Smudge Sticks

EARTHAROMAS vision of being given the opportunity to heal a small piece of Mother Earth inspired the creation of their SMUDGE BUNDLES product range.

The use of smudge bundles (or sticks) is an old North American Indian custom. Certain herbs that are considered sacred are burnt; thus producing smoke to drive away negative energy and evil spirits.

Eartharomas' selected herbs are organically grown, then picked and dried and bundled in various combinations with much love and care just for you.

The lavender smudge bundles assist in emotional cleansing. Combine that with rosemary and it can help you remember, or thyme for grounding, while cedar is very balancing. White sage is available for the cleansing of spirit and sweetgrass is usually burned after sage to encourage spirit.

Free Delivery for Orders over $40.00 Total Value within Australia. Prices include GST.

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SMUDGE STICK RANGE

The smudge bundles are presented in a cello bag along with simple instructions on how to use and an information card/bookmark about smudging including a smudging ritual. The bundles are tightly formed, burn well and represent excellent value.

The range includes:

EA1R EA2R EA3R EA4R EA5R EA6R EA7R EA8R EA9R EA10R EA11R EA12R	Lavender Lavender, Rosemary & Thyme Lavender & Cedar California "White Sage" Desert "Sundance" Sage Desert Sage & Lavender Desert Sage & Sweetgrass Desert Sage, Cedar & Sweetgrass Patchouli Lavender & Patchouli Mugwort & Patchouli Mugwort (Black Sage)	$11.80 EA1R-EA6R Smudge Sticks Lavender Lavender, Rosemary & Thyme Lavender & Cedar California "White" Sage Desert "Sundance" Sage Desert Sage & Lavender EA7R-EA12R Smudge Sticks Desert Sage & Sweetgrass Desert Sage, Sweetgrass & Cedar Patchouli Lavender & Patchouli Mugwort & Patchouli Mugwort (Black Sage)
EA13R	White Sage (Loose leaves)	$12.00

SMUDGING, WHY THESE HERBS ARE USED

Desert Sage Primarily air element though can also be used as for four-element general purposes. Has a somewhat sharp, light and refreshing scent. One of the most sacred herbs among Native Americans. Used to purify the mind, body and spirit before prayer, meditation, ritual or ceremony. Also used to purify sacred items such as pipes, magical tools, tarot decks and eagle feathers. Can be used for area, house and personal cleansings. Some people carry a small amount of Sage in a pocket or medicine pouch to ensure personal and spiritual safety.
Sweetgrass Primarily air element. As its name suggests, sweetgrass produces a sweet and light fragrance that does not last for long. Excellent for cleansing sacred space. Sweetgrass is a rare grass which is found growing wild in very few places. Traditionally, sweetgrass is believed to invite the good spirits. You can burn these herbs singly or in combination with each other. One good combination that covers all four magical elements of air, fire, water and earth is pine resin and sage (either desert sage or white broadleaf sage). This combination is appropriate for general use, cleansing, ceremony and ritual.
Lavender Primarily air element. Has a light, aromatic and refreshing scent. Useful for attracting peace, happiness and restful sleep. Also reduces depression, grief and sorrow. Aids in meditation and divination, and often said to aid in manifestation. Known as Elf Leaf, Nard, Nardus, Spike and Lavender. Traditionally associated with fairies and elves.
Sage (White) Primarily fire element though can also be used as for four-element general purposes. Has a sharp, piney scent. Excellent to stimulate and revive when tired in body, mind or Spirit. Used in ancient times for ritual purification of temples. Smoke believed to aid clairvoyance. Also useful for purification and to stimulate contact with other worlds. Burned during the Plague to resist disease.
Mugwort or Black Sage Often regarded as the travellers friend, Mugwort is used to promote physical wellbeing, endurance and protection. This ancient herb can also encourage prophetic and happy dreams and act as an aid to astral travel. We encourage smudging with mugwort for anyone wishing to develop their conscious or lucid dreaming experience and also recommend it as a key ingredient in the travellers survival pack. Ingesting this herb is a big no-no for pregnant women and so we advise against its use around women who are pregnant.
Patchouli Patchouli oil became popular in the sixties and was used as fragrant oil by hippies. Some say to disguise the result of not taking regular baths and others suggest it was used because of its reputation as an aphrodisiac. Patchouli originates in India across to Malaysia and does indeed have a heady aroma and too known for its aphrodisiac quality as a result of that aroma. As well as being the favoured fragrance of the “flower children” Its other potentials are said to include a feeling of euphoria, as an antidepressant, insect repellent, an antiseptic and to prevent misfortune.

