What Is Smudging?

Smudging is a Native American name for incense burning. Smudging may be of burning of herbs in a form of boundles, which are called sticks. Or such herbs or tossed in the fire place, or burning in a dish or shell. It is of practice of cleansing. Eigher be cleasing self of bad energy and for healing, or cleansing the place of living and ridding of bad spirits. Just about all spiritual practice do this type of practice.

There may be some different beliefs about burning of herbs. In triable culture, the spirits of the herbs are released, and are doing the the work. Which is energy. In Paganism, it is to believe be magic. Seekers just know it to be energy. Advance seekers know little more than new seekers.

What are the most common and best herbs for cleansing? There is no one best, nor should be no one herb used. The most common well known herbs by Tribal culture use are sage, cedar, and sweet grass. But Native Americans also use other herbs as well. The Natives also do not use one herb too long, nor do advance seekers. Before one might read something of Shamanism, one may descover that burning one herb for too long loses it's effect. Why only experience will give this wisdom. If one learns the Native American practice, they aslo teach this. But it is the experience that gives the real, not the belief.

It is important to note fire safety of burning herbs, and what right tools best use. One wants to burn herbs in fire proof burners with legs, even lids. Mainly if one is burning cedar, one may want to get a burner with a lid, for cedar pops, and sparks fly. Legs protect the table of wood and placed from the hot metal burning. Incense charkcoal is commonly used for burners. But not very necessary. Powder sage can help burn other herbs as well. Keep meditating on this, and study the practice. Safety is always first.

It is also important that the practice be of wise and mature people, not the unwise and delusional. One has to be wise enough to practice with fire, as well knowledge of the herbs. One don't want a child playing with fire, nor use an herb that may toxic.