Burning herbs is a sacred practice used for prayer and purification that is respected in most American Indian traditions. It is called smudging or smoking, although the intent is not to inhale the smoke or burn up the herbs. Instead you bathe in the smoke and pray with it.
To smudge, ignite your smudge blend and gently blow on it to extinguish the flame and enhance the smoking. If you are doing this with other people, position everyone in a circle. Move around clockwise and pass or carry the smudge (in a shell or burner) so that you encircle each person. Smudge from head to toe; often people use their cupped hand to draw the smoke into specific body areas. Some people use a feather fan to distribute the aromatic smoke to everyone.
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