THE HISTORY & HOW TO OF SMUDGING

To "smudge" means, to cleanse with smoke. Smudging is an age old tribal tradition used by many indigenous cultures throughout the world such as the Native American Indians (Shamans), to create harmony and peace. The burning of herbs to cleanse emotional, psychic, and spiritual purification is also common practice among many religious, healing and spiritual groups. Many differing cultures / peoples have their own methods and herbal mixtures for this purpose.

The following guide is based on the method employed by the North American Indians where certain herbs considered sacred are burnt; thus producing the smoke required (traditionally by fanning with feathers) to drive away negativity and evil spirits. The released energy and the aromatherapy of the herbs, is an additionally derived universal benefit.

There are many herbs available for use as smudge. Here, the more typical and some easily obtained (from your own garden) will be discussed. Sage, Apiana or Artimesia, is the herb usually associated with smudging. Common garden sage can be a satisfactory substitute. Used with sage as a mix or singularly are sweetgrass, cedar, lavender, rosemary and thyme. The herbs are either formed into tight bundles and tied with cotton (horse tail in the olden way) and dried, or first dried then cut or ground fairly finely. To light a bundle, heat is applied to one end using preferably, a candle until smouldering well. Cut herbs can be sprinkled onto a charcoal disc especially made for burning incense. A heat proof container of clean sand is needed to hold the disc, as considerable heat is generated. Sand will also be needed to extinguish the bundle after use as the use of water is considered a disrespect to the fire spirits. An earthen bowl, large shell or a hollowed rock are suggested as suitable containers.

Smudging is a powerful, quick, easy and delightful way of taking responsibility for one's personal growth and offers a cleansing of spirit or emotions to all who share the experience. It is also a wonderful way to cleanse one's space (ie. your room, home, work place etc. as well as any ceremonial areas and tools).

Smudge anytime something seems unpleasant or negative. The ritual should be undertaken with intention and belief. Your own ritual will evolve as you become comfortable with smudging, or if you are able to connect with your guides, ask them.

As with any action, when done with intention and belief it can become a powerful and uplifting ritual so consider your intention before you smudge and hold it clearly in your mind. You may even wish to invite the spirit of the herbs you are using to join you and assist with your intention.

SMUDGING RITUALS

All rituals can start by offering the smudge to the cardinal directions (north, south, east and west).

Personal: After lighting the smudge, offer it to the cardinal directions. They are the eagle nation (sky), stone people (earth) as well as to the north, south, east and west. Now wash or fan the smoke over the body by bringing it towards the heart, then inhaling slightly, pull it up over the head and take it down the arms and upper and lower body.

Friends: If more than one, it is necessary to offer the smoke only once to the cardinal directions, then have the friends come one by one to stand facing you. Starting at the feet, wash or fan the smoke up the body to the top of the head. They might want to gather the smoke and bury their face in it. Now quietly ask that they turn away from you and smudge down their backs to the ground.

Home/Workplace: If you have moved into a new house or workplace, you can clear any lingering, residual negativity with smudge. Smudging can also assist in clearing negativity left behind by a visitor, or the unseen presence that raises the hairs on the back of your neck when you enter a room. Be thorough and ensure you distribute the smoke right through the room, paying special attention to the darker recesses and corners. Burn the herbs on charcoal in a bowl of sand while you are meditating, offering healing or, if you require clarity to complete a project. The tools used in the activity can be cleansed by passing them through the smoke.

Although smudging means to "cleanse with smoke", there are benefits when you light your herb bundle. All herbs are healing and when burned, also release that healing energy to you and to the universe. Another benefit is the aromatherapy provided by the fragrance of the burning herbs or, it can be simply the pleasure received from the earthy aromas.

So when burning herbs, the idea is to release the energy and aroma as well as the smoke, not to create excessive smoke, as this can cause discomfort in some people. It is also recommended to avoid smudging during pregnancy and around infants.

If you have a question, please complete the enquiry form to your left.