The subject is depicted on some of the picture stones on Gotland. But over the years, this ritual has become widely known in the metaphysical world as smudging which is a sacred ceremony specifically practiced by Indigenous groups in North America. The way smoke cleansing is practiced by most people in the New Age community, spirit-beauty aficionados, and many witches and pagans, it is using smoke as the focus and means of generally clearing and cleansing the energy in an area. And of course, in the Biblical birth-of-Jesus story. Let stand for 5 minutes, or until a layer of ash forms around the charcoal. For this, the broom of the witch or the disenchantress or the broom of the mother whose child is haunted by the mother of the forest is used during a disenchanting ritual by sweeping the entrance to the home or by placing it next to the childs bed. Smooring, therefore a Scots word usually translated as smothering, but perhaps more accurately subduing3 was a process by which the fire was dampened down so it would not need tending, and therefore could be left safely alight during the night. Greece: the Latin name for mint, Mentha, comes from an ancient Greek myth. Promotes appetite and bile production, tonic for digestion. When she isnt working in the garden, cleaning the henhouse, preserving food for winter, pruning the fruit trees, or writing and editing content for really fantastic small businesses, youll find her in her quilting room, or somewhere with her nose in a book, or up in the mountains alongside her husband and her terrier pup, Gracie Cakes. 4. Incense ingredients were either ground and thrown on hot coals or mixed with dried fruit (such as raisins or dates) and formed into small pellets to be burned. The lip of the bowl is scored along the edges to suggest an organic plant pattern. [5], An old Hogmanay (New Year's) custom in the Highlands of Scotland, which has survived to a small extent and seen some degree of revival, is to celebrate Hogmanay with the saining of the household and livestock. You can research your familys history or culture, you may be on a spiritual path that has botanical traditions, or you may have a longstanding relationship with particular herbal allies that have served you well time and again. Burning herbs is the perfect pre-meditation ritual to get yourself in the zone. As Carmicheal points out, Saining with smoke is usual not only at quarter days but at other times. Also, individuals or families practice smaller, simpler saining ceremonies at home as the mood or need arises. The same pattern is repeated on the domed lid, which is decorated with small ridges and perforated at regular intervals to allow the scented smoke to escape. May all fevers kill what is needed. 2. Youve likely experienced this when you walked into a room or a building and you felt a bad vibe you couldnt just shake off. In naming ceremonies, elders put their hands in the smoke over the ceremonial fire and then on the hands, feet, and eyes of the baby. I will start at the front door and then walk clockwise through the home or business. The Rock Space carries everything we do, and more. Using woods, herbs and resins, there a numerous combinations that can be made and used. Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have also utilized traditional smoke cleansing for thousands of years to support health, wellbeing, protection, community, and connection with their land. No wholesale account? with Ngunnawal man, Adrian Brown, to help people better understand the cultural significance of the smoking ceremonies and the plants usedenjoy! Copyright 2023 Stonebridge Imports. And yes, the research did show that this form of smoke cleansingspecifically burning havan samagri for one hoursignificantly reduced the bacterial count in the air. Wave the smoke across your crystal. After cleansing your home, spritz some of it in every room for an added seal of. You can also smoke newly bought or received crystals to get rid of unwanted energies that may have touched them. The media outlets used this study to make a case for the health benefits of smudging, particularly with white sage. for health and/or spiritual purposesis an ancient practice that is common in a wide variety of cultures and faiths around the world. These techniques are done during a ritual with intentions being focused on your needs. An abalone shell is primarily used in place of a ceramic bowl, as the shell symbolizes the water element which unites all the elements in the ritual. Depending on the herbs used, the goal might be a purely healing one and/or it might be part of rituals to connect to the spirit world. Thymiateria were used in antiquity to burn incense during religious rituals such as sacrifices or offerings to the gods. He is the guardian of the gods, and when the world ends at Ragnarok, Heimdall will sound a magical horn to alert everyone. It is not burned in the form of a bundle or a stick, as in