Sage Meditation and use of sage23:19 Aug 11 2008
Times Read: 593
Sage Meditation and use of sage
Place both feet flat on the floor...
Hands in your lap...
Palms up...
And take a nice, easy breath in thru your nose...
And exhale gently thru your mouth.
Once more...inhale gently...
And exhale slowly...
Good.
And once more...inhale and relax...
And exhale...
That is great.
It is always good to balance and focus energies, so that we are all on the same page...as it were.
Today I'm going to share with you information about an important spiritual practice... it is commonly called "smudging," which is really an energy cleansing/clearing ritual. Now most people who hear the word "smudging" immediately think Native American... and that is where the word, itself, comes from...
Smudging is the common name given to the Sacred Smoke Bowl Blessing, which is a powerful cleansing technique from the Native American tradition. Smudging calls on the spirits of sacred plants to drive away negative energies and put you, or your space, into a state of balance.
It is the physical equivalent of washing your hands before eating. Even though the word "smudging" is a Native American word... the smoke ritual concept is actually found in most all cultures. Think about most religions... there is usually incense or candle smoke wafting through a church or temple.
For instance Buddhists use incense before their temples... Catholics light candles... some African Tribal rituals have smokey fires burning. Today I hope to help you be able to better understand the basics of this important cleansing practice and give you easy, practical, everyday techniques you will be able to use to enhance your home, office, personal self...your life.
So let's begin by discussing how smudging works.
The answer lies in the sub-atomic world of subtle or spiritual energy. Our homes, our bodies are not just made up of purely physical matter; they also vibrate with invisible energy. Cleansing a space or our bodies with techniques, such as smudging, clears away all the emotional and psychic "garbage" that may have gathered over the years... it's like a spiritual spring cleaning.
How do you know if you even NEED to smudge or cleanse yourself??
Good question! Just answer these questions to yourself...
1) Have I been ill...or someone in my home been ill...or have I been around someone who has been ill?
2) Do you feel surrounded by negativity, or feel "victimized" by circumstances for any reason?
3) Have you had a disagreement or argument with a family member or friend?
4) Have you had an unpleasant experience with an authority figure...like a boss or teacher?
5) Have you experienced the loss of a loved one or pet?
6) Has a friendship or love relationship ended?
7) After spending time with someone, or having visited some place, did you leave feeling tired, depressed or emotionally drained?
8) Have you ever spent time with someone and as you walk away you are headachy or light-headed or depression comes over you?
9) are there rooms in your home that you are uncomfortable even being in?
If you answered yes to any of these...then what you are experiencing are negative or ill or dis-eased energies in your life, home or surroundings. And with the techniques I will share with you today, you will find smudging a practical and really user-friendly soulful tool.
To begin...I will share with you the "tools" needed for this practice. At the end of this seminar I will post some great resources of where you may find these items...so no worries if you have never heard of them or seen them in a store. Also, a log from this workshop will be posted in a few days...so you will be able to print it out for reference...
So the tools are...
1. Specific herbs...which come in what is called a bundle or in a wand, or come as loose herbs. (I'll explain each in a moment)
2. A ceramic bowl, abalone shell or other small fire-proof plate/container.
3. A feather or smudge fan.
4. A lighter or matches.
5. A small container with sand or water (to extinguish the smudging herbs when finished).
So that is the basic list...
All of these are available at local new age bookstores...or online...again; I'll be giving you those online references.
With reference to the herbs, when you purchase them from a store or online source they will come in one of two ways...
Loose leaf - which is basically the dried herb leaf crumbled into little bits...or
Bundle or Wand - which will have herb leaves/stems whole and bunched together tightly and tied with twine or string.
Whether they come as loose leaf or in a bundle/wand, herbs can be packaged as individual herbs or mixed together for special blessings.
So which herbs to use for smudging rituals...
There are a variety of herbs that the "die-hard" smudging practitioners would use. However for me, I like to keep it simple... so I will share with you the basic 5 herbs I recommend and their cleansing characteristics...
First is Sage... regardless if you use any other herb...Sage is THE one to use... Sage is purity. It is used to clear and purify a space and to bring about healing of its energy. Sage can come as loose leaf or bundles.
The next herb most commonly used is Sweet grass... Sweet grass comes in long braids or bundles. Sweet grass is known as the "holy grass," brings blessings and sweetness, and is very soothing.
The next herb is Lavender... Lavender brings a cooling, relaxing energy. Lavender should be used along with Sage...and usually is included in sage bundles or wands when purchased. If you are using loose/crushed sage, then you can also add the loose lavender to make a mixture.
