september… smudge stick
Come join us to make your own “SMUDGE STICK” for our ‘Around the Sun with Herbalism’ workshop in September. Whether you want to the negativity from your house, car or your own aura… you will enjoy creating this bundle from the ethically sourced, organic herbs & flowers I will provide; and we will also be decorating your wafting feather (to direct the smoke in the appropriate directions;-).
When one thinks of a smudge stick, it is usually ‘white sage’ bundles used by indigenous medicine people and curanderos, but there are many types of plants used for cleansing. I like to use the plants that are found in my area and at local farmer’s markets. Some popular plants to use:
Rosemary
Tobacco
Hyssop
Palo Santo
Cedar
Lavender
Blue Sage
Rose
Sweetgrass
Mugwort
Yellow Birch
Juniper Berry
Peppermint
Wormwood
Mullein
Red Willow Bark (Dogwood)
Osha Root
Uva Ursi
Frankencense
Myrrh
Copal
Once you have gathered your bundle, it is time to wrap it up in organic cotton string. We will be using many fresh herbs, so you will have to allow time for your bundle to dry. Then it’s time to decorate a feather wand with beads & string; this will help to direct the smoke toward the walls and corners of the house etc.; think positive thoughts while smudging, and focus on feelings and blessings (i.e. ‘may this space be filed with peace and joy’).
Some good times to smudge include:
- After arguments
- Moving into a new home
- After a sickness
- After having negative guests over
- When feeling stressed or tense
- Before meditation
- Whenever you feel moved to do so
TAOS HERBS has a lovely way of “Smudging in the Seven Directions:
· FACING EAST – I welcome the energy of the beginning way, the rising sun at the beginning of the day and the light of illumination. Welcome Eagle, flying nearest the heavens, with the clearest of vision. I welcome the energies of spirits of the East.
· FACING SOUTH – I welcome the energy of service to all my relatives, the heat of the noonday sun and the spirit of action in the world. Welcome Coyote spirit. I welcome the energies and spirits of the South.
· FACING WEST – I welcome the energy of looking within to find the gifts of healing. Welcome Bear spirit going deep within to seek the gift of renewal. I welcome the energies and spirits of the West.
· FACING NORTH – I welcome the energy of wisdom and blessing and the Grandmothers and Grandfathers who teach me. Welcome Buffalo and the spirit of giveaway, teach me to be generous and honor all the I receive. I welcome the energies and spirits of the North.
· LOOKING UP – I welcome the energy and spirit of Above. Father Sky, welcome all that is masculine, grandfathers, fathers, brothers, uncles and sons. And that masculine energy that also exists within the feminine. I welcome the energies and spirits of Father Sky.
· LOOKING DOWN (touching the ground) – I welcome the energy of Mother Earth, the feminine principle, the energy and spirit of Below. I welcome the energy and the spirit of our grandmothers, our mothers, sisters, aunties and daughters. And that feminine energy that exists within the masculine. I welcome the energies and spirits of Mother Earth.
· LOOKING WITHIN (holding your hands over your heart) – I welcome the energy of Within, the principle of being connected, the energy and spirit of Within. I welcome the gifts of balance, oneness, and the connection with all things for all things are one and all things are related.