How to Hold a Smudging Ceremony
A smudging ceremony is the ritual of burning plant resins and herbs in a shell or a clay bowl while intentions and prayers are called forth. For centuries, Native Americanand Indigenous cultures have practiced smudging rituals to clear away negative energy, to invite in peace and harmony for individuals or environments. The smoke from the herbs and the plant resins are fanned using a feather or a hand and directed like a “cleansing smoke bath” surrounding the person or the space.
The purpose of this cleansing ritual is to clear away anxieties, sadness, impurities, dark thoughts or unwanted energies that may have attached themselves to a space or an individual.
Smudging is most often performed before or as part of a ceremony to clear the environment and the people from certain thoughts or feelings that will not serve the highest good in themselves. For this reason, it is important to set a clear intention while smudging.
As the smudging ceremony is practiced, the smoke rises and so do the prayers to mother earth, father sky, to the sun and the moon, to the plants, the animals and the water. The burning of the sacred plants- sage, cedar, sweetgrass and palo santo- to name a few, support the connection to the sacred realms between the earth and spirit. Through this connect to spirit the smoke bath lifts negative feelings and energy and creates an opening for prayers and intentions to be heard, therefore bringing positive intention into practice.
Which Plants Are Used For Smudging
Here are a few of the Plant Medicines used for Smudging and the symbolic meaning behind them:
SAGE
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Sage offers clarity, vision, strength and wisdom; it is known as a medicine for Women.
Sage is used traditionally in Native North American, First Nations and Indigenous cultures to represent the life force and maternal lineage of women. Sage can be gathered and bundled to dry in a stick or a smudge stick can be purchased already dried.
CEDAR
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Cedar is used to heighten positive energy, to uplift feelings, and evoke positive emotions.
Cedar holds the medicine to purify and return balance.
Cedar can also be used as a healing tea as it is very high in Vitamin C. It can be bundled, dried, and burned for purification and to heighten the connection to the spiritual realms.
SWEETGRASS
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Sweetgrass is on the of the four medicine plants used by all Native Americans/First Nations, the others being sage, cedar and tobacco. Sweetgrass is braided, dried, and then burned as a cleansing ritual. As the smoke from smudging rises it is believed that our prayers too will rise up to the world of spirit to be seen, heard, and to be remembered. Sweetgrass symbolizes kindness- as this plant only bends when walked upon and never breaks – may we too remember that if injustices are done upon us may we hold kindness in our hearts and not react with hostility.
Sweetgrass is known as the hair of Mother Earth.
TOBACCO
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Tobacco is a sacred medicine plant to all North American Indigenous Cultures. Tobacco is believed to be a gateway or a bridge between the Earth and Spirit realms. Historically if tobacco is offered and accepted, then there is a sacred promise sealed. It acts like a commitment made by people and supported by the Spirit World.
Tobacco can be used as a way to thank Mother Earth or the Creator for the abundance and beauty we receive every day.
For example, if you saw a beautiful sunrise or a rainbow and you want to give thanks you could leave some Tobacco upon the Earth for this gift of beauty. Tobacco doesn’t need to be smoked.
PALO SANTO
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Palo Santo is a mystical tree that grows on the coast of South America and it means “Holy Wood” in Spanish.
Palo Santo looks like a small wooden stick and it’s scent is known to raise the vibration in preparation for meditation, creative endeavors and ceremony.
It’s known to bring a grounded and clear feeling when burned and is related to Frankincense, Myrrh and Copal. It is used the same way as Sage and is burned and fanned with a feather to clear the air and ask the spirits for permission to perform the ceremony.
COPAL
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Copal is a natural tree resin and comes from the Buresa tree family in Southern Mexico. Since ancient times, Copal incense has been considered sacred to the Mayan and Aztec people. Offerings were made to the deities and the gods atop the pyramids and the sacred burial grounds. Copal is considered a medicinal tree to the Mayas and is used to clear the body of diseases.
Using copal to smudge before meditation and ceremony can assist in strengthening peace of mind while removing energy blockages from the body.
Any of these plant medicines – along with any others that you feel called to burn – can be placed in a shell, a clay bowl, or the open fire. Take the time to witness the smoke purifying and rising, allow the smell of the herbs and incense to bring you into a place of pure presence. As you call forth your prayers, visions, or intentions stay curious, open, and full of heart as you engage in your smudging ceremony.
