Stress and Detachment

Smudging Smudging Smudging

 

Let’s talk about why we should smudge.

The practice of smudging dates back to prehistoric times, and is still very much in use today worldwide for cleansing everything from dwellings to human spirits. 

However recent research has shed light on the popularity of this activity, revealing that burning certain plant matter actually clears harmful bacteria.

All Western use of burning herbs and plants for spiritual purposes aside, the activity rests firmly in the sensibilities of ancient cultures in that, historically, smudging was believed to put forth the spirits of various ‘allies’ to provide ease and balance to an individual or group.

In this way, the practice was used to clear spiritual and emotional negativity that has built up in a body or a space.

The research study looked into herbal and non-herbal remedies that were administered by the burning of various matter.

Of course, there are skeptics who belittle the practice as unscientific and akin to magic. 

The practice has a negative association to a form of cultural imperialism, where traditions of dwindling indigenous populations are co-opted by the descendants of those who more-or-less conquered them.

The scientific paper entitled “Medicinal Smokes” and published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology focuses a scientific lens on the practice, which is becoming more and more widely practiced, despite skepticism.

It serves to play against the role that this activity has played in a culturally diverse range of religions and tribal beliefs.

 

The research included information from 50 countries over 5 continents and found that, predominantly, smoke administered medicinally is mostly used to aid lung, brain and skin function. 

In addition, it was revealed that passive fumes doubled as a sort of air purifier.

The purpose of the study was to see whether or not these medicinal smoke deliveries could be explored by western medicine, because “The advantages of smoke-based remedies are rapid delivery to the brain, more efficient absorption by the body and lower costs of production.”

A follow up paper published in the same periodical, “Medicinal smoke reduces airborne bacteria,” found that the research concluded that, in addition to health benefits, smudging was a powerful antiseptic.

“We have observed that 1 hour treatment of medicinal smoke emanated by burning wood and a mixture of odoriferous and medicinal herbs (havan sámagri=material used in oblation to fire all over India), on aerial bacterial population caused over 94% reduction of bacterial counts by 60 min and the ability of the smoke to purify or disinfect the air and to make the environment cleaner was maintained up to 24 hour in the closed room.

Absence of pathogenic bacteria Corynebacterium urealyticum, Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens, Enterobacter aerogenes (Klebsiella
mobilis), Kocuria rosea, Pseudomonas syringae pv. persicae, Staphylococcus lentus, and Xanthomonas campestris pv. tardicrescens in the open room even after 30 days is indicative of the bactericidal potential of the medicinal smoke treatment.

We have demonstrated that using medicinal smoke it is possible to completely eliminate diverse plant and human pathogenic bacteria of the air within confined space.”

In short, burning medicinal herbs cleared airborne bacterial populations by 94%, and the space was still found to be disinfected a day later. What’s more, a month after smudging, much of the pathogens originally found were still undetectable.

This has profound implications, as modern air quality in the developed and undeveloped world is atrocious, containing up to 1800 bacterial types, many of them pathogenic. 

With an increasing deadly array ofantibacterial-resistant strains, we’ll need all the help we can get.

Conventional methods of sterilization often employ chemical cocktails that are typically much less effective than purported. Smudging seems to be an effective alternative, while also being natural and safe to use.

In conclusion, the ancient practice of burning powerful herbal material may be much much more than just a primitive belief that we can simply disregard due to it being unscientific.

Of course, this should not take away from the properties of smudging in the area of energy system and soul cleansing and in the power of aromatherapy.

 

Thanks to thespiritscience where this article first appeared and to bestblender.

9 Different Sacred Smudging Herbs 

1. Lavender 

Lavender is a herb that we tend to use for a number of things already and smudging it is a wonderful treat. It promotes peace and relaxation. If you’ve been needing a bit more rest you should consider it. 

2. White Sage 

White sage is my favorite above all else. It is used to clear negative energies and does well for me. I use this one at least once a month if not every two weeks and it can help with stagnant energies in some big ways.

3. Common Sage 

Regular sage overall is also used for cleansing and is great at helping to release negativity but it doesn’t necessarily work as well as white sage to me. If you want something that is a good start this is an option I would never turn someone away from.

4. Cedar Wood

While it might sound odd cedar is great for helping get rid of fear. It offers us a sense of power we do not find elsewhere. If you’re already operating properly this can be a great tool to make things easier.

5. Rosemary

Rosemary is often used to help to rid of sickness and clearing of the mind. It will make you feel better overall and I have when using it noticed it bring a sense of weight being lifted from my shoulders forth. While that might sound weird, it is quite true for me.

6. Blue Spruce

When smudging blue spruce you’re bringing forth a more generous atmosphere. This meaning you’re bringing in kinder energies and allowing them to work their magic. While not always the best on its own when paired correctly this is also a wonderful tool to have.

