askthewitch00:

breelandwalker:

kitkatkitten1:

it’s not called ‘smudging’ since you’re not part of a closed NDN faith and using specific rituals

it’s not called ‘smudging’

it’s not ‘smudging’

For those who are already flailing and whining, “Well then WHAT, huh!?”….

Smoke-cleansing.

The term you want is smoke-cleansing.

That is the actual term for what most New Age pagan authors mistakenly call “smudging.”

The Anglo-Saxon term “recaning (prononunced “REEKening”) is also free for anyone to use, if you want a fun and fancy word for the practice.

The practice of cleansing / protecting / purifying with a bundle of burning herbs shows up in many places, but smudging is specific to several Native American nations, and is a closed practice which involves a lot more than just waving around burning sage while chanting.

Just to help clear that up.

If you want more information about actual smudging, go to the source and ask somebody about the practice.

YES!!! This can’t be stressed enough! As part Native American even I don’t participate in smudging rituals as I don’t follow the religion nor am a part of a tribe. I don’t use the term in my practice as a witch even though I technically have the ‘heritage rights’ to do so. I HATE seeing people use the term ‘smudging’ to label products they have for sale. It’s appropriation of a VERY closed religious practice and it’s offensive to those who are a part of the traditions.