Another herb commonly used for energy cleansing is Cedar... it is a POWERFUL general cleanser used to invoke courage. Cedar dissipates fear and anxiety and teaches us to trust our willingness to grow in wisdom.
There is one last herb I'll throw in the mix here that I personally love which is Rosemary. Rosemary attracts friendship and love and enhances good interactions between people. It can help heal sadness, drive away fears and give protection in difficult situations.
Some of you who are gardeners can grow these herbs yourself... I do in my garden. I have Rosemary, Sage and Lavender... I clip/collect the leaves...let them dry in clean, glass containers and when needed...I use them in loose form, mixing them to my personal preference.
Cedar I would advise getting from a store...as it will usually be mixed in perfectly with Sage in bundles or a loose mix.
Okay...so those are the herbs... now...how to use them...haaaaa
Most herbs you will buy will come in a package with the "intent" of those herbs written on the label...which is GREAT for the novice or if you just don't want to have to think about it. And, me...I'm all about it being easy. So you can't go wrong with using any pre-packaged Sage bundle or loose mixture.
If you use a bundle or wand, as some call it, you will need to also have close a small plate or bowl with sand in the bottom to catch any falling ashes as it burns. Common sense...I know...however had to throw that in there.
If you are using a loose mixture of herb... you will need a fireproof bowl...like ceramic or clay...or, for me, I use an abalone shell. These shells are used for a lot of spiritual cleansing rituals and are wonderful. After using it for whatever I need it for, the shell sits in a place of honor in my home and is attractive to look at. I have it surrounded by some of my favorite crystals and some other items precious to me.
Now...I mentioned needing a feather. The feather is a symbolic tool... if you don't wish to purchase a feather you may use your hands instead. Many of you may have seen movies where the Native Americans are sitting around a special fire, their hands cupping the smoke and wiping that smoke over their faces and heads. So hands work just fine.
The reason for the feather is that feathers have the capacity; because of the way they are constructed, to "comb" someone's aura or remove blockages or "knots"... rather like combing your hair to remove knots.
When using a bird's feather to brush the smoke from the herbs over yourself or an object or room it is important to use the underside of the feather. It is the underside of the bird and its wing that face Mother Earth as it flies and it is this surface of the feather that offers the blessing.
I thought I'd just share that tidbit of feather lore with you! And, that, ladies and gentlemen, will be as "woo-woo" as I will get with you today...haaaa.
Now you can use single feathers or what is called a feather fan. These feathers are large feathers...which you will see when I give you the online resource links. The color of the feather or its decoration is not significant.
If a feather "speaks" to you...get it...use it. This is about YOU and making the energy around you work for YOU. So go with what you like. You will find some very expensive smudging feathers out there wrapped in string or twine or leather and decorated with beads or smaller feathers... if that makes you happy...get them.
My feather is a simple, white feather... that is the one that "spoke" to me... clean... simple...uncomplicated. There is no right or wrong with feather choice.
So...now you have your tools... let’s learn what to do with them.
Basically, you will be lighting your herbs and using the smoke to cleanse yourself or objects or environment. That is the basics... the rest, in my book, is all about INTENTION...
I'm going to repeat that... the rest is all about INTENTION...
There will be many who will make smudging such a complicated ritual that you will feel intimidated to even do it. It doesn't have to be intimidating... and it doesn't have to be complicated... you are doing this for YOU...not making it a living. As with any spiritual practice some will be more into the majestically, elaborate ritual aspect of what it can be...and some, like me, break it down to its simplest form for everyday use.
I'm not at ALL disparaging those shamans or other spiritual healers whose craft does so much good to healing. I just want you to leave here today knowing you CAN take control of your own personal energies and make them work for you and bring balance, harmony and peace to your life.
Okay... so let's talk about PERSONAL energy clearing. This is the easiest to start with.
Let's say you went to the hospital to visit someone who was very ill. Or, you had a fight with your friend. Or, you went to a movie that was very violent or scary or gross. Or you went somewhere like a restaurant or bar and left feeling tired or stressed.
In all of these situations, your personal soul self has "absorbed" or picked up on the energies of that situation or those surroundings or that person. You are literally like a psychic sponge, just soaking up all that 'stuff.
You may not realize it right that moment...or even the next day... however after several days, weeks, or months (okay for some of you years), of "absorbing" all that stuff that isn't yours or that has negative effects on you, it can cause you all manner of problems... mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually.
