Using a Smudge Stick

How to perform the Sacred Smudging Ceremony
The Sacred Smudging Ceremony is a ritual way to cleanse a person, place or object of negative influences or energies. Many differing cultures and peoples have their own methods and mixtures for the purpose. Native American Indians use a variety of smudging mixtures. The main herbs used are sage, cedar or juniper, lavender and sweetgrass. Pure tobacco is used by some Plains tribes and copal in South and Central America.

There are two ways of burning the smudge. The first is to use a smudge stick or wand. The smudge stick is made of the leaves or mixture of leaves from sacred plants, tied together then dried. To use, light the end of the wand and after it starts to burn, extinguish the flame so it just smolders. The second way is to use the loose leaf herbs or resins. A suitable container such as an Abalone shell (some traditions will not use shells as they say the water element of the shell nullifies the fire element while others use the shell to bring in the balance of the elements), stoneware bowls or containers one may have that have special meaning and are heat resistant. Place some sand in the bottom of the shell or bowl, place a briquette or piece of one on top of the sand and light. (Special briquettes are made for burning incense, Swift Light is one brand) Place the herbs or resins on this and they will smolder as the briquette burns.

When the herbs are lit, use a fan or feather to fan out the flame. You may need to occasionally fan the herbs to keep them smoldering. Draw the smoke to your heart, over your head, down your arms and down the front of your body. Next move the smoke over the back of your body toward the ground. Now offer the smoke to the six directions: up to the Creator, down to the Earth, then to the north, east, south and west in that order. After you have smudged yourself be sure to smudge any tools or items to be used in the ceremony. Now you may hold the bowl while others smudge themselves or you may smudge them. Do not forget to smudge the room you are in and don't forget the corners.
 

Making a Smudge Stick

Smudge sticks are simply bunches of herbs that have been gathered and dried. Gather the fresh herbs of your choice keeping the branches or bunches to about 7 inches. You
will need scissors, cotton embroidery floss or crochet cotton and a piece of fabric or
soft leather to roll the smudge stick.

Select a number of branches or bunches to obtain your desired thickness. It helps to
squeeze them together to judge just how thick the bundle will be.
Cut a piece of cotton thread about 3x the length of the bundle.
(Embroidery floss or crochet thread works quite well, do Not use polyester thread)
Hold the bunch of branches together by the branch end and wrap the thread around
the bottom 4 or 5 times. Continue wrapping towards the end of the bunch using wider
wraps. When you get near the end of the bunch start wrapping back towards the stem
end crossing over the previous wrapped thread creating a crisscross pattern. When
you get back to the bottom make 2 or 3 wraps and tie the ends together and cut off
the excess. Trim the bottom of the bunch below the tie. You may also at the time trim
any stray pieces sticking out. Place the smudge stick on a piece of fabric or soft leather
and fold it over the smudge stick. Firmly roll the stick between the layers a few times.
Hang out to dry. It is recommended that the branch bundle not be to large as it will take longer for the inside to dry and you don't want mold to set in.
 

The Herbs

Properties of some of the most common herbs and resins and
a short tutorial on how to make your own smudge sticks.

1. Desert Sage (Artemesia tridentata) Drive away negative energies, influences and spirits. This is used to purify people and places before any sacred ceremony.

2. White Sage (Salvia apiana) This sage is used the same as desert sage, it has a sweeter aroma.

3. Cedar (Libocedrus descurrens, Thyja occidentalis) This plant is used to drive out negative emotions and also may be used to purify.

4. Sweetgrass (Hierochole odarata) One of the most sacred herbs. This is used to bring in positive energy.

5. Juniper (Juniperus ssp.) Juniper is often carried in a medicine pouch or a pocket for protection. This is used to create a safe and sacred space.

6. Lavender (Lavandula officianalis) Is used to create a peaceful atmosphere and will restore balance.

7. Copal (Bereseru microphylla) This resin is used in purification and divination ceremonies. It is believed that as the smoke rises it will carry the prayers to the gods.


 

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