How to Perform a Native American Smudging Ceremony

A Traditional Ritual for Spiritual Cleansing

Have you ever felt uneasy moving into a new home?  Does there seem to be an air of lingering negative feelings or an unclean atmosphere in some area of your abode?  Historically, Native Americans used locally found herbs to cleanse themselves and their living space.  Change a bad start of the day or week to your favor and improve your attitude.  With the proper respect and a sincere attitude, you too can enjoy the benefits and general self-improvement associated with a smudging ceremony.   

Native Americans consider sage, cedar, sweetgrass and tobacco as the Four Sacred Herbs.  Sage is found across North America, with white sage being the most potent and gray sage found in many northern areas where the gray will not over-winter.  Cedar and sweetgrass also are indigenous to this continent.  Tobacco can be found in many forms; however for this ceremony Nicotiana Rustica, or a similar dried tobacco leaf, native to America is preferred.  Cigarette tobacco contains a lot of chemical additives that are not conducive to the ceremony's purpose.

http://www.biopark.org/peru/mapacho.html   This site explains some of the specifics of the tobacco found on this continent.

It's important to set a proper stage and attitude for your ceremony.  A recording of Native American flute music may help to focus your thoughts.  Set a time where you won't be interrupted by people, telephones, or other distractions.  The earliest part of the morning can be best to establish good feelings for the rest of the day.  If you've had something troubling you throughout the day, perhaps a time late in the evening could help facilitate a relaxed night's sleep.  Some individuals use an elaborately carved smudge bowl, but a simple abalone shell or even a flat rock with a small center indentation works as well.  You may also select a feather to fan the smudge as the herbs are burned.