Oh, smudge!
The first time I heard the word smudging, it was in reference to a reiki event someone else had attended. The participants smudged each other with sage before the beginning of the event, I was told. Being a kindergarten teacher at the time, I imagined folks playing in dirt or sand or maybe washable paint and smearing it on each other. Sounds like what I had to stop my students from doing every time I broke out the art supplies. So how could smudging and clearing be considered the same thing?
Smudging is not a new or New Age practice, but it is definitely not reiki. Smudging is a First Nations practice that has been incorporated (some might say coopted) by many spiritual practices. Either way, the idea of cleansing through burning is probably as old as worship itself. The sacrifice burned to be a pure offering, the swing of the censor in church, even the act of cremation can be seen as a cleansing of the body to set the soul free. The smoke is believed to attract negative energy, and as the smoke rises it carries negative energy with it, away from the person, object, or space.
While I recognize that the sharing of spiritual ideas belongs to everyone, the use of specific spiritual practices deserves to be treated with utmost respect, particularly when one or one’s spiritual tradition is not the originator of said practice. So I try to honor the spirit of the practice as much as possible. And there is more to smudging than meets the eye (or nose, as the case may be). Traditionally smudge was burned in a seashell. The shell represents the earth and water, the smoke, air and the burning herbs–you guessed it–fire. The four elements are usually honored again in many Native ceremonies or blessings to the four corners. A feather is often used to fan the smoke in whatever direction is desired.
I have to admit I’m not big on the seashell idea, for one reason. I’m way too clumsy for open flames and burning embers. I need a cup at least, or the new cauldron I bought at a recent craft show. It burns nicely and I can set it down without risk of the heat melting anything. The following video gives a First Nations perspective.
How do you use smudge? Does you use mirror Native traditions or do you use it in some other way? Or not at all? If you do smudge, what have you found to be the benefits for you? Your clients? your surroundings?
I am a Reiki Master Teacher, Karuna Reiki (c) Master Teacher and a Rainbow Reiki Body of Light Instructor. I have been an auric healer for 22 years and a trained witched for 18 years.
The use of smoke to cleans and purify an area is ancient and it not indicative to any one culture. Most people are familiar with Native Americans using smudging but most cultures have the same or similar tradition.
I generally use white sage for smudging although a combination of Frankincense, Myrrh and Dragon’s Blood is also effective for smudging. Cedar, pine and other evergreens can also be used equally well for smudging.
Before a magickal working I usually smudge. I like to smudge my work area frequently. I do not always smudge my Reiki clients before a session.
I made a magickal essential oil blend for smudging that I can either burn in an oil warmer, on a charcoal or apply it to a blank incense stick. If I am using herbs then I will burn them over a charcoal in a cauldron … I do agree, burning stuff in a shell – not a good idea for me. And of course there is always the wonderful sage bundle.
Phillip.
Thanks so much for posting. I agree there are many ways to use smudge. I became more interested in the practice after buying the cauldron, which came with a variety of items to smudge. I was most happy to experiment. LOL
Thanks for posting about smudging!
It’s great that you can cleanse spaces in various ways:
- smudging
- incense
- beaming reiki energy
- meditation
- prayers etc.
Nice video +_+
Thanks Axel. Please continue to stop by!
well i wasnt intending comming here
) was seeking some thing compleatly different but ended up here and glad i did 
food for thought perhaps for a short article i was considering so will link back to here if thats ok ? and may possibly i wish you a happy new year.
No problem at all. Glad you enjoy the website.
All the best,
Dee