One Take | What is Smudging? (Longer version)

Summary

The video script delves into the significance of smudging in cultural and spiritual practices, highlighting its role in connecting individuals with their Creator. Four sacred medicines—sage, sweet grass, tobacco, and cedar—are used in this tradition, with white sage being a common choice for ceremonies. The process involves cleansing oneself and the space with the smoke, using an eagle feather to aid in prayer. The script emphasizes the importance of respecting the medicines, returning them to the earth after use, and encourages learning and asking questions about this meaningful practice.

Takeaways

• 🌿 Smudging is a significant cultural practice that connects people with their spirit and Creator.
• 🍃 The four sacred medicines used in smudging are sage, sweet grass, tobacco, and cedar.
• 🌾 Sage is often the first medicine offered in a smudging ceremony, signaling readiness to begin.
• 🔥 There is no right or wrong way to smudge; it's a personal and spiritual practice.
• 👴 Elders play a crucial role in teaching and guiding the practice of smudging.
• 🌾 White sage is a common type of sage used in ceremonies due to its prevalence.
• 🙏 Smudging involves cleansing oneself and one's surroundings with the smoke of the sacred medicines.
• 🕊 The eagle feather is used in smudging to help carry prayers to the Creator.
• 🙌 Smudging can be a personal or communal activity, with participants smudging themselves.
• 🌳 After the ceremony, the smudge is put out on the land as a way of returning the medicine to the Earth Mother.
• 🌼 The sacred medicines have multiple uses, including for healing and cleansing, beyond just smudging.

Q & A

What is the significance of smudging in the speaker's culture?

Smudging is an important cultural practice that connects the people with their spirit and Creator.

What are the four sacred medicines used in smudging?

The four sacred medicines used in smudging are sage, sweet grass, tobacco, and cedar.

Why is tobacco often offered first in a smudging ceremony?

Tobacco is offered first because it signifies that the person is ready to start their smudge.

What is the role of an elder or conductor in a smudging ceremony?

The elder or conductor leads the smudging ceremony and may also smudge the participants.

Why is there no 'right or wrong' way to smudge according to the speaker?

There is no 'right or wrong' way to smudge because it is a personal and spiritual practice that can vary among individuals.

What is the purpose of using an eagle feather during smudging?

The eagle feather is used to help carry the prayers and to honor the spiritual process during smudging.

How does the speaker cleanse themselves before smudging others?

The speaker cleanses their hands, ego feather, breath, eyes, ears, hair, and feet to prepare for smudging others.

What does the speaker do with the smudge after it has been used?

The speaker puts out the smudge on the land, near a tree or on the grass, and offers thanks to the Earth for the medicines used.

How can sweet grass be used for aromatherapy before it is dried?

Sweet grass can be cut and put into oil to create a healing oil that can be used for aromatherapy.

What is the importance of returning the used medicines to the Earth?

Returning the used medicines to the Earth is a way to show respect and gratitude, and to allow the Earth to continue to hear the prayers.

Why is it important to learn about smudging if asked to participate?

Learning about smudging is important to understand its cultural significance, to participate respectfully, and to connect with the spiritual practice.