So...doing a simple personal energy cleansing is the way to help release all that which is not YOURS and protect you in the future.
To start...
1. Find a place in your home or in your yard that you feel comfortable and that is quiet and you won’t be interrupted.
2. If you are using loose herbs, put a bit of sand in the bottom of your shell or bowl...to help keep the heat from your hand.
3. Put a good mound of herbs in the bowl...stacked up...
4. Light the herbs...for me, using a long handled lighter, like for fireplaces is the best. If you are using a herb bundle or wand...light it at this point as well, having an "ash container" handy.
The herbs may take a moment to light... that is okay. Keep at it until you get a good ember glow or flame going. DON'T BLOW ON THE HERBS to make them light quicker for 2 reasons...
a) You could blow bits of hot ash and start a fire or burn yourself... and
b) You are blowing your own negative energy onto the healing herbs.
Once the herbs start to really burn or glow you should have a nice smoke rising. Important rule... the smoke should RISE UP. It should be a fairly thick or strong smoke stream once you get your smoke going.
(Bundle users)
Hold the bundle in front of you at your heart level...
(Bowl users)
Sit on the floor or ground on your knees or in the lotus position and place the bowl in front of you on the floor.
Then say a prayer of intent to begin the ritual and prepare yourself for cleansing... notice I said intent. What you say is up to you; let it come from your heart. The importance of the prayer is to release all negative energies, to bring peace and harmony to you, and for protection.
Here is a prayer as an example...
"Peace and safety, comfort and love surround me. I am safe, secure and protected here."
Then,
(Bowl users)
Cup your hand in the smoke and bring it to your face and head. Follow by cupping the smoke and running it down your left arm and leg, then up your right leg and arm. Throw a cupped handful over your shoulders and around your neck, then end by cupping smoke and bringing to your heart....
(Bundle users)
Take the bundle with your right hand and with left hand wave the smoke toward your body... then use the bundle as a wand around your face head, down your left arm and leg, up your right leg and arm, around your shoulders and neck, then bring it to your heart (NOT putting the lit bundle on your clothes or skin)...just toward your heart.
As you cleanse yourself with the smoke, say words of intent over each area such as, "The blessing of this herb cleanses me and refreshes my life"...or other words that feel comfortable. The words can be different for each area, for instance...
When you get to your eyes you can say, I bring to myself the ability to see clearly and focus on what will fulfill my life.
When you get to your heart you can say, I open my heart to give and receive love to all I meet. I allow past wounds to heal and I forgive myself and others for unsettled transgressions.
Or, you can simply repeat the same opening prayer over and over. Again, let the words come from your heart...your inner self will know what you need.
As you bring the smoke to each area of your body, focus on how that area feels. You may feel heavy or dark in a certain area...maybe around your abdomen, or your right shoulder, or your throat or heart...wherever...just be conscious of your feelings.
If you do feel a heaviness or darkness concentrate on that area when you get there, bringing more smoke to it, and say an intent, "The energy that is here is not needed in my life and will leave" or perhaps Show me what I am holding onto in this area so that I may understand it and release it from my life or some such intent.
Again...the words will come from your heart. TRUST your instincts...you will know what to say, and when you get to the end and are bringing the smoke to your heart... say a prayer as an ending...an example is:
"God loves me and has a plan for me and for my life. I trust in His love and support. I am safe and protected. My life is of value. I am value. I am loved. I know that I am on my way into my future. And I am protected and secure."
Then you can take a few moments or more to simply meditate or pray to yourself and enjoy the peaceful harmony. Or get up and get on with your day... This can be a very long process or a simple, quick one... that is the beauty of it...make it work for YOUR life.
One thing I do want to mention is be aware that when doing any smudging or cleansing ritual, whether a personal cleansing or for environment, you may tap into some very strong emotions. Don’t hold them back...release them...go with them...work through them. If you inhibit what you feel, you will only cause yourself to close off, so to speak. Don’t stifle the feelings.
When you are done you can stick your bundle in a bowl of sand or glass of water to put it out. For the bowl users, stir the herbs into the sand to put them out. If your bundle is not used up...put it in a safe container to use another time...like a plastic bag. For the loose herbs...you can bury them or dispose of them as you feel comfortable. Okay, that was personal clearing...
Personally, after I do any cleansing I usually also wash my hands to release anything I may have picked up and retained from the healing. You may wish to do that as well. Again, no right or wrong...do what you feel is comfortable or needed.
Let's talk about cleansing/clearing your environment... I'll talk about one room in your home...however this technique could be used for an office, your vehicle, garage, or entire house.
