The smudging ceremony is a Native American tradition that eliminates bad feelings and negative vibes from the home. In this way you bring an atmosphere of peace back to your home. It involves burning dry herbs and letting the smoke float through the rooms of the house. You can burn them inside a container or create a bunch to set on fire.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Preparing for the Ceremony
Step 1. Decide if you want to use dried herbs or a bunch
You can use a mix of herbs or choose just one such as sage.
Step 2. Find the right herbs
You can grow them yourself or buy them at the grocery store. In some ethnic shops you can find ready-made bunches (they are also available online).
Step 3. Prepare for the ceremony with long, deep breaths and positive thoughts
Part 2 of 4: Purify with Herbs
Step 1. Put a small piece of charcoal in a fireproof container
Step 2. Light it with a match
You can cleanse your home with just one type of herb, or you can make a blend of cedar, lavender, juniper, desert sage, sage apiana, hierochloe odorata, and mugwort. Place a handful on top of the charcoal.
Step 3. The flame should go out and the herbs will slowly burn releasing a fragrant smoke
When you clean the house you need smoke, not fire.
Part 3 of 4: Purify with a bunch of herbs
Step 1. Set one end of the bunch on fire with a match
Step 2. Let it burn for 30-60 seconds to make sure it stays burning
It is advisable not to have to rekindle the bunch in the middle of the ceremony.
Step 3. Blow the flames to put them out, like you would on the candles on your birthday cake
Part 4 of 4: Performing the Ceremony
Step 1. Walk into a room in the house with the steaming herb container or bunch
- Start on the west side of the room and move clockwise to the four corners of the room.
- Say positive phrases such as: "Bring light, love and happiness into this house" while you spread the smoke in the room, or say a similar prayer.
Step 2. Cleanse every room in the house, including the bathroom, closet, and hallway
Step 3. Put out the smoke with a little water when you're done
Throw any herbs you used in the compost or trash.
Advice
- Juniper purifies, protects and sanctifies an environment.
- If you want you can use sage.
- Sage apiana and mugwort ward off negative vibrations and evil spirits. Many prefer the former because it has a sweeter scent.
- Lavender brings peace and balance. It also generates vibrations of love.
- The hierochloe odorata invokes positive energy and is considered the sacred herb for purification.
- Cedar increases good energy and acts as a purifier.
- Mugwort gives birth to prophetic dreams, and Lakota Native Americans believe it makes evil spirits sick.