7. Palo Santo

Palo Santo is a very common one that you will likely hear about often. It helps to heal the body and can cleanse the home as well. It is often used when someone is ill.

8. Pine 

Pine itself has rejuvenating properties and is used in smudging for a number of things. It is more commonly used to help others heal and can work wonders on your emotional state. I use pine quite often myself.

9. Lemongrass

Lemongrass is a great thing to smudge when you’re trying to remove obstacles and open doors. For instance, if you’ve been feeling stuck you may want to add this one to your list of things to pick up. It will make you feel much freer.

While there are tons of other herbs as well these are easily my top 9 go-to’s. If you think any of these speak to you perhaps you should give them a go. If not, try looking into things and choosing some for yourself. For information on how to smudge please check out the video below.

Handfasting-The Pagan Wedding

Humanist weddings performed by non-pastors with all the legal authority are more popular than Christian ones in Scotland.

In 2019, in Scotland, there were 5,879 Humanist weddings, constituting 23% of all marriages. 

There were 5,812 Christian weddings (including the Church of Scotland and the Roman Catholic Church), making up 22% of the overall number.

As people discover who they are, without all the nonsense of religious rigmarole, they enjoy life and each other more.

Regardless of the reason, the trend is clearly moving away from organized religion.

Humanists UK is celebrating the news and calling for England and Wales to join Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, and the Channel Islands in recognizing Humanist weddings.

In England and Wales, over 1,000 couples a year already have a humanist wedding without legal recognition. 

They all must have a separate civil marriage – usually at a registrar’s office – for their marriage to be legally recognized.

Progress is being made and its an example of people discovering who they are and the path they want to take.

Handfasting is either an engagement the wedding ceremony itself, so to be handfasted is equivalent to being married or at least being promised.

In the Middle Ages, Handfasting rituals were used as an engagement ritual.

As time went forward, Paganism began to grow and Pagans wanted marriage rituals that had an authentic significance without being religious. 

So, Handfasting and the jumping of the broom was included in the ceremony.

The ceremony can be conducted by Pagan clergy, someone in your circle, a friend, or by yourselves.

If a legal official who also happens to be Pagan conducts the ceremony, that's all you'll need, it's legal and official. 

But finding such a Pagan legal official can sometimes be difficult to find a clergy member who is also a legal official.

Pagans who want to become legally married will often have the legal paperwork and requirements completed at the local clerk's office or official government office.

If the legality, and paperwork fuss isn't required, anyone you desire can perform the ceremony.

We know giving the bride away is sentimental and traditional, but it comes with a stigma.

A bride isn't property to be given away, no one owns her, she is free to make this decision all by herself, with her free will.

Celtic Wedding Vow by Morgan Llywelyn

"You cannon possess me for I belong to myself

But while we both wish it, I give you that which is mine to give

You cannon command me, for I am a free person

But I shall serve you in those ways you require

and the honeycomb will taste sweeter coming from my hand.

I pledge to you that yours will be the name I cry aloud in the night

and the eyes into which I smile in the morning

I pledge to you the first bite of my meat and the first drink from my cup

I pledge to you my living and my dying, each equally in your care

I shall be a shield for your back and you for mine

I shall not slander you, nor you me

I shall honor you above all others, and when we quarrel we shall do so in private 

and tell no strangers our grievances.

This is my wedding vow to you.

This is the marriage of equals."

So in our Pagan Kitchen world, no one gives the bride away, but that's just us.

Once all that's decided, there's the ceremony itself.

Vows will need to be decided upon, maybe a white dress with a veil, this practice goes back to ancient Pagan Rome, when brides wore brightly colored veils to protect themselves from evil spirits.

Perhaps the sharing of wine by the couple. 

Vows can be anything you want to say.

Here's are a few examples:

I promise to be faithful to you.

I promise to treat you with kindness, respect, appreciation and love.

I promise to participate in our relationship, even during hardships.

I promise to make humor and laughter an integral part of our family.

I promise to love you with all of my heart, honor you with all of my actions, and treasure you. 

I promise to keep you warm when you get cold, and to stand in the way of the sun when it gets hot.

And wherever we go, I promise to be there, holding your hand and telling you, “I love you.”

You’re my best friend.

Let’s get really old together, thank you for marrying me.

Here's a Celtic Wedding Vow

“I pledge my love to you, and everything that I own.

I promise you the first bite of my meat and the first sip from by cup.

I pledge that your name will aways be the name I cry aloud in the dead of night.

I promise to honor you above all others.

Our love is never-ending, and we will remain, forevermore, equals in our marriage.

This is my wedding vow to you.”

Pagans like to stand during weddings, some stand or sit in a circle for Pagan ceremonies.

Sometimes there is the blessing of the area where the ritual is being conducted with the burning of incense, ringing bells, banging drums, casting a circle In order to eliminate any negative energies from wherever they may come.

The elements of Earth, Air, Water, and Fire are usually included, both in words and physically present.

The earth we stand upon for this ritual, the air we breathe, the water can be displayed in any kind of vessel and the flame of candles to represent the element of fire.

These elements are the ingredients of life and creation, how wonderful at a Pagan 

As mentioned earlier, Handfasting is the binding of a couple's hands and or wrists together as a unity ritual within the ceremony. The the couple themselves may tie the knot, maybe it would it the official or by friends or a family member.

The couple decides how long to remain tied in Handfasting, but usually they remain this way during the vows and exchange of the rings.

Handfasting Ceremony Vows

Do you, groom), take (bride)to be your wife, 

to be her constant friend, 

her partner in life, and her true love?

To love her without reservation, 

honor and respect her, 

protect her from harm, 

comfort her in times of distress, 

and to grow with her in mind and spirit?

Do you, (bride), take (groom) to be your husband, 

to be his constant friend, 

his partner in life, and his true love?

To love him without reservation, 

honor and respect him, 

protect him from harm, 

comfort him in times of distress, 

and to grow with?

The Giving of Rings Exchange 

I take you my heart

At the rising of the moon

And the setting of the stars.

To love and to honour

Through all that may come.

Through all our lives together

In all our lives,

May we be reborn

That we may meet and know

And love again,

And remember

The jumping over the wedding broom Is common in Pagan weddings.

The broom represents a new threshold, a new beginning into married life. 

As brooms are used for cleaning and sweeping, it can symbolize the sweeping away of the old from your past to start fresh. The handle of a broom is somewhat phallic in shape and the brush is shaped somewhat like a woman's skirt, so these two things combined can symbolize fertility and union. 

A broom also symbolizes the daily life of being married; caring for one another.

Popcorn has more antioxidants than fruit and vegetables

Yes, we know they mean without butter when proponents of popcorn tells us about the high level of antioxidents and all the great health benefits of plain popcorn.

Plain popcorn has already been hailed as a great diet food for its low calorie content but now a group of scientists claim it may even top fruits and vegetables in antioxidant levels.


Antioxidants - known as polyphenols - have really big health benefits as they help fight harmful molecules that damage cells.


Popcorn was found to have a high level of concentrated antioxidants because it is made up of just four percent water while they are more diluted in fruits and vegetables because they are made up of up to 90 percent water.


Researchers discovered one serving of popcorn has up to 300mg of antioxidants - nearly double the 160mg for all fruits per serving.


They also found that the  hulls of the popcorn have the highest concentration of antioxidants and fiber.

And oh yes, we like butter...on our popcorn.

Now, we realize that butter may have it's issues ( most foods do) but there are lesser-known benefits about butter.

1. It’s Filled with Immune-Boosting Vitamins
Spreading butter on your morning toast may not only improve your body’s immunity, but also help reduce cancer cell growth and increase red blood cell production thanks to vitamins A and D. One tablespoon of butter contains 7 percent and 2 percent of your daily values (DV) of vitamins A and D, respectively. Plus, because both vitamins are fat soluble, butter is a prime vehicle for aiding absorption of nutrients in the body.

2. It Keeps Bones Strong
Thanks to vitamin K and vitamin D, butter may also help increase bone and muscle strength. Known as the [blood] clotting vitamin, vitamin K not only helps maintain bone density but has also been linked to a 30 percent decrease in hip fractures in women who consume at least 110 micrograms per day, according to a study by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Adding one tablespoon of butter to a baked potato accounts for 1 percent of your DV.

3. It Reduces Symptoms of Diabetes
Found almost solely in cheese and butter, sodium butyrate has been linked to an improved response to insulin for patients with diabetes and increased energy in mice, according to a study published by the American Diabetes Association. It may also help alleviate constipation and may even help protect against colon cancer. 

4. It Fights Cancer
Found in dairy products, including butter, conjugated linoleic acid has been tied to tumor reduction in colorectal cancer and may even help fight breast cancer, according to an experimental pathology study conducted at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

5. It’s Better Than Margarine
Contrary to popular belief, some margarines – particularly first-wave varieties – are actually worse for you than butter due to high levels of trans fats. What’s more, researchers have also found that the vegetable fats contained in margarine are more likely to result in death among patients with heart disease than the saturated fat in butter.

6. It May Prevent Tooth Decay
Certain fat-soluble vitamins – including calcium and vitamins A, D and K – which are found in higher amounts in butter from grass-fed cows than in olive oil or margarine, may help fight cavities and even reverse tooth decay, according to research.

So, extra butter please...