smudging

[sidney33]

I make my own Smudge sticks just sage i am wondering if any of you make you own and have any recipes or additives that you do thank you Sidney.

[ruth]

I cheat and buy mine! but let me look around and I'll find something to help you out ;D

love
ruth

[ruth]

CLEARING YOUR SPACE / Making a Smudge Stick

I believe that most people have had the experience of someone coming into their home or office and leaving some unpleasant residue in their wake. That's when it's time to smudge!

Smudging has been an integral part of the Native American, Celt, and other ancient cultures as a way to cleanse, purify, clear, and release energy. It's used in many ceremonies and rituals, setting the mood, and preparing those involved emotionally, spiritually, and psychically. It often employed before meditation, prayer, sweat lodge, when people are ill or depressed, or just to move out stale, stuck energy and create a renewed flow. Smudging can be performed in one's environment, on the physical body, and personal possessions.

Although the most popular herb for smudging in my area seems to be sagebrush, other ones commonly used include white sage, cedar, pine, pinion, juniper, sweetgrass, mugwort, tobacco, lavender, and various resins and roots. Commonly, smudging is done with a bundle or stick. Another method is to put the herbs into a pot. Either way, the herbs are lit to form an ember that imparts a stream of smoke. This smoke is fanned or moved around the area, person or items, generally in a clockwise direction. While smudging, one might honor the four directions and elements, Mother Earth and Father Sky, Grandmother Moon and Grandfather Sun, or something else that feels appropriate. An invocation can be used for healing, clarity or other purpose and this is always a good time to express gratitude and ask for guidance.

I have been making smudge sticks for quite a few years and would like to share my method. You can use any or a combination of the herbs mentioned. I have come to be partial to a cedar/sage combination because sage helps dissipate the negative energy well and cedar tends to invoke positive energy. Whatever mix you use, the smoke will work on transmuting non-beneficial energy.

The first step is to gather the plant branchlets. You should always ask permission from the plant devas and leave a "thank you" gift of hair, cornmeal, tobacco or the like behind. Some people say that it's best to harvest in the spring but I believe with the proper intention that a good smudge stick can be made any time of year. The next thing you'll need is some natural twine like jute, hemp, or cotton. Cut about two yards of twine. Then lay your herb cuttings out---cedar with sage on top and you can form a slight roll making it easy to wrap. Use enough for an eight to ten inch stick that about 4 to 5 inches in diameter. On one end of the twine, tie a loop, then thread the other end through it to make a slip knot. Next, pick up the herb pile, place the loop around the base and pull tight to anchor. Now, begin to wrap the twine around the stick keeping a moderate tension (if it's too tight it may not burn well). When you've wrapped all the way to the top, continue wrapping downward until there's just enough twine left to tie back on itself. I use a crotchet hook to pull the short thread back through. Voila---you now have a personalized smudge stick. Let it dry out completely before using.

Smudging your space once a week is a good habit to get into or you can just light up your smudge stick and cleanse any time you feel like the energy needs a better flow.

I found lots, so if you want more just let me know and I'll post them for you ;D

love
ruth

[chris2504]

dear sidney,

i have come to notice that sage and sweetgrass works great for clearing negative energy
the way i have always been taught to conduct a smudging is by first going through the entire home and and asking that of which is not of the light or of the highest good to now leave and that only which is of the highest good may remain repeating this as you go through each room, next each individual that takes part in the ritual or ceremony is to be smudged this is done by waving the smoke at them and having them take cupped hands and bringing the smoke over their heads and down the back as far as they can and is breathed in through thte nose and out the mouth again stating that only that of which of the highest good is to remain
smudgings are a wonderful thing it litterally makes you feel as if the wieght of the world is lifted from your shoulders i generally use an albalone shell and eagle feathers (which is the traditional way that native people conduct it) to do this but you can use what ever method you wish

just wanted to add a little insight for ya

love and light

master chris

[Veggiechef]

Tobacco?

[chris2504]

yes you can even use tobacco the native people actually used what ever they could finad at the time

[sidney33]

HI to all. tobacco maybe my wife wiil let me smoke in the house again i do have a work room out in the yard i recently tried a few drops of Frankincense oil with my sage roll .it chased me out of the room. will be good i think when i get the amount right.love to all.Sidney.

[ruth]

In Feng Shui clearing the air and negative energy is so important. You can also go around in each room clockwise and clap your hands in all corners that no one goes in.

This also moves the energy around and ask it to go. The lighter feelings are amazing along with the smudging, the results are great.

Do this at times of sickness, anyone in bad moods, or bringing of negative energy into your home space.

Please also allow the negative to 'run' off you before you enter into your home or work enviroment. On the way home from work everyday, I open my car door window, even if it's just a tad and allow all of the negative to go out the window. I feel refreshed and allowing that part of my day to go. (You won't bring home work anymore practicing this small routine) It's easy and takes just seconds to do but the rewards are great.


love
ruth

[Suzie]

That is a wonderful idea Ruth. I am going to try it tonight on my way home from work

[Veggiechef]

sidney33 said:

tobacco maybe my wife wiil let me smoke in the house again .

Sidney.......You make me laugh!!! ;D ;D ;D

thanks for the chuckle

[sidney33]

laughter is good better than crying i have been reading with intrest all that you say Location: Virginia good tobacco .cheers to all Sidney.

[Veggiechef]

LOL Sidney....Funny thing is, I actually quit smoking after I moved to Virginia, land of inexpensive cigs. I'm so glad to be free of the vile weed!

[sidney33]

Veggiechef to late for me now thinking of growing my own might tell my wife its a new type of spinach shes a good gardener is a decendent of american indians and has a green thumb all things grow for her.cheers Sidney.

[Veggiechef]

It's never too late, Sidney!

[sidney33]

Veggiechef at my age its all i have left love Sidney.