A Hamper : Smudge Clearing

A beautifully designed Hamper exclusive to Healing Light, in a honey wicker tray made of natural wicker.

Dimensions of basket 37.5cm L x 26 cm W x 12cm H  ( 38cm high including Cellophane wrap)

This Smudge Clearing  hamper contains:

1. 7 inch Sage Spirit sage stick
2. 7 inch sage and Sweetgrass stick
3. 2 to 3 inch California white sage bundle
4. Abalone shell
5. Palo Santo Wood sticks ( Holy Wood)
6. Turkey Feather

Pure sage Smudge 7inch:

Desert Sage: covers much of the high desert and plains areas of the Western States of America. As well as being burned, desert sage is often held, or worn to ward off negative influences. Native American tradition says that wherever sage is, evil spirits cannot come near.

Pure desert sage, and Sweet grass smudge:

Size: Approx 7 inches length (18 to 19 cms)

Origin: New Mexico, USA

Sweet grass: The leaves of the sweet grass are collected during the summer months and dried by natural or artificial means. The dried leaves are then used to form braids made for burning and used as incense. The vanilla-scented smoke is important in many sacred ceremonies, both among native North Americans and some indigenous groups in Europe. It is especially among the native tribes of North American that there are traditions of using this herb not only for religious ceremonies but also to a certain extent for medicinal purposes. The smoke of burning sweet grass was inhaled to treat colds, fevers and also used to keep insects at bay. Sweet grass was and still is considered a sacred plant by many native tribes of North America and is traditionally used as incense in many sacred ceremonies, purification processes, healing rituals, peace ceremonies, and initiations. It is said that the sweet-smelling smoke cleanses the spirit and brings sacred messages to the higher planes of existence. The Native Americans believed that “Wakan Tanka” (Great Spirit) understood messages better if delivered by smoke than those said with words.

Smudging: is an ancient art that is believed to have been practiced by Native Americans for centuries. It’s the name given to the ceremonial, daily act of cleansing and purification which uses a selection of herbs, often sage, which are bundled together with string to form a smudge stick before being ignited. The smoke that’s emitted from the herb bundle is believed to cleanse negative energy and purify living spaces, as well as people and even objects like tools, furniture, and home decor. Sage can be used before meditation, prayer, any time you wish to clear your aura, and it is frequently used in Feng Shui for space clearing .It’s also believed to release negative ions, which has been linked in studies to creating a more positive mood .

These ions are also created by the effects of sunlight and water – you’ve probably noticed a wonderful sense of calm when in nature, such as visiting a beach, waterfall or enjoying a walk in the woods .In high enough concentrations, these ions can clear the air of mould spores, pollen, pet odours, cigarette smoke, bacteria, viruses, dust and other hazardous airborne particles. Smudging your home, office, or even your body is kind of like taking an energetic shower, or perhaps even spending a day in the mountains, spending time breathing in the fresh air and scent of pine, which offers a direct positive effect on reducing stress levels.

How to use your Smudge Stick: Light the end of your sage stick and after it has ignited, extinguish the flame and direct the smoke around the area you wish to cleanse. You may wish to hold a container or shell in your other hand to catch ashes or to serve as a resting place for the smouldering stick if you use a fan or a feather to direct the smoke. You can direct the smoke around yourself, another person, or in your room to clear the energy. To extinguish your sage stick, smother the end and examine closely to make sure the stick is completely out. Your smudge stick may continue to burn if not completely extinguished. A lit sage stick should not be left burning while not attended, and lots care should be used to extinguishing smouldering smudge sticks properly.

Californian White sage ( 2 to 3 inch)

Origin: New Mexico: USA

The difference between Sage and White Sage: The mature leaves of a white sage plant are smooth and white, while the leaves of garden sage are gray or gray/green. Also white sage is slightly larger, growing 4 to 5 feet tall compared to garden sage’s 2 feet height max.White sage flowers are mostly white with hints of lavender, while garden sage flowers are usually purple or bluish-purple (although they can sometimes also be lavender or white).

White sage is native to the southwest and prefers dry, almost desert conditions, while garden sage is native to the Mediterranean and Spain and needs regular watering (not drought tolerant).

Palo Santo Wood Sticks x 3

Wood sticks can be used for cleansing of the aura, for example before meditation or prayer, or they quite often these days used by body workers and therapists. They can also be used for cleansing a house or dwelling and are often used in this way in Feng Shui.

Country of Origin: Northern Peru; re-packaged in Grand Mesa, Colorado

More About Palo Santo
Palo Santo is a tree that can typically be found in South America in areas such as Peru and Ecuador; it’s name in Spanish literally means “Holy Wood” and is often referred to by this name. It is been used and revered to by many for hundreds of years for it’s cleansing, spiritual, healing and medicinal properties, similar to the properties that can be found by using Sage and Cedar. It has a delicate sweet, fresh and woodsy aroma with hints of mint and citrus.

Abalone shell :

is from from a large sea snail commonly found in New Zealand or South Africa. An Abalone shell is said to enhance feelings of peace, compassion and love. It has a warm and gentle vibration. It is great to have near during times of touch emotional issues and sooths the nerves and open up our psychic and intuitive connections. An Abalone shell is excellent when needing guidance in relationships. It supports communication, compromise and seeing both sides of an issue.

It is also said to be a perfect gift for someone who has survived a traumatic experience. It will be letting them know that even though they have been tossed and turned in the sea; in the end they are more beautiful for it.

It is a useful tool for carrying and extinguishing a smudge stick, or could even be used as a soap dish!

Size: 12cm x 9cm diameter.

Turkey Feather:

Dimensions: Overall length  is 7 inches (18 approx cms).
This feather has been ethically sourced.
The Symbol of the Turkey in Native American culture: They believe that the turkey helped to create the world, and is thought of as the give-away.  In the give-away ceremony someone will give away perhaps all that they own for the good of the people. In the giving away of material possessions we are acknowledging who we really are – spiritual beings. The spirit of turkey is free, and opens up the channels between us and others on a meaningful level. The turkey sacrifices itself so that others may live, and this can show us courage and faith in our present life and the next.
The symbol of the feather: Feathers are used consistently throughout Native American crafts and ceremonial tools. Birds fly in between the earth and the sky and as such feathers represent this connection between us as humans and Great Spirit. Of course a feather is not essential to contact God or be in tune with Spirit. It is a tool – a reminder. Feathers are like a link. You can hold them while praying, you can use a feather to brush smudge smoke over you for cleansing the aura and can have them in crafts and jewellery about you to remind you that you are always connected to Spirit.

Please ensure cellophane or any potentially harmful products are kept out of reach of Children or pets..