smudging or moxibustion, but is burned loose in a bowl or dish so that the rising smoke fills the space. I'm going to give you suggestions and you can decide if they feel right for you. And He is the only one who can heal you, not the smoke of a sage. For example, for Marinas Day which is celebrated in Romania on July 17, mothers celebrate Marina, the protector of the souls of dead children, by crafting brooms with bristles made out of Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) and offering them to each other alongside flowers, corn, and chicks, and they keep the brooms which they use to sweep their homes and yards. The burnables that resonate with me at a cellular level are the coniferous evergreens common to the northern forests, as well as fruitwood from my orchard and the protective garden herbs that my people have grown, and harvested, and cherished over centuries: just recently, which I grow in my yard, because this powerful ally has been part of my personal life since the moment I could walk. Without bad energies. The weihs group is cognate to Latin victima, an animal dedicated to the gods and destined to be sacrificed. Moreover, smudging has been found to be an effective practice in aromatherapy. Burning incense is a staple ceremony in ancient Egypt as a way of worshipping their gods. Cider was also poured over the tree roots. Throughout the rest of the year, saining was and continues to be used to mark lifes passages: births, handfastings, funerals, etc. Ive also added Oregon grape just recently, which I grow in my yard, because this powerful ally has been part of my personal life since the moment I could walk. The following is a basic guide to setting up a Norse or Asatru altar. Smudge sticks are pretty specific to North American indigenous traditions. Smoke cleansingburning botanicals, resins, wood, etc. The researchers also . Nordic Smoke Wand Naturally Harvested Tjrved Pine Ritual Asatru Heathen Volva Magic Cleansing Norse Pagan. Step 1. The problem however, beyond the obvious cultural appropriation involved, is that the study had zero to do with smudging as a practice and did not include sage of any sort. His hair and eyebrows burn like flame, and he wears iron armor that is hot enough to seriously burn any human who touches it. given its old english roots and lackluster definition, the term rcan makes an eloquent and appropriate moniker for the smoke cleansing performed in non-native practices of witchcraft and paganism. There is also a type of incense known as jb (referred to on the Stele of Sekerkhabau from Saqqara). The woman of the house then administers 'a restorative' from the whisky bottle, and the household sits down to its New Year breakfast. The Minoans and the Mycenaeans in Mesopotamia burned ladanum and saffron. The Assyrians burned boxwood, cedar, cyprus, and fir in their homes, altars, and healing places. Aim for sustainable herbs, ones we can grow or which the earth offers us in organic abundance. I made this post ages back. We hope this post gave you the necessary information you need to give smoke cleansing a try! The following rune is just one example of a smooring that was recorded by Carmichael. [2][3] While many of the surviving saining prayers and charms are Christian in nature,[2][3] others that focus on the powers of nature are used as part of Gaelic Polytheist ceremonies. Heimdall is ever-vigilant, and is destined to be the last to fall at Ragnarok. Cleansing spells are a special kind of spells designed to fight against negative energies, establish brand new positive energies and help you live a lighter life in the name of freedom. In the Ancient Norse tradition, they also used Juniper for burning rituals in spiritual and shamanic healing, ritual purification, to invoke spirits and healing powers and to connect with their ancestors. The use of mint in funerals and association with death and the afterlife probably had practical reasons and came about because the strong smell of the herb would cover up any decaying odor from the body of the deceased. Users of both practices must, however, use herbs that are sustainably harvested and are significant to their intention and ancestry. 2. However, the form of smoke cleansing that most people are familiar with today is smudging. The commercialization of smudging is unfortunate on multiple frontsit is cultural appropriation of North American indigenous practices, it has created serious issues around illegal and/or irresponsible wildharvesting of traditional smudging herbs, and it disregards the wealth of other forms of smoke cleansing that are just as ancient and powerful. Perhaps you heard about an issue that came up a few years back that started when a number of popular American media outlets featured smoke cleansing articles with titles like, The Science Behind Smudging and The Benefits of Burning Sage Include a Better Nights Sleep (no wonder its an ancient ritual). The articles