Sacred & Blessing Herbs & Smudging

As herbs, roots, resins and barks are changed from their physical form (of this world), they are changed by the element of fire into smoke (spirit world form). This transformation is evidence of the spirit within substances. Throughout human history aromatic plants have been used in the daily activities of people from every culture. In Catholicism the use of incense is likened to one's prayer being kindled by fire in the heart, spoken by the lips resulting in the odor of Christ on the breath.

Smudging

The act of smudging is usually done with a smudge bowl or abalone shell with the appropriate herbs directly lit or burned on a coal or Charcoal Tablet. When using charcoal tablets the bowl or shell should be filled with sand or a flat stone to prevent overheating the container. Smudging is also done with herbs tied in bundles called smudge sticks. In either case the smoke is 'washed' over the person or object with a Feather or by fanning the smoke with one's hand.

Smudging Directions

• Facing East
• Facing South
• Facing West
• Facing North
• Looking up
• Looking down (touching the ground)
• Looking within (holding your hands over your heart)
• Looking down (touching the ground)
• Looking within (holding your hands over your heart)