Herbal Smoke Cleansing, a sacred means of clearing energy, comes to us from the Native Americans. To recognize its cultural significance, let us begin with respect for this practice and approach with appreciation— not appropriation. These herbs and wood have been chosen because of sustainable farming practices, and to ensure that we do not commodify plants and practices that are sacred to Native Americans or the religious practices of indigenous shamans.
Why use Herbal Smoke?
To clear a space or emotional state from either negative or stale energy.
For example, when moving into a new home or office; a new school or calendar year; or after a seasonal cleaning or redecorating.
When we are marking a moment or intention, much like how incense is used in a Catholic Church or Buddhist Temple.
The most widely used herbs for smoke cleansing:
Sage is the most commonly used for cleansing and to dispel negative energy. White Sage is native to North America.
Until the 1978 American Indian Religious Freedom Act, using White Sage was illegal in the United States, and many Natives were persecuted for using any type of traditional medicine.Cedar is used to cleanse after illness or for a general sense of well-being.
Mugwort, or artemisia vulgaris, is used medicinally in East Asia to promote regular menstrual cycles, relieve stress, and boost energy. It is now considered an invasive species in NYS. Mugwort smoke aids dreamwork and manifestation. Mugwort, with its distinctive smell, is in the ragweed family and it's best to avoid if you are allergic.
Palo Santo, or holy wood, from the Andes is a highly aromatic wood used for cleansing and spiritual purification.
How to use your tools:
Set your intentions and choose a quiet moment with a little extra time. This is not the time to rush. Use your favorite technique to quiet your mind and create a deliberate time and energy space. Respect your goals, your energy, and your intent. Gather your items, and if desired, a fire resistant bowl or vessel in which to place smoldering herbs.
Bring to mind your desires or goals. Be specific and positive, or finish the sentence, "Wouldn’t it be nice if…?"
If you find your mind wandering, bring your attention back to the scent of the herbs, and affirm your desires.
Light your herbal bundle with the beeswax candle and waft the smoke around your body, walk through your home, your car - whatever it is you are including in this space.
Herbal bundles do not continue to burn actively, but never leave unattended while lit. Allow it to extinguish on its own while keeping your intentions positive, your mind focused, and your heart open. We recommend burning only one type of herb at one time for clear communication. Do not blow on your lit bundle, but waft air using a hand fan.
Deepening your experience:
If you'd like to add to your tool kit, we suggest a fire resistant bowl, dedicated matches, and sweetgrass. Burned after the cleansing herb, Sweetgrass (Hierochloe odorata) has been used to usher in positivity and good spirits. Native to Eurasia and Northern America, it has a sweet and long lasting scent.
We encourage a deepening education of practices we use to enrich our lives. Exploring other options for energy clearing can create a beneficial pairing with your own DNA. Rosemary, citrus, mugwort or even a garden rose may offer an equally powerful shift in perspective. Sound and breathwork, yoga, and other practices we've learned today are valuable additions to our tools.
For More Information:
To purchase herbs, we recommend Mountain Rose in Oregon.
Learn more about AIRFA, passed in 1978 by President Jimmy Carter to protect the traditional religious rights and cultural practices of American Indians, Eskimos, Aleuts, and Native Hawaiians.
On native herbs:
Kimmerer, Robin Wall (2020). Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants. London: Penguin.
More about smoke cleansing:
Ways to Clean Your Space Without Cultural Appropriation
About Intention and Cleansing by Tribal Trade
Indigenous Artists:
Beam Paints
High-quality Paints made in M'Chigeeng First Nation on Manitoulin Island/Mnidoo Mnising
Turquoise Skies Gallery in Albuquerque, NM
Support NARF, or Native American Rights Fund, fighting to protect Native American rights, resources, and lifeways through litigation, legal advocacy, and legal expertise.
The Heritage Center on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation of the Lakota People
Photo credit: Copper and Tod Photography