Sweetgrass Braid for Smudging

The elders tell us that it takes longer for us to heal today and the reason is because the old trails our ancestors used to use to find us have been destroyed. by colonialism, assimilation, manifest destiny, and ethnic cleansing, towns and cities where the old trails used to be...so now our ancestors are having a hard time finding us to help us heal. So we must burn sweetgrass, a kindness plant medicine, with a sweet gentle aroma when we light it. It opens the pathways for goodness.

Some tribes teach of the 21 strands to make a braid and we like the balance of this teaching...

• The first 7 strands represent those 7 generations behind us. They represent our parents, our grandparents, and the ancestors who can before them. Who we are and what we are is because of them. We are the whispered prayer our ancestors prayed.
• The next 7 represent the 7 sacred teachings... Love, Respect, Honesty, Courage, Wisdom, Truth and Humility. These are the worthy actions in life.
  
• The last 7 strands are those of the 7 generations in front of us. They represent our children, our grandchildren, as well as those children yet to be born. It is important because everything we do to Mother earth will one day affect them.

Remember to get an Abalone Shell to catch the ashes while you smudge. Also ask for the 'Smudging Guide' if you'd like information on smudging or get the entire SACRED BLESSING set. View our Native Collection for more smudging materials.