Eldawik Metis Council

What is Smudging?

Smudging is a First Nations ceremony where negative energy, feelings, and emotions are lifted away. It is also used for healing of mind, body and spirit, as well as balancing energies.

Smudging is a symbolic or ritual cleansing of mind, body, spirit and emotion. The smell of the burning medicines stimulates our brains to produce beta-endorphins, which are part of the normal healing process of our bodies.

Smudging may also be used to cleanse, purify and bless the part of our Mother, the Earth that we utilize in seeking after the spiritual. As the smoke rises, so do our prayers rise to the Spirit World and the Creator.

It is a customary to cleanse, (brush or wash the smoke) over our eyes, ears, mouth, hands, heart and body. We cleanse our eyes so that they will see the truth around us, we cleanse our mouth, that all we speak will be truthful, we cleanse our ears, so that our ears will hear the spiritual truths and we cleanse our feet so that our feet will seek to walk the true path.

The Four Sacred Plants

The four sacred plant mix (equal amounts) Forms a Sacred Smudge for the Sweet Grass Purification Ceremony.

Sweet Grass: Represents kindness and is burned to Allow good Spirits to enter.

Tobacco: Is used in Thanksgiving. Natives offer it to Elders for advise and Information. We also offer it to the drummers and drum.

Sage: It seen as a woman’s medicine, and Offers strength, wisdom and clarity of purpose. It is also used to symbolize the life-given power of women.

Cedar: Is from the Tree of Life and is Burned to drive out negative forces.