How to Smudge
Smudging can be done before any kind of ceremony, house cleansing, before yoga, meditation, in a group healing circle, and in nature. Before beginning make sure you have these items in place. I suggest sitting in a quiet space for a few minutes to feel the earth below you, to soften into yourself, to take some full deep breaths, and to get clear on the intentions you are calling forth before your smudging session.
- You will need either a clay bowl or a large clamshell or abalone shell
- Herbs of your choice to burn (remove stems)
- Wooden Matches
- Large Feather or your hand is fine to wave smoke
- Open windows if you are inside
- Place the herbs or plant resin in the smudging vessel
- Light the herbs with a wooden match for 20 seconds are until it catches flame
- Wave the herbs with a feather or hand so the flame goes out and the smoke swirls
- Smudge yourself first, waving the smoke over your face with eyes closed, over heart and limbs, over the crown of the head, and under the feet
- When you smudge others begins with the front body, then ask them to turn to do their back body, ask them to lift one foot then the other
- Have a clear intention to purify with your light and love anyone whom you are smudging. This is very important
- If you are smudging a home or a studio (wonderful for clearing away negative energy or when moving into a new space) ignite your herbs if they go out and begin the waving of smoke until every nook and cranny of the space has been smudged
- Once you are finished, take the ashes of the burned herbs and return it to the Earth
A Smudging Blessing for New Beginnings
Read over this a few times so you are familiar with the blessing and the body parts, then smudge yourself while speaking this prayer. Replace any words that you feel work better for you.
I cleanse my Eyes so they will see the Truth all around me, allow my eyes to see the beauty I receive from Mother Earth and the Love I create within my family and my communities.
I cleanse my Mouth for truthful speaking. In my speaking words may I elevate my community. May I speak prayers of healing to Mother Earth.
I cleanse my ears so that I may Listen fully to the wisdom passed down from my ancestors, the creator, the Earth and my Spirit Guides. May I be open to hear the good and allow any negativities to slide off me.
I cleanse my heart so that I may be filled with compassion and gratitude. May my heart be in truth and grow with purity, balance and joy.
May I walk in beauty
I cleanse my feet so they will guide us on this life’s journey as a light and truth seeker. May my feet stay grounded and remind me of how to walk in balance, love, joy and in harmony with my family, friends, earth, sky ,water, plant and animal worlds.”
May I walk in beauty.
Smudging is a very powerful practice and can work wonders in clearing away stagnant or unwanted energies in your home, in your heart, or your mind. Being intentional, mindful, and calm as you are smudging creates a portal for you to go further into your spiritual work. The ritual of lighting a candle and then smudging yourself or your space allows you to gather presence, to let go of stress, and to enter into your yoga practice, meditation, prayer, or ceremony with intention. Let us rise up, clean our own energy fields, and feed the greatness that lives inside us. Through this state of presence, may we also inspire our communities to live in their own greatness.
About the Author
Who is Archangel Metatron and How Does He Manifest?
Archangel Metatron is known as one of the most powerful and closest archangels to humanity. His role includes overseeing the Akashic Records and assisting in the process of spiritual ascension. In this article, we explore who Metatron is, his significance, and how he manifests in our lives.
Table of Contents
- Archangel Metatron: Who He Is and What He Represents
- Channeled Message from Archangel Metatron
- How Metatron Manifests
- Metatron and Sacred Geometry
- How to Invoke and Work with Archangel Metatron
Archangel Metatron: Who He Is and What He Represents
Metatron is considered one of the only two archangels who were once human, having been the prophet Enoch before his ascension. His transformation into a celestial being grants him a special connection with humanity, serving as a bridge between heaven and earth. Metatron is often described as the scribe of God, tasked with documenting every event in the universe and guiding souls through their spiritual evolution.
He represents divine wisdom and pure light, helping individuals release negative patterns and raise their vibration. Metatron is also known for his association with sacred geometry, which he uses to bring order to chaos and manifest balance in all things. His energy is powerful and transformative, inviting those who invoke him to align with their true purpose and advance on their spiritual path.
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The Meaning of His Name
The name “Metatron” has various interpretations in spiritual traditions. It is commonly translated as “the one who occupies the throne next to God’s throne” or “the angel of presence”. These definitions highlight his elevated status and closeness to the divine, emphasizing his crucial role as an intermediary between God and humanity.
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Archangel Metatron and the Akashic Records
Metatron is known as the guardian of the Akashic Records, a vast collection of information about all souls and their experiences throughout time. These records are essential for understanding life purpose and spiritual lessons. Metatron facilitates access to these records, providing guidance and clarity to those seeking to understand their spiritual path and resolve pending karma.
