You might have heard about smudging, but what is smudging exactly? Is it a prayer? Is it a
cleanse? Is it a trend? Keep watching to find out what the meaning of smudging with sage is
and a whole lot more. Hi, there. I'm Mallory from tribaltradeco.com. Be sure to subscribe
and hit the bell for new videos every single week about smudging, indigenous culture,
and native teachings. So, what the heck is smudging anyway? In today's video, we're going to
break down exactly what smudging is, the meanings, and sacred significance of using sage to smudge,
as well as the difference between a smudge prayer and a ceremonial smudge, and what it means to
smudge with sage casually versus in a formal ceremony. And most importantly, how to even begin
learning about the incredible power of smudging. Smudging is an important cleansing and healing
ritual, but it's also so much more. To more easily share with you all of these fun facts,
we're answering six frequently asked questions about smudging. Basically, by the end of this
video, you'll know everything that you need to know about smudging with sage as a beginner. So,
here at Tribal Trade Co, we know all about smudging and how it can improve your life. In
fact, we've helped tens of thousands of people incorporate smudging into their daily lives
and harness the benefits like feeling happier, healthier, and focused. So,
stick around for the answers to these six FAQs, so you can learn the facts about smudging.
The first frequently asked question about smudging is, what is smudging?
This is the most basic question. What even is smudging? Smudging is a sacred, historic,
indigenous tradition, that involves burning sage or other sacred medicines to cleanse your space,
your mind, or a specific area. It is also used in traditional indigenous ceremonies and medicine is
often accompanied by a prayer. So, there are many reasons to smudge and indigenous people have done
so for generations. So, you might have heard of smudging being performed at indigenous ceremonies,
rituals, and other ceremonies. In short, smudging is an indigenous tradition
used for purifying and cleansing. But don't get me wrong, anyone, and I mean anyone can smudge.
In the context of your life, you might smudge a new home. You might smudge your room after
a big fight to clear out the negative energy. You might smudge yourself when you're feeling anxious,
disconnected, or even unfocused. While it's possible for anyone to smudge,
it's also important to respect the indigenous history behind smudging and
practice good intentions while you're doing so. This brings us to our second frequently asked
question about smudging. The second most frequently asked question about smudging
is, is smudging just a trend? No, smudging is not just a trend. Even though it is gaining
popularity lately, you might have even seen it in your favorite Instagram page or promoted by
your favorite brands. However, smudging is not something to participate in as part of a fad or
because it's cool or popular. Smudging is an integral part of indigenous culture, as well as
spiritual practices and medicinal knowledge. That being said, there are still respectful ways to
smudge, even if you are non-indigenous. To learn more about smudging if you're non-indigenous,
watch this video right here. The third frequently asked
question about smudging is, is smudging cultural appropriation? Not always. Just like I said, there
are plenty of ways for you to try out smudging or even incorporate it into your daily life without
appropriating indigenous culture. But there are exceptions to every rule, like those Instagram
pages and companies I mentioned before that might be participating in this smudging trend, just to
make a profit. Cultural appropriation happens when indigenous traditions like smudging are adopted in
an exploitative, disrespectful, or stereotypical way. In other words, when it disrespects the
culture, it's cultural appropriation. But if you're interested in learning
about smudging in a respectful way, that honors indigenous culture and tradition, then smudging
isn't always cultural appropriation. And I have good news for you. By learning about smudging
through this video today, you're already well on your way to learning how to smudge in a safe
and respectful manner. Now, why do you want to smudge? Let me know in the comments below
what your reasons are for wanting to learn about smudging with sage. Now that we've talked about
what smudging is and isn't, let's talk about some of the specifics of indigenous smudging,
like what it's used for and how it's performed. Now, the fourth frequently asked question about
smudging is, is smudging always ceremonial? While smudging is often a part of indigenous ceremonies,
it can also be used in other ways. Smudging is traditionally a part of prayer ceremonies,
sweat lodge ceremonies, and even sun dances. I mentioned before that smudging can also have
medicinal uses. In some native cultures, sage is used to help with conditions like pregnancy,
menstruation, constipation, anxiety, and other illnesses, but there are other more casual
uses for smudging with sage as well. In fact, burning sage even repels bugs. Smudging can
be part of your daily or weekly routine, or as often as you like. It's great for focus,
clarity, and purifying your mind, body, and spirit, or your home. Smudging is different from
culture to culture and different from person to person. While smudging started as an indigenous,
ceremonial, and medicinal method, its uses have evolved into modern tradition as well.
Now time for the fifth frequently asked question about smudging. The next frequently asked question
about smudging is, what is a smudge prayer? I mentioned that smudging is often accompanied by a
prayer. What you say when you're smudging doesn't have to be the most important part of the process,
but it can be helpful, depending on your purpose for smudging. Reciting a prayer or speech during
your smudge, helps guide the energy and guide your energy. For example, many people smudge daily when
they're trying to build mindful habits. And if that's your goal, you might say a prayer that
focuses on what you're grateful for. If you're smudging for a specific ceremony or gathering,
you might recite a prayer that wishes for the safety, health, and best interests of
all of the people participating in your gathering. So, if you're looking to gain positive energy or
cleanse yourself of a specific energy, you might recite a prayer that specifically targets that
energy, focusing on the area of need or imbalance in your life. Now, the type of smudge that you're
doing determines the prayer that you say, but that doesn't have to stop you from smudging.
If you need more help figuring out what to say during your smudge, check out this
video right here on smudge prayers. You can also get your own personalized smudge prayer
by checking out the links in the description. Now, the sixth frequently asked question about
smudging is, do you have to smudge with a feather? Have you ever seen a feather used to smudge?
There are actually a few tools or items that are traditionally used to smudge.
In indigenous culture, you need a bundle of sage, an abalone shell, an eagle feather,
and a fire source. Eagle feathers are sacred, so most feathers you see in today's smudging kits are
imitation eagle feathers. The shell is used to hold your smudging bundle while it's burning
and the feather is used to waft the smoke over your body or the space that
you're smudging. But don't worry, these are just the traditional requirements.
In fact, you can use any fire safe container to hold your smudging bundle,
and you can even use your hand to waft the smoke around you or around the room. Really,
all you need to get started smudging is sage or another sacred medicine. But if you want to smudge
using traditional indigenous methods, then it's worth it to purchase your own smudging kit or get
one gifted to you. We've covered a lot. And now you know the basics of smudging, how it's used,
what a smudge prayer is, and basically what smudging even is. If you're confused
about smudging before, don't feel bad, there's a lot of misinformation out there about smudging.
Now you should be ready to continue your smudging journey in a safe and respectful
way. If you're ready to dive into the next step of your smudging journey, be sure to
check out our free smudging guide in the comments below. Now that you know more about smudging,
do you think it's right for you? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments below. Thank
you so much for watching. I hope you have an incredible day and we'll see you next time.