SMUDGING

The burning of sage, sweet grass, fungus is called smudging. It is traditionally used to prepare and purify a person, place or thing for a time of openness and truth in the presence of the Creator. Prior to a room being smudged, the eagle feather is smudged. Then you can go around and smudge everyone. If people do not want to partake, they can pass. Sage and matches can be made available for people who are late.

When we smudge. we do it for these reasons:

Mouth - so that anything we say will be positive and helpful to others who hear us.

Ears - that what we hear and listen to will be positive and help us to learn.

Eyes - that what we see is positive and we can see that in others, not to look at the outside.

Mind - that what we think or how we react will be positive, with only the well being of others in mind. Not to be clouded by anger, lust, greed, etc.

Heart - that our hearts will feel our pain and joy, to be able to heal and use that to help others.

Body - that we will use our bodies in positive ways and take care of our physical health.