine with your intention, offering gratitude for its wisdom. Be sure to have a fire safe bowl or shell to catch the ashes and fully extinguish it when complete. Keep it in a sacred place until it’s next use.
House Clearing
Choose the plant of your desire and begin smudging as directed in the center of your home. I love to use cedar in the winter and sweet grass in the summer. Invite the spirit and medicine of your chosen plant to cleanse and bless your space as intended. Move in a clockwise direction around your home allowing the smoke to waft into each room until complete. Close your ceremony at the center of your space with a breath of gratitude for the healing presence and wisdom of the plant kingdom.
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