With a room, it is important to understand that ALL objects and the walls and floors and ceiling are able to retain energy. So to cleanse a room, you must get everything with the smoke. For room cleansing I recommend using the feather or fan.
You should always start at the room's door. Light your bowl or bundle as stated in the personal cleansing technique above... and when you get your smoke going... stand very still and say a prayer of blessing on the room.
Bring yourself to a place of true focus and intent in your heart... and look at the smoke.
The smoke SHOULD be going straight up... and it should be a strong stream of smoke. If the smoke is thin use your lighter to get it going better.
If the smoke IS going straight up...you go clockwise around the room or to the left.
If your smoke is NOT going straight up... the protective/healing energies surrounding you and the herbs are telling you which way to start cleansing the room... in other words...if the smoke is going to the left...YOU go to the left, or clockwise... if the smoke is going to the right...you got it...you go to the right or counter clockwise. When the smoke is not rising up it simply means there is ALOT of energies in that room and it means you need to take time to really do the ritual in the room thoroughly.
To cleanse the room...let's use the scenario that your smoke is going up as it should...so you'd go to your left from the door. Lean down comfortably as you can and using the feather move the smoke around the base of your floorboards against the wall... then up and down the entire wall.
When you come to a corner...face the corner... pause for a moment and allow the smoke to go up and use your feather to cleanse the entire corner very thoroughly. Why? Because energies can get stuck in the corners of rooms... you cleanse that corner until the smoke goes up when you are still.
Continue the up and down pattern over the next wall...and all the furniture, pictures, lamps, etc, against these walls... until you have done the entire room and are back to the door... then go to the center of the room... cleanse any furniture or object in the center, then move your way to the door... using the feather...push smoke out the door... envisioning all energies that have been cleansed leaving the room.
Now...while you are doing this smoke cleansing throughout the room, you may say prayers of protection or love or healing, calling on angels or loved ones to lend their love and protection to the room.
At the door...when you are done...say a last prayer, and this prayer is of INTENT... by that I mean...intent for that room...what you wish that room to be.
For instance, if you are cleansing your bedroom you might say a prayer of intent that this room will be a place of tranquility, peace, rest, recovery, rejuvenation, passion, and love. Whatever your purpose... then thank your angels for being with you and helping you and leave the room...continuing to another room or extinguishing your smoke as described above in the personal cleansing techniques.
If you continue to another room, or sometimes when you are still in one room, you may need to re-light your herbs to get the smoke going again. In the case of using loose herbs, you may need to add additional herbs to the bowl to keep the smoke going. Just keep your lighter and extra herbs in your pocket so that you do not have to break the energy or focus or leave the room once you start working.
Above I mentioned when doing personal cleansing you may tap into some emotions. The same is true when cleansing environments.
When we lived in Florida and we bought our first home, we bought it from a family that was selling it because they were getting a divorce. The home itself was wonderful...however the energy was depressive and sad. It was so heavy and oppressive and you could feel it throughout the home. So after we signed the closing papers, I went to the house the next day and did the cleansing ritual for the ENTIRE house.
There were some rooms where I was so very emotional that I wept...for some rooms overwhelmingly so. And with each tear I told that house it could let go of that sadness that we were of love and would bring love to it. I got chills the more I cleansed this home.
Each room I gave its intent, and when I was done, I went to what I felt was the true heart of the home...the kitchen... and I sat in the kitchen facing the beautiful bay windows looking out to our backyard. With my smoke burning, I simply listened to this home, and breathed in its new energy. I laughed out loud and allowed it to absorb that laughter.
Then I said a prayer of love and harmony for it, and as I was putting out my herb smoke...the house told me its name. It was the COOLEST thing. Its name was Ambrose, by the way... haaa... an odd name, for sure! And Ambrose was a wonderful home for us...brought us much pleasure and peace and comfort and happy times as a family.
So, yes, you CAN change the energies of your environment... and your office, and your car...and even objects that you get at an antique store or inherit from a loved one... make things your own, give them intent for your life.
Now...if you are unable to "burn" herbs for whatever reason...they won't like smoky smells at your place of work, or someone has asthma, there is a baby in the home, etc... There are sprays available that you can buy that are oils created from these same healing herbs. These sprays are lovely, like any deodorizing spray, so you can do the same ritual with the sprays as you did with the smoke.
Again...it is all intent...
I will end with this one thing, then give take some questions and then give some resources for the smudging tools and great books.
Smudging should be done with care, with reverence, and in an attitude of LOVE.
COMMENTS
-