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I've been wanting to smudge my house, but am afraid that I'll do it incorrectly. I had a friend from years ago that was Native American, and that is the way I would like to do it, it felt "right" to me, I felt connected, if that makes sense. However, I am also open to other ways of smudging.
Thanks for any advice!
Amy
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My boys
Amy, abuser of quotation marks and parentheses,
Mama to five sprites
I use traditional, smudge made from local plants if possible. If not, I have used incense.
I've always gone counterclockwise to banish and clockwise to protect.
There are so many ways to do both banishing and protection...just follow your own feelings and that is what is correct for you! (not much of an answer)
I'd just do whatever you were comfortable with. Only thing to remember is to push things out (allow an escape hatch for the energy you're stirring up and moving be it window or better yet a door) I finish up by warding my exit so whatever has left doesn't come back. Oh, and remember that burning sage isn't something you should really be around if you're pregnant so use other things at those times.
I'd just do whatever you were comfortable with. Only thing to remember is to push things out (allow an escape hatch for the energy you're stirring up and moving be it window or better yet a door) I finish up by warding my exit so whatever has left doesn't come back. Oh, and remember that burning sage isn't something you should really be around if you're pregnant so use other things at those times.
is burning sage really something you shouldn't be around when pregnant? my mom was going to have this at my blessingway...i'd love some more info about that.
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~julie~
mama to savannah, jackson and baby scarlett due in 2009! STUFF I HAVE FOR SALE
is burning sage really something you shouldn't be around when pregnant? my mom was going to have this at my blessingway...i'd love some more info about that.
Sage (except for the common culinary variety S. Lavendulifolia) has the chemical thujone in it. It takes quite a bit to be toxic, but it can be a problem for pregnant women as it is a uterine stimulant (and will also decrease milk production if you're nursing) Mostly, just avoid taking it internally when pregnant, but I like to be better safe than sorry. Burning it once in awhile in a highly ventilated area should be okay, but consitant smudging etc was recommended against by a herbalist friend. But, again, I was smudging quite a bit for myself and others when she recommended I stop handling it, I'd say a bit once,shouldn't be a problem (but I'm certainly not an expert)
Sage (except for the common culinary variety S. Lavendulifolia) has the chemical thujone in it. It takes quite a bit to be toxic, but it can be a problem for pregnant women as it is a uterine stimulant (and will also decrease milk production if you're nursing) Mostly, just avoid taking it internally when pregnant, but I like to be better safe than sorry. Burning it once in awhile in a highly ventilated area should be okay, but consitant smudging etc was recommended against by a herbalist friend. But, again, I was smudging quite a bit for myself and others when she recommended I stop handling it, I'd say a bit once,shouldn't be a problem (but I'm certainly not an expert)
I'd just do whatever you were comfortable with. Only thing to remember is to push things out (allow an escape hatch for the energy you're stirring up and moving be it window or better yet a door) I finish up by warding my exit so whatever has left doesn't come back.
What if I am doing three levels of my house? For instance, I am doing the basement, walking up to a side door that leads outside, then up to the first floor, then finally the second floor. Should I leave a door open on each level, if possible? Or just one?
Also, how do I "ward" an exit? Maybe I shouldn't be doing this. Wouldn't want to invite anything bad into my house, lol.
If you're really worried about sage smoke, why not make a really strong sage tea and use that? Back it up with sea salt for the corners and be sure to wash the windows!
Stand in front the exit and with your hands draw a pentagram (or whatever empowering symbol you prefer. You could even just "scribble", it doesn't matter) visualizing bright, blue flames over the exit. Then step back. Step one foot forward and push into the center of yoru pentagram with you hands and breathe out quickly. You are basically pushing your energy into the exit space. Then "see" that symbol expand to cover the exit.
Some people, as they breathe out, tell the ward only to let in the positive and good-intentioned. I don't think that's necessary. You're making the wards, and the wards are, to an extent, an extension of your own energy. If *you* know what you want, then your wards will know.
Short answer -- no, there is no wrong way. If you are a part of a particular tradition or faith, or you are attempting to do a smudging in a specific Native American fashion, then yes, I'm sure there is a "right way." However, if you are using herbs that feel right to you, in a manner that feels right to you, in your own home -- then you already have the "right-way" to do it.
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