Remove Negative Energy with Smudging
By Jackie Christensen, BS, HHP, NC, MH
Faculty Member of GCNM

Smudging is a method of purification, which involves burning herbs to balance the vibration levels of the physical body, aura, and atmosphere. It is a ritual therapy originally used by Native Americans, which involves burning loose herbs in a bowl or shell and then directing the smoke around the physical body, home or other sacred items. When used as a regular practice, it helps to center the mind, clear out any internal chatter, and focus on the present. As the spirit becomes attuned to a higher vibration, the nervous system relaxes and the physical body becomes purified. Smudging can also be done as a group. Shared as a collective, it allows the individuals to become centered and united.

Smudging can be done anytime of the day. In the morning it prepares one for the day and at night it clears the day’s activities from the mind and prepares oneself for bed. It can also be used to remove harmful emotions such as stress, anger, or depression. Smudging can also be used to cleanse objects of negative energy. Concentrating energy on the object during the ritual can smudge things, such as a car, house, work tools or office space.

To perform a smudging ceremony only a few items are needed: the herb you would like a burn, a bowl, shell or other container you would like to burn the herb in and matches. Traditionally, Native Americans have used herbs, such as sage, mugwort, cedar, juniper and sweet grass. They can be burnt alone of mixed together. For general use any of the mentioned herbs can be used, however experts state that each herb works differently and will have a unique affect on the aura and body. Sage is burned to remove bad spirits and energy. Cedar can be used to lift a prayer up along with the smoke. Sweet grass is usually burnt to bring in positive spirits and is burnt after cedar or sage has expelled the bad spirits. After you have chosen the herbs you would like to burn, place a small handful in the bowl, shell or other container used to burn the herbs and ignite them with a match. The herbs should begin to smolder and produce smoke. Begin by smudging yourself first. Try to cover your entire body in four passages of smoke. Take your hands and cup the smoke, pulling it over your body. Start by pulling it over your head, then the torso, back and lower body. While smudging yourself you may say a silent prayer or set an intention to someone or something in your life. After you have smudged yourself, pass the bowl or container holding the herbs to the person clockwise from you. Continue passing the bowl until the entire group has been smudged. Some groups use a feather to help direct the smoke toward the person smudging. If any objects are being smudged, they should be done after everyone in the group. When smudging an object use your hand or a feather to brush smoke over, under and around the object, work to cover the entire object with smoke. If smudging a room, work in a clockwise rotation and try to fill the areas with smoke. While smudging a room, one can mentally ask negative energy to leave, so leave a window cracked open as an exit for negative energy. When the herbs have finished burning, they can be returned to the earth by placing them outside around a tree.

Sources:
Borden, Adrienne, and Steve Coyote. "The Smudging Ceremony." Asunam - Reiki Master / Reiki Foundation. Web. 29 Aug. 2011.
www.asunam.com/smudge_ceremony.html.

Tierra, Lesley. The Herbs of Life: Health & Healing Using Western & Chinese Techniques. Delhi: Sri Satguru Publications, 1998. Print.

Book Review

The Alphatude Attitude

By Ami Moore, BS, COTA, CMT, CMVT

Ami Moore, an expert of the dog’s role in our modern lives, is a Canine Behaviorist, Credentialed Teacher and Adult Education Specialist, a Court Appointed Expert Witness for Dog Aggression, a Nationally Certified Occupational Therapist, a WANT Institute Certified Personal Relationship Coach, a Native American Medicine Women and Energetic Healer in addition to being the author of Alphatude Attitude.

In her book, Moore asks the reader to take a deeper look at themselves and the emotions or attitude that they are bringing to the table in relation to their “problem” dog. She helps you improve your relationship with describing five elements, alphatude, amiability, activity, affection, and the dog. Not only are all of these concepts addressed in detail, but also the most important concepts in each chapter is summarized concisely to stress their importance.

Another great feature of this book is the appendix full of wonderful information ranging from All About Modern Dog Training to Modern Dog Professionals.

Anyone planning on adding a new dog or puppy to their household must read section six titled Finding The Fifth Element Your New Dog. This section not only can help you decide what type of dog might fit best with your lifestyle, but also how to decipher the difference between a good dog breeder and a poor one. In addition, if you are looking to adopt a dog from a rescue or shelter, Moore also guides you through that process.

While this book might be geared to people having problems with their dogs, I believe that anyone with a dog would benefit from reading this book to enrich their relationship with his or her dog.

Reviewed By Kathryn Marcinak HHP, BA, C-PT
Faculty Member of GCNM

Exercise

Plank Reaches

Begin the exercise in the push up position with hands placed beneath one’s shoulders.

Next, reach one’s arm forward. Do not let one’s pelvis sag towards the ground.

Finally, reach one’s arm to the side. Do not let one’s pelvis sag toward the ground.

Repeat on the other side.

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