Smudging is a sacred ritual of cleansing and purifying during a healing session, for yourself or commencement of ceremony.  This sacred ritual was carried out by the ancient Celts, Druids, Native Americans and other indigenous peoples.  Native Americans still smudge themselves using White Sage and Sagebrush.  They also use Cedar and Sweetgrass.  White Sage is used to purify before a sacred ceremony takes place.

Smudging commences a healing session in order to cleanse the person of negative thoughts and energy.  The smudging assists in the healing process, the recipient and the healer in order to not have any interference with negative energy or negative thoughts.  It also assists in focusing your thoughts.

Prior to a healing session Sage is used and upon conclusion of the healing session Sweetgrass is burnt to bring in the good energies.  Cedar is also used in this way.  Burning Cedar also assists while praying and enables ones prayers to travel via the smoke to the Creator (Great Spirit).

The woody smell is soothing and relaxing when used in healing, and can actually assist in breathing.

Smudging is always undertaken with respect and honor to the spiritual energies of these plants, and Great Spirit at all times, here lies the essence of what Native People call good relationship.

Feathers are sometimes used during a healing session to assist the smoke being drawn around the body’s auric field.  Traditionally Native American Medicine Men/Women use Eagle feathers.  Eagle feathers are very sacred and powerful.  One has to earn the right to use Eagle feathers often through great sacrifice and trials the honor.  Only then would you be bestowed Eagle Feathers.  Shamans will use feathers from other birds during healing sessions such as Crow and Raven.  Feathers convey the spiritual energies of the respective bird during the healing process and help the smoke travel to Great Spirit whilst assisting cleansing of the auric field and physical body.