Smudging makes use of herbs by burning them. They are used in rituals to say a prayer or to participate in a ceremony.

Smudge is recognized as a cleansing practice and facilitates spiritual activities in many cultures around the world.

In most North American First Nation traditions, smudge is used at the beginning of a ceremony or teaching For those outside this tradition, it is appropriate to smudge at the beginning of a meditation or Yoga practice.

When you smudge be clear about your intention with the ceremony before you start. Honoring of the powers greater than ourselves is part of this process. Once you created ‘Sacred Space’ you purify yourself, by washing yourself in the smoke… wash yourself from the Heart first, then the mind, then the body, washing the smoke back to the ‘Mother’, with your hands or with a feather fan!

At the end of the ceremony, you offer thanks to everyone you called, say an overall expression of gratitude. Close your ceremony and put the smudge out. In a group, this same process is honored, with everyone in turn, cleansing themselves.