Native and Non-Natives protection Chants

Native American Smudging

How to Smudge Respectfully

(Note: This is a general guide. Specific protocols vary by tribe.)

1. Preparation

· Open a window/door (let negativity exit).
· Use an abalone shell (or a clay bowl) to catch ashes.
· Hold a feather (or your hand) to direct smoke.

2. Lighting the Herb Bundle

· Light the end, let it flame briefly, then gently blow it out—smoke, not fire, is key.
· If it won’t stay lit, your space may have heavy energy (keep trying).

3. The Smoke Prayer (Example)

While smudging, speak or think intentions like:

"Great Spirit (or Creator),
With this sacred smoke,
Cleanse my body, mind, and spirit.
Remove all darkness, fear, and pain.
Fill me with light, strength, and peace.
For the good of all, with harm to none.
Aho (or Amen)."

4. Cleansing Yourself

· Start at your feet, swirl smoke upward (to release heaviness).
· Circle your head (clear thoughts).
· Brush smoke over your heart (emotional healing).

5. Cleansing a Space

· Move clockwise around the room, focusing on:

o Corners (energy collects there).
o Doorways/windows (entry points for energy).
· End by wafting smoke upward (to carry prayers to the Creator).

6. Extinguishing

· Press the herb bundle into the shell/sand (don’t blow it out—this disrespects the fire spirit).
· Keep ashes until you can return them to the earth (never trash them).

When to Smudge

· Morning/evening rituals – Start/end the day with clarity.

· After arguments/illness – Clear residual negativity.

· Before meditation/sleep – Deepen spiritual connection.

· Moving into a new home – Bless the space.

Important Cultural Considerations

· Not a "trend" – Many tribes consider smudging a closed spiritual practice. Non-Natives can cleanse with smoke but should avoid calling it "smudging" unless invited by an elder.

· Ethical sourcing – Buy sage/cedar from Native-owned shops (wildcrafted, not poached).

· Never film/share sacred rituals without permission.

Alternative Smoke Cleansing (For Non-Natives)

If unsure about cultural appropriation, try:

· Rosemary + Lavender (European tradition).

· Palo Santo (if sourced ethically from South America).

· Saltwater mist (for gentle cleansing).

Why This Works

· Science: Smoke releases negative ions, which purify air (like after a thunderstorm). Spirituality: The herbs’ scents awaken the limbic system, promoting calm and focus.

SIMPLE Versions

Simplified Smoke Cleansing Prayer & Short Versions for Specific Needs

These are respectful, easy-to-use adaptations of smoke cleansing prayers for non-ceremonial personal use. They honor the spirit of the practice while keeping it accessible.

1. Quick Smoke Cleansing Prayer (General Use)

Light your herb (sage, cedar, or palo santo), let it smoke, and say:

"Sacred smoke, cleanse this space (or me).
Carry away what no longer serves.
Bring in light and peace.
Thank you."

How to Use:

· Wave smoke around your body (head to toes) or room corners.

· Extinguish by pressing into a shell or bowl (don’t blow out).

2. For Healing

Best Herbs: Cedar + lavender (calming) or rosemary (purifying).
Prayer:

"Great Spirit, let this smoke heal my body and heart.
Wash away pain, fill me with strength.
As this smoke rises, may I be whole again.
Aho."

How to Use:

· Focus smoke over injured/sick areas.

· Breathe deeply (if safe; avoid smoke inhalation if unwell).

3. For Peaceful Sleep & Dreams

Best Herbs: Sweetgrass + chamomile.
Prayer:

"Guardians of the night, keep me safe as I rest.
Clear bad dreams, bring visions of wisdom.
Let my sleep be deep, my waking joyful.
Thank you."

How to Use:

· Lightly smudge your pillow before bed.· Keep a small sachet of cedar under the bed.

4. For Protection

Best Herbs: Sage + black salt (optional).
Prayer:

"Smoke of the sacred plant, be my shield.
No harm may enter, no fear may stay.
I walk in safety, day by day.
So it is."

How to Use:

· Sweep smoke over doorways/windows.

· Carry a tiny cedar sprig in your pocket.

5. For Letting Go (Grief, Anger, or Toxic Ties)

Best Herbs: Sage + mint.
Prayer:

"I release you, I free myself.
Smoke, carry this weight far from me.
My heart is light, my path is clear.
I am ready to heal."

How to Use:

· Write down what you’re releasing, burn it safely, then smudge the ashes.

6. For Gratitude & Joy

Best Herbs: Sweetgrass + rose petals.
Prayer:

"Thank you for life, for breath, for love.
Let this sweet smoke remind me—
Every day is a gift.
Aho."

How to Use:

· Smudge while listing blessings aloud.

Non-Smoke Alternatives

If you can’t burn herbs:

· Sound: Ring a bell or sing over water.

· Spray: Mix water + salt + a drop of sage oil. Shake and mist around.

· Visualization: Imagine golden light washing you clean.

Key Notes

· Keep it simple—your intention matters most.

· Ethical herbs: Grow your own sage or buy from Native sources

· Always thank the plant and the earth.