referenced a 2007 study, Medicinal Smoke Reduces Airborne Bacteria, published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology. At home - Negative energies can build up in the nook and cranny of your home, especially after a fight or disagreement between family members just ensued. Before beginning, however, you'll want to set an intention. Old Norse Etymology . Smoke cleansing is also used as an act of goodwill to welcome and protect visitors. I do a Juniper Smudging Ritual in my home a few times a year, with my moljinar, crystals, runes and my meditation alter whenever a feel a heavy energy. There are different ceremonies and rituals that can be done. Although it doesn't produce much smoke, it is a highly aromatic wood to burn. Carved from marble, this thymiaterion is composed of three parts: a stemmed foot, a deep receptacle, and a lid. one need not do much research on the topic of smoke cleansing to discover the terminology discourse that currently exists within the online witch community. Fire source - To light your plant or herb stick, youll need a match or small gas lighter. in equal parts, which was to be blended and salted in such a way that it would be pure and sacred. Smoking ceremonies mark rites of passage; they are used to protect a newborn or a mother who has just given birth. Water is and always has been an excellent cleansing element. Our background. Once done, crack open a door or window to release the old energy. I either use my hand or just gently wave the Juniper stick in the air. Smoke cleansing is taking a connected bundle of an herb and lighting the top with a match, initiating the soothing smell and starting the healing process. Many people start the cleansing process by fanning smoke near their heart, head, and along the front and back of their bodies. In popular fiction such as Lord of the Rings you often see grizzled old warriors sitting round a campfire smoking their pipes but it was my understanding that the Native Americans were the first (and only) culture to discover smoking up until the Spanish arrived. While others were exploring and conquering, we apparently realized. Heimdall is a god of light, and is the keeper of the Bifrost Bridge, which serves as the path between Asgard and Midgard in Norse mythology. Start smoking your head then move downwards. We want to see your creativity and love for a natural and sustainable lifestyle. The smoke should now billow up. Create Your Own Smoke Cleansing Traditions, Also look at the means by which you burn your botanicals of choice. Depending on the herbs used, the goal might be a purely healing one and/or it might be part of rituals to connect to the spirit world. Surtur is a gargantuan fire giant, with burning red hair and skin as dark as coal. December 12, 2019 Smoke Cleansing as an Appropriate Alternative to Smudging by Val Elkhorn 0 127 The power of herbal smoke cleanses spaces, facilitates ritual, and even heals physical ailments. (Go figure? For them the farm, domestic animals and agriculture were all pivotal to the daily routine. Among the most famous wassail ceremonies are those in Whimple, Devon and Carhampton, Somerset, both on 17 January. I can cleanse your home or office of stagnant , negative and unhappy spirits and energy as a one time cleanse or monthly , this is up to you. Those who drink gin already know the "medicinal" properties of juniper. In an abalone shell or bowl, place a handful of sand/small rocks for slippage prevention and heat insulation. The Swedish Juniper has a clean and lovely aroma and a highly aromatic smoke. Keep in mind - there is no right or wrong. They were also extraordinary craftsmen, very talented silversmiths and jewelry makers. Smoke as part of ritual was also important to the ancient Israelites, so much so that God gave Moses an incense recipe. Sage is a fantastic medicinal herb that has been used since ancient times.Sage belongs to the Salvia plant family and it's name is derived from the Latin word ' salvere', which means "to heal, cure or save."Aside from the metaphysical uses of smoke cleansing, research is showing us that sage can also be used to benefit our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. I suggest the same for your home or business. Let the cleansing stick catch fire, and allow it to burn for about 30 seconds. Bookmark. The deep bowl, which could have held a large amount of costly incense, rests on the spreading tray-like top of the tall foot. May the Sun shine into you, And may you find the energy These herbal blends would be burned on charcoal or thrown into a heating or cooking fire to fill the space and be inhaled. Find the property details you need today on realtor.com. You can also do the same at home, starting off with having a dedicated space for prayer and meditation. Retrieved March 23, 2022, from https://greenmanmeadows.com/smudging-vs-smoke-cleansing/, H. (n.d.). In Shetland, the Scottish folklorist