2 x Cedar smudge sticks have been used for centuries in rituals and cleansing ceremonies.
It's best known for it's power to purify places, objects and people.
Cedar is best known for it's ability to attract good spirits and eliminate negative energy.
In Native American tradition it was used to carry prayers to the creator.
What can I do with cedar smudge?
Cedar trees are very old, wise and powerful spirits. Cedar is often used to cleanse a
home or apartment when first moving in, inviting unwanted spirits to
leave and protecting a person, place or object from unwanted influences.
Hanté blaska to the Lakota as its known, Flat Cedar is a sacred herb often used
in ceremony and during times of prayer…and, according to ancient legend,
this dried herb is also a favorite of enigmatic Thunder Beings (Wakinyan):
If a Lakota is doing a ceremony relative to
Wakinyan (Thunder Being), he should make an
incense of the leaves of the cedar tree. This is because the cedar tree is
the favorite of Wakinyan, and he never strikes it with lightning.
The smell of the smoke of the cedar is pleasing to him.
- passage from Lakota Belief and Ritual by James R. Walker
Aroma: Penetratingly sweet, but pleasant
Classification: Despite the cedar name, many types of this herb do not come from true cedars.
Most come from the Cypress family, commonly known as arborvitaes
(Latin for Tree of Life); this includes red cedars and white cedars.
Native American uses of Flat Cedar
Cleanse: Burning Flat Cedar is said to purify a space
by attracting good spirits and removing negative influences.
Protection: As this herb is favoured by the Thunder Beings,
some people burn cedar as an incense during thunderstorms.
Storage: Keep Sealed
Ideal season: Spring & Summer
Because of its use in ceremony and its close association with the Thunder Beings,
Flat Cedar is considered an essential herb during
the Native American ceremonial season (spring and summer)