Smudging
Smudging is a ceremony traditionally practiced by some Indigenous cultures to purify or cleanse negative energy, feelings or thoughts from a place or a person. Everyone is welcome, not only Indigenous people. Sacred medicines such as cedar, sage, sweet grass, fungus or tobacco are burned in an abalone shell (other types of containers are also used – a small frying pan has gained popularity). The shell represents water, the first of four elements of life. Medicines, the second element of life, represent gifts from mother earth. The burning represents fire, the third element. The person puts their hands in the smoke and carries it to their body, especially to areas that need healing, including spiritual healing (mind, heart, body). The smoke represents air, the final and fourth element.
Essentially, there is no wrong way to smudge. The important aspect is praying and connecting with Creator. Smudging has been described as ‘Praying with smoke’.
From a Christian perspective smudging can be equated with Confession, the act of standing in the right light of the Creator.
Prayer; Holy Creator, Farther of all that is right and just, you sent your messenger Jesus your Son to earth. He came and taught us the truth about you. He came to fulfill our old ways. He died on a cross for the things that plague our people: despair and death. You raised Him from His death and now He reigns in heaven and will return aga
Confession Circle
Accept, O God, Creator, our open hands and make our hearts thankful for what we have been given. Cause us to humble ourselves for what we have taken. Make our hearts glad as we return some measure of what we have been given. Strengthen our faith and heart in the service of your people. In the name of our Brother and Saviour, your Son Jesus Christ, And in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Anglican places where the worship of Jesus infuses Cree symbols into Christian ceremony.
Standing Stones liturgy;
All Saints Cathedral, 10035-103 st., Edmonton, the third Sunday of the month, 9:15 am service.
St. Faith’s Anglican Church, 11725-93 st. Edmonton, the third Sunday of the month, 11:00 am. A smudge is always available at St. Faith’s at the Indigenous altar.
Smudge Ceremony/Prayer;
St. Mary’s Anglican Church, 11203-68 st. Wednesday’s -11:45-12:30.
St. Mary’s Anglican Church, first Sunday of the month, 7:00 pm Sharing/Healing Circle – Begins with a smudge, then a sharing circle, and ends in a healing/prayer circle.