F. Marian McNeil refers to the custom of making the sign of Thor's hammer to sain the goblet that was passed around at New Year's celebrations. You can use smoke cleansing on your ritual space, your altar, your dorm/bed room, your . He is god of fire giants, and is worshiped as such on many worlds. Agarwood and sandalwood were considered particularly potent and precious. This is a practice that is performed by witches across various cultures . While others were exploring and conquering, we apparently realized early on that working with the earths bounty fed our souls. Once a stream of smoke is produced, fan the smoke with your hand or a feather in your desired direction. $18.00 Apothecary Co. 3 of 19 Don't let its simplicity fool you rose water is a powerful spiritual tool. The Wormwood broom is also used by the Romanian people to bring someone back home, to sweep away evil forces, and even illness by sweeping around the ill. Smoke cleansing in the form of incense was a significant element of ceremonial worship in ancient Egypt as well. This was interpreted as a symbol that all things are connected in circles and that they would have three sons. Regulates erratic menstruation, brings on delayed periods, expels afterbirth, helps with menopausal symptoms. Star Seller. After the sprinkling of the water in every room, on the beds and all the inhabitants, the house is sealed up tight and branches of juniper are set on fire and carried throughout the house and byre. The Apple Wassail is a traditional form of wassailing practiced in the cider orchards of southern England during the winter. Smoke cleansing can be a powerful, renewing, and healing practice for many people, particularly when they are embracing a form that resonates with their genuine self. Smoke cleansing was traditionally used in Europe in much more secular ways as well. In Native American culture, the art of smudging is much more than lighting a stick of sage on fire because it involves spiritual elements, and because Indigenous people had to fight for the . They were also extraordinary craftsmen, very talented silversmiths and jewelry makers. Little is known about heathen practices in the Viking age. She could put herself into a trans and talk to spirits around her. If youre using your amethyst crystal to draw out stress from your body at the end of a busy week, chances are your amethyst is absorbing the negative energy from which its protecting you. European Smoke Cleansing Traditions Saining is an age-old Celtic practice. Join me as I. Focus burning sage on gateway and high traffic areas Be careful not to breathe in the smoke directly, and not to fill the area too thickly with smokethis is not a fumigation, just a cleansing, so no need to go overboard. The Christian church saw the pagan rites as deviltry, and medieval authors took little interest in them, as compared to the myths. The runes can be cleansed using naturally flowing water from a well, spring, river, creek or stream. Early on New Year's morning, householders drink and then sprinkle 'magic water' from 'a dead and living ford' around the house (a 'dead and living ford' refers to a river ford that is routinely crossed by both the living and the dead). It can also be a transcendental medium to alter mood and allow us to engage in shadow and dream work. The juniper smoke is allowed to thoroughly fumigate the buildings until it causes sneezing and coughing among the inhabitants. It is basically a ritual for cleansing, purifying and protecting the physical and spiritual bodies. 10 Blot Sacrifice. Noun . The Roman Catholic church practices incense burning to amplify prayers so that petitions and intentions would rise to heaven. She had a very special role within the society and she often had close ties with the leaders of the clan. And yes, the research did show that this form of smoke cleansingspecifically burning havan samagri for one hoursignificantly reduced the bacterial count in the air. So Old Saxon meaning "thread." Please note, the word "so" is pronounced "sooth" and our modern word "soothsayer" comes from this word.Linguists believe that the Old Saxon word "So" is not linguistically related to the Old Norse word "Sei" for "thread", but all agree that it has the same meaning. , mango wood, etc. The Group's commercial flair and public service ethos creates a powerful combination, improving services for our clients, saving costs and driving . [8][9], Each household would have a hearth fire over which all the household food would be prepared, and around which the most important aspects of family life would happen. Premiered Feb 1, 2021 125 Dislike Share Save Spiraea Herbs 7.46K subscribers Subscribe Smoke cleansing is the practice of burning herbs for ritual, spiritual and emotional purposes. Also, individuals or families practice smaller, simpler saining ceremonies at home as the mood or need arises. 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