Thyme Smudge Bundle

Smudge bundles, or shamanic incense, are made from dried aromatic herbs. Native Americans used them in ceremonies such as sweat lodge rituals. To make full use of their protective and cleansing power, smoke was wafted over a person or object, often using a feather fan.

Doctors and therapists are increasingly discovering the beneficial qualities of this herb. Many people use smudge bundles to connect with the power of Mother Nature. Burning herbs and resins probably dates back to prehistoric cave dwellers, yet ceremonies to cleanse people, places and objects with smoke continue today.

Directions Light the bundle and wait until a flame appears. Once the top is lit, use a feather to waft the sacred smoke over objects and people and into every corner of the room, cleansing the atmosphere throughout. You can also rest the smudge bundle on a fireproof plate or shell.

Native Americans liked to bring the four elements together in their cleansing rituals — water, air, earth and fire. A bowl represents water, herbs represent earth, burning represents fire and smoke represents air. Using a shell as a bowl brings all the elements together for a complete ritual.