Channeled Message from Archangel Metatron
In Open Minds, hosted by Regina Meredith, Joan Walker channels a live message from Archangel Metatron. During the interview, Metatron offers profound insights into the spiritual evolution of humanity, emphasizing the importance of releasing old patterns and raising our consciousness. This message is a vital guide for those seeking to understand their role in the process of ascension and personal transformation.
How Metatron Manifests
Archangel Metatron manifests in various ways to guide and assist humanity on their spiritual journey. These manifestations can be subtle or powerful, but they are always intended to provide clarity and spiritual elevation.
- Guidance in Meditation: During meditation, Metatron manifests as an enveloping and protective energy. This contact facilitates a deeper connection with your spiritual purpose.
- Activation of Sacred Geometry: Feeling drawn to sacred geometry, especially the Metatron’s Cube, is a sign of his influence. This symbol appears in meditations or visualizations, helping to balance and harmonize your energy.
- Messages in Dreams: Vivid dreams with clear messages can be a form of communication from Metatron. These dreams often contain symbols or guidance that direct your spiritual path.
- Lights or Flashes of Color: Metatron can manifest visually through lights or flashes of color, particularly in golden or violet tones. These appearances are indications of his guidance and protective energy.
- Energy: You may perceive Metatron’s energy through an intense vibration in your body. Sensations like tingling in the extremities, slight disorientation, or dizziness indicate his presence and encourage you to make positive changes in your life.
- Synchronicities: The appearance of synchronized events, such as mirror numbers, can be a sign from Metatron. These synchronicities indicate that you are aligned with divine purpose and that the universe supports you.
- Feeling of Peace: Experiencing a deep inner peace, even in moments of chaos, can be a sign of Metatron’s presence. This state of calm helps you center yourself and connect with your higher self.
Metatron and Sacred Geometry
Archangel Metatron is widely recognized for his connection to sacred geometry, especially through the Metatron's Cube. This cube is a three-dimensional figure that contains all the fundamental geometric shapes representing the basic structure of the universe. Meditating on the Metatron’s Cube facilitates the harmonization and balancing of internal energies, helping individuals connect with their higher self and manifest their highest intentions.
Sacred Geometry, which includes patterns like the Flower of Life and the Platonic Solids, is a powerful tool for spiritual transformation. Metatron uses these symbols to bring order to chaos, helping to align personal energies with those of the universe. Through meditation and visualization of these geometric forms, practitioners can access a higher state of consciousness and understand the cosmic laws that govern creation.
Working with sacred geometry under Metatron’s guidance not only promotes personal healing but also facilitates the expansion of collective consciousness. By integrating these patterns into daily life, one can create an environment of harmony and peace that resonates with the highest frequencies of love and light. This practice is an invitation to explore the depths of the universe and discover the limitless potential of our spiritual existence.
How to Invoke and Work with Archangel Metatron
To invoke and work with Archangel Metatron, it is essential to set a clear intention and create a sacred space. This can be achieved through meditation, prayer, or specific rituals that facilitate connection with his powerful energy. By doing so, Metatron can provide guidance, protection, and wisdom, helping to manifest a life aligned with divine purpose.
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Prayer
An effective way to connect with Metatron is through prayer, requesting his presence and guidance in times of need. A simple prayer can be: “Archangel Metatron, I invoke you at this moment. Please surround my being with your divine light and guide me on my spiritual path. Help me release any negative energy and raise my vibration towards love and light.”
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Meditation
Meditation is another powerful tool for connecting with Metatron. Visualize the Metatron’s Cube surrounding you as you breathe deeply and focus on your intention. Allow the energy of the cube to harmonize your being and connect you with the highest frequencies of the universe. This practice can help you gain clarity, peace, and a deeper connection with your spiritual purpose.
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Rituals and Other Spiritual Practices
Rituals are an effective way to invoke Metatron’s presence and work with his energy. A simple ritual can include lighting a white candle, burning incense, and placing a sacred geometry symbol on your altar. As you perform this ritual, you can recite a prayer or mantra that connects you with Metatron’s energy and requests his guidance and protection.
Another spiritual practice is creating a mandala using sacred geometry patterns, such as the Metatron’s Cube. Drawing or coloring this mandala can be an active meditation that allows you to tune into Metatron’s energies. This process not only connects you with his energy but can also bring balance and harmony to your daily life.
