 A smudge stick is a dried and bundled plant. One can also use loose leaves in smudging, but before we get to the particulars of such a ceremony, it will help to have an understanding of the origins of this Sacred practice and how it will cleanse, heal, and consecrate an energy field, or thing, or space.
The Origins and History of Smudging People commonly credit smudging as being a Native American practice, but the use of rising smoke in Spiritual Rituals has been practiced across many cultures for thousands of years. The Ancient Hindu texts reveal this was practiced 6,000 years ago with the burning of incense. Smoke purification was performed in Egypt, with the burning of aromatic resins for religious ceremonies. It was practiced in Babylonia, Greece, Rome, Japan, Tibet, China, among the ancient Hebrews, and among indigenous tribal cultures around the world, with the Native Tribes of North America being only a portion. Catholic and Orthodox Christianity, which are an amalgam of pagan beliefs and practices, use incense in religious Ceremonies, adapted from the pagan rituals popular when the Christian theocracy was legalized by the pagan-turned-Christian, Roman Emperor Constantine, in 325 AD. So the use of smoke to purify in a spiritual way is not exclusive to the Native American tradition, although we have them to thank for the wonderful and deeply spiritual practice of burning sage and other sacred plants as a purification practice. This tradition is a very beautiful gift and the most effective method commonly used in spiritual cleansing ceremonies today. How it Works to Cleanse and Purify: Smudging is an intrinsic part of shamanism, the world’s oldest medicine. Shamans recognize that every form of life on this planet has a spiritual purpose and a sacred consciousness. They know that plants have invaluable healing properties. Human animals, as it turns out, are not the top rung of creation’s ladder even though we think we are because we have big brains and walk on two feet. All beings, whether plant, animal, or mineral are divine and have sacred right to life; all have something to offer to the manifest “other.” To approach a smudging ritual and to be effective in cleansing away negative energy, one must be reverent of the plant being used and even the energies being cleansed. All energy is divine at its core, whether Light or Dark. Respect for all life is essential to any smudging that you undertake. If you cannot feel reverent about this sacred practice, don’t do it. Find someone who is spiritually qualified and energetically prepared to do it for you. Although many different plants can be used for smudging, indigenous American tribes consider four plants to be especially sacred:sage,sweetgrass,tobacco, and cedar. Each plant is considered to have a special function and this can vary by tribe and tradition. For example, sage is used for purification and sweetgrass is used to bring in positive energies, while tobacco and its smoke are considered to carry prayers to the Creator. When to Use Smudge -If you are feeling down, negative, stuck, or in a spiritual low place -When your house, your property, or any place or space has been exposed to heavy and negative energies,painful experiences and even illness, as many resins,etc. have antimicrobial properties -When you move into a new location, it should be smudged to cleanse the psychic imprints of previous occupants -If you feel the presence of bad energy in your living quarters, or if a solitary room makes you feel bad or uneasy by being in there, it’s time to smudge. -If you want to create a protective barrier against outside negative influences, such as neighborhood issues -If you want to make your prayers stronger and if you want to feel more connected to Spirit, it’s time to smudge. -If your vehicle has been in a fender-bender or you’ve had a close call in your car, smudge it, inside and out, to remove negative energetic imprints that can attract more negative experiences -Cleanse second-hand items with smudge to remove psychic imprints of previous owners -You can consecrate and energetically charge your garden by smudging -You should smudge to clean yourself and your space before engaging in any psychic contact or spiritual ceremony -You can smudge anytime just to connect to a state of spiritual clarity and harmony! Remember, you “clear the air” in your life with the help of sacred smoke! source:myspirit.com
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 Thai Flax Crackers
Makes 3 trays of crackers 1 cup flax seed 2 cups flax meal* 2 cups tomatoes 1 cup (1 to 2 medium) carrots 1 yellow bell pepper 1 cup fresh coriander (cilantro) 2 tbsp lime juice 2 tbsp tamari 2 tbsp cumin 1 tbsp ground coriander 1 cup broccoli florets 1 cup spinach 1/4 cup fresh mint 2 shallots 1 tbsp chili powder 2g kafir lime leaves (15 medium sized leaves) 2 tsp salt *Flax meal is flax seed that has been ground fine in a coffee grinder or blender. Place the flax seed and the flax meal in a large bowl and set aside Thoroughly grind all remaining ingredients in a food processor. Transfer the mixture to the bowl with the flax seed and mix in by hand. Spread the mixture thinly over 3 non-stick dehydrator sheets and dehydrate for 3 to 4 hours at 105 degrees F. By this point they will be dried just enough to peel off the non-stick sheet, cut them into individual crackers on a chopping board, and return to the dehydrator overnight or for up to 24 hours so they are completely dry. Store in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Recipe by the RAWCHEF.com  Gentle Liver Cleanse Recipe for the Spring
Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil –1-2 Tbsp Freshly squeezed juice of a lemon Freshly squeezed juice of an orange Fresh garlic 1-2 cloves Fresh ginger inch worth Cayenne Pepper few dashes Blend and have as first drink in the morning. Continue healthy liver drink for 3-5 days. Take 3-5 days off and then repeat again if you like. This drink actually is very gentle and is not like a liver or gallbladder flush. |
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