Smudging Flyer

What is smudging?

Smudging is a traditional process of cleansing mind, body, spirit, and environment.

It has been used by indigenous peoples around the world for centuries in both everyday and ceremonial contexts. For most North American indigenous people, smudging involves burning sacred medicines, such as cedar & sage, to produce smoke, which in turn helps to cleanse and purify the person’s thoughts, surroundings, and spirit. The smoke is thought to be a direct path to the creator.

Smudging A QUICK LOOK AT TRADITIONAL MEDICINE

NOTE: There is no wrong or right way to smudge SPTHB serves 43 Federallyrecognized Tribes in TX, KS, and OK. Among those Tribes there are different traditions, rituals, & meanings behind smudging.

Spirit + Intention = Prayer Cleanse This Space & Remove Its Past.

Fill This Place With Joy, Love, & Light.

I Honor The Cycle of Life & The Four Directions Bring Me Wisdom & Growth.

Regenerate & Transform My self (& My Space) Bring Clarity & Cleansing Energy Purify My Emotions & Guide My Path Forward I am Grateful For My Health, Abundance, Love, & Happiness Bring Strength & Peace

Mvto/Aho/Wado

HOW TO SMUDGE Set your intention before beginning the ritual, such as a prayer, positive energy, or goal to focus on while smudging

TRADITIONAL MEDICINES

Open a window or door before smudging

Sage

Hold the bundle at a 45 degree angle and hold the flame onto the bundle to light it

Sage is in the salvia family, which comes from the Latin word “salvare,” meaning “to feel healthy and well and healing.” Sage is used to offer

Keep your bundle smoldering by gently blowing on the embers in 1 second intervals Use a bowl or shell to knock off the embers and never smudge with a full flame Use a feather or your hand to wash the smoke from the bundle over your whole body, from your head to your feet, allowing the smoke to carry away any negative energy When finished, you can either press the smudge stick into your fireproof vessel until the embers are extinguished completely or you can let the bundle finish burning on its own

www.spthb.org

strength, clarity, wisdom, and often represent the maternal lineage of women. Sage has also been used medicinally for antiseptic. In addition, it is high in nutrients and vitamins which can be made into tea.

Cedar Cedar stands as a testament to resilience. Towering and majestic, yet with deep roots, the cedar symbolizes strength, longevity, and ability to weather any storm. Cedar finds a revered place in traditional medicine and acts as a bridge between the earth and the heavens.. It’s bark and leaves are believed to offer remedies and ailments to both the body and soul.

Additional Resources on Smudging Click on the QR Codes below to go to the resources: