Liv' Life and Get Rid of that Negative Energy: The Ancient Practice of Smudging

The Ancient Practice of Smudging 

     I was first introduced to smudging in 2014/2015. That year a new friendship was budding and I was in a place where I was still growing into the person I wanted to be. I was enjoying the growth of this unexpected friendship. We shared life and career goals, we partied together, had meaningful deep convos and she had so much knowledge of African Spirituality which interest me. Our friendship grew so did my knowledge and connection to self. Now don’t get me wrong my parents did a great job of exposing me to my African-American history/culture and I grew even more prideful while attending Howard University but it was so much more out there to learn and connect with. 

What is Smudging?

Smudging is defined as an ancient spiritual practice to cleanse a space, invite positive energy and rid negative energy. To actually smudge a space, you must burn some type of plant or herb allowing the air to fill with smoke which will purify the air.

The most common and well known herbs and plants are 

1.     Sage (White and Blue sage are the most popular and known to kill bacteria in air and improving air quality.)

2.     Lavender

3.     Palo Santo

4.     Cedar

5.     Imphepho or African Sage 

Origins of Smudging?

     As I was researching the practice of smudging many sources trace it back to the Indigenous people of America also known as the Native Americans. Smudging was part of a spiritual ritual usually involving prayer to bring positive energy and rid the negative energy. It was also used for medical purposes purifying the body and space. 

Although traced to the Indigenous people of America there was very similar practices with ancient African spirituality. And where I believe smudging originated. Historically Shaman’s and Sangoma’s have been practicing smudging but didn’t use that terminology. The burning of plants and herbs would just be incorporated in the spiritual rituals. 

A Shaman is defined as a person regarded as having access to, and influence in, the world of good and evil spirits. 

A Sangoma is defined as highly respected healer among the Zulu people of South Africa who diagnoses, prescribes, and often performs the rituals to heal a person physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually. 

     Sangoma’s are also found in other tribes of South Africa and similar to the ingigenous people, the burning of sage is used during healing and purifying rituals.     “They summon the ancestors by burning a plant called Imphepho, dancing, chanting, and most importantly playing drums. Sangomas are able to access advice and guidance from the ancestors for their patients in three ways: possession by an ancestor, or channelling; throwing bones; and interpreting dreams.” (derived from http://shamanportal.org/shamanism_african.php)

 Today burning sage is still incorporated in lives of South Africans. The video below talks about current day traditional healers. Many are professionals who have incorporated  healing into their everyday life like this Financial Executive of Johannesburg, South Africa who was interviewed by CNN in 2017.

Smudging and Religion/ Final Thoughts

     There is so much information on the ancient practice of smudging/sage burning and it can get very deep, which I will not go completely into today. Because of this some are afraid to burn sage or smudge feeling as it will directly clash with their religious beliefs. I disagree with that thought process because at the end of the day as long as you are confident in whoever you may pray to nothing can get in the way of that connection. There are some out there that I know will complete disagree with me. I myself follow the Christian religion and I did find articles posting bible verses that they claim translate to why Christians should not "smudge". I found it interesting because the Catholic Religion, which is very similar to the Christian religion (I know similar but NOT the same) do burn Frankincense. Frankincense is the dried sap of trees in the Boswellia Sacra and used during Mass. In the Catholic religion the smoke produced from the Frankincense symbolizes purification and  sanctification. Sound Familiar? In my opinion it is very possible to burn any of the herbs and plants mentioned above without getting too wrapped up in the ancestral origin practices unless you want to. Yes Smudging  originated from spiritual rituals and beliefs but it is also helpful in a time of COVID-19 where air purification is important. And Blocking negativity is ALWAYS important. Do your research sis (or bro) and make the right choice!

Disclaimer: This is an educational post based off of my experience, opinion  and research. Again do your research and make the right choice sis!