As we welcome new people into the Sacred Hoop, we thought John’s words about smudging would be beneficial.

We return to the first teachings, where it all begins in ceremonies as we embark on a new cycle of the Medicine Wheel. As the Medicine Wheel is the circle of lessons that each of us must pass through on our journey, may we honor the lessons learned, so we might see the gifts of growth that each upcoming direction will offer us as we…Step into the Circle.

Smudging

Smudging is a purifying ceremony that occurs at the beginning of most ceremonies.

We use the smudge to take time with each person. It gives them some personal attention and honors their part in the ceremony. More importantly, it is an opportunity for the smudger to transfer his/her meditative state to the participant. (Smudgers should prepare themselves carefully.)

Smudging marks the beginning of the ceremony for the participant. It is a precise beginning and is very satisfying because of that.

It is important to remind the group that they are not being smudged because there is anything wrong with them. It is just that we take on the cares of the everyday world and smudging is done to allow us to release the everyday and honor ourselves by spending some time with the Earth and our Creator. It marks the beginning of our “sacred time”. We make the effort to release outside thoughts and focus ourselves on this very special time of ceremony. ~ John Armbruster

Hugs, Tracy - take what you want…find your truths…leave the rest. I share because I care.