Sacred Smoke
Throughout history we can find how different cultures utilized different herbs, resins and woods as a form of clearing, purifying, blessing, honoring and as a offer to their god/goddess and spirit. It was a way for them to communicate and send their messages up to the heavens.
Vikings utilized fire to release the soul of their soul as they were placed on a funeral pyre and sent out onto the waters as they community members would then place their fire arrows at the pyre; the intention was this would help the deceased get to the afterlife.
Aboriginal communities would utilize it as a form of not only purification but a way to seal a newborns spirit in its mortal body as the mother would crouch over a fire. It was also used again for that infant as he/she reached a milestone in their life. It is also used as a way to honor people from the past and present as well as a welcome ceremony for individuals coming to visit their community.
Native Americans use it as a way to center and balance, drive away sickness and bad energy. It is very traditional to use for healing and spiritual practices as well as to gain better clarity and insight.
Shamans in all cultures use it as a way to cleanse and heal. They will use the medicine of the plant’s spirit for different healings.
The Bible also mentions on numerous occasions different ways in which the plants, resins and woods were use to carry their intentions and messages up to God.
So we can see how Sacred Smoke has been used in the past and now we are reclaiming this art form in today’s modern world. We use it to bless and cleanse our homes, ourselves and set intentions.
Here are some great herbs to work with:
Sage - Clears, Purifies and Cleanses any negative energies.
Cedar - Clears, Purifies, Protection and Cleanses any negative energies.
Juniper - Clears, Purifies, Cleanses any negative energies with the added benefit of Protection.
After you have Cleared, Cleansed and Purified your space you can use Sweet Grass to invite in all of the "Sweet Spirits" that can guide you.
Bay Leaves – Anxiety reducer, calming, invoke success and healing. Ornamental symbol of honor.
Pine Needles – Prosperity, persistence, moderation, self-confidence, and for blessing a new home
Tobacco – Used for carrying your thoughts and prays to the universe and as an offering
Here are some great resins to work with:
Copal Resin - Cleaning, Clearing and Uplifting the holy incense of the Mayan's and the Aztec's.
Frankincense Resin - Cleaning, Cleansing and cutting through any negative energy.
Myrrh Resin - Provides clearing, spiritual connection, healing.
Sandalwood Resin – Love, Protection and healing
Wood
Palo Santo – Cleanse your space and aura. It carries the essence of wisdom
