SMUDGING STICKS.

Smudging sticks are of Shamanic origin & many Neo Pagan & Wiccan groups use

them today.

These sticks are used to clear, banish & cleanse negative energies.

Smudging can be done to create ritual space, to cleanse person /s instead of

ritual bath, to cleanse objects, also used in healing ceremonies & path

working & trance states. Each bundle contains one or mix of three herbs,

coloured thread is a modern application, traditionally gut or a type of grass

was used to bind the bundles. The length of the bundle varies from length of

hand to length of forearm.

The Following herbs can be used for general purification: Sage, Lavender.

[ Yellow / White cords]

As an offering to Deity & Plant Devas: Tobacco & Sage. [or according to Deity

As a Hex breaker or Banishing stick: Rosemary, Rue, Vetivert, Basil, Fern,

Juniper, Buckthorn, Witch grass & Yarrow. [ Black cords.]

For Healing the following herbs are used: Eucalyptus, Fennel, Rue, Lavender,

Hemp, Hops, Wintergreen, Angelica, Tobacco, Flax, Willow, Rowan, Mints,

Plantain & Rosemary. [Green or red cords.]

The herbs are gathered at dawn or sunset & tied while they are wet, each

bunch is tied with 3 or sets of three cords, each cord is tied with 3 knots.

The herb bundles are dried away from direct sunlight & must be turned daily.

When dry they are kept wrapped in a skin or dark cloth.

As each herb is gathered, the plant Deva is contacted & an explanation of the

use of the branch / leaves is explained to the plant. After a brief interval

that which you need is taken, the Deva is thanked & an offering of Tobacco or

Cornmeal is left at the base of the plant / tree / bush.

Jordene Longfellow. Fort Albany, Ontario, Canada

BLESSED BE.