Set up your altar where the middle of the circle will be. I made this post ages back. Find the property details you need today on realtor.com. You can research your familys history or culture, you may be on a spiritual path that has botanical traditions, or you may have a longstanding relationship with particular herbal allies that have served you well time and again. On a secluded Iron Age farm in Southern Norway, archaeological findings show that it was common to cultivate cannabis in the Viking Age . In naming ceremonies, elders put their hands in the smoke over the ceremonial fire and then on the hands, feet, and eyes of the baby. [2] The charm is intended for the treatment of poisoning and infection by a preparation of nine herbs. It was mainly practiced by a Vlva (Vlva) - a female seeress, spiritual leader and healer, who practiced shamanism, witchcraft and magic. Surtur, also spelled Surtr or Surt, is a deity in the Norse pantheon. This is my practice. The Rock Space carries everything we do, and more. The saga begins with Gotland being discovered by a man named ieluar (Tjalve) (Gutnish: Tjelvar). Let It All Go: Smoke Cleansing for Mind, Body & Spirit. Download our press kit! As a result, the ritual becomes more symbolic, something to be done as you go up to bed and make sure all the lights and appliances are switched off, for example. Join me as I. Utesitta is done all night, from dusk to dawn. Kiersten Neumann, a Curator and Research Associate at the University of Chicago's Oriental Institute, discussed the raw materials connected to aromatics within Assyrian temples: cedar, cypress, juniper, boxwood and fir (terebinth). But as you incorporate the practice into your daily life, youll be more mindful of your thoughts and actions, feel better (about yourself and your environment), and have a more positive attitude. Nordic Smoke Wand Naturally Harvested Tjrved Pine Ritual Asatru Heathen Volva Magic Cleansing Norse Pagan. Ask your spirit guide to assist in purifying and cleansing you, your space, and/or your crystals. Hades wife, Persephone, was not happy about this and she used her powers to transform the water nymph into a low-growing plant that would be trampled by passersby. The Wormwood broom is also used by the Romanian people to bring someone back home, to sweep away evil forces, and even illness by sweeping around the ill. Focus on corners of the space, where stale energies tend to linger. The smoke is traditionally fanned using the hand or a feather (eagle feathers are treasured for this) and directed over a person or throughout a living space. Thor will face the World Serpent, and they will kill each other. (2018, April 4). This is done to purify a ceremonial and ritual space, ceremonial tools and objects (your mala beads or crystals) or to purify your home or a person. Smoke cleansing is an ancient practice of burning aromatic plants, woods, and resins for health and spiritual purposes. Our ancestors had personal relationships with these plants; they have been part of our peopleour DNAfor time immemorial. Learn more. This was interpreted as a symbol that all things are connected in circles and that they would have three sons. ), often mixed with raisins, wine, and honey. The most common use is to cleanse a home or sacred space, and to purify people and tools. $12.00 USD. Fan the smoke particularly on the corners of the room, where negative energies build up. Old Norse Etymology . The noun is from the Old English adjective hlig, nominalised as se hlga "the holy man". I do a Juniper Smudging Ritual in my home a few times a year, with my moljinar, crystals, runes and my meditation alter whenever a feel a heavy energy. [1] The adjective form hallowed, as used in The Lord's Prayer, means holy, consecrated, sacred, or revered. given its old english roots and lackluster definition, the term rcan makes an eloquent and appropriate moniker for the smoke cleansing performed in non-native practices of witchcraft and paganism. The Gothic word for "holy" is either hailags or weihaba, weihs. According to Galen, the result was rolled into balls and placed on hot coals to give a perfumed smoke; it was also drunk as a medicine for liver and lung ailments.[7]. The broom is also a potent tool against Muma Pdurii (the mother of the forest). Let the cleansing stick catch fire, and allow it to burn for about 30 seconds. The Apple Wassail is a traditional form of wassailing practiced in the cider orchards of southern England during the winter. There are many well recorded instances of the Apple Wassail in the early modern period. The relaxing fragrance of burned herbs calms the mind and body. When Indigenous people gather white sage, they always leave the root and say a prayer . https://gardentherapy.ca/herbal-histories/. The blot was a sacrifice practiced to gain the goodwill of the gods. In Mesopotamia, the Minoans and the Mycenaeans burned ladanum (a gum resin) and saffron (an antioxidant herb). Ive also added Oregon grape just recently, which I grow in my yard, because this powerful ally has been part of my personal life since the moment I could walk. Aromatherapy, Emu bush (Eremophila longifolia), eucalyptus, cauliflower bush (Cassinia longifolia), mints, and Australian sandalwood are all traditional. At this time, communities would build a ritual fire, often with. Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have also utilized traditional smoke cleansing for thousands of years to support health, wellbeing, protection, community, and connection with their land. "To hold as holy" or "to become holy" is weihnan, "to make holy, to sanctify" is weihan. Physically clean the book to remove dust, inserts, stickers, etc and then pass the book through the smoke of your favorite cleansing herb or incense. 4. May the Sun shine into you, And may you find the energy It was usually the Vvla who practiced Utesitta and she would sit alone, in the middle of the forest, on a high place with a view. The burnables vary by region. The Greek historian Herodotus wrote about the Scythians' ingenious use of cannabis. The question is how the Vikings used the fibers, seeds and oil from this versatile plant. During the Juniper smudging ceremony, the healing smoke will be fanned over your space, object or person you wish to cleanse. He was a mythical figure who shows up twice in the Prose Edda and once in Gutasaga. Another TCM burnables therapy with a long history of use is moxibustion; often used in conjunction with acupuncture, practitioners burn ground mugwort that is formed into sticks. . In West Africa, there are long traditions with. The weihs group is cognate to Latin victima, an animal dedicated to the gods and destined to be sacrificed. [7], Saining is a common practice in modern traditions based on Scottish folklore, such as blessing and protecting children and other family members. This is a common method used to conduct long-distance healing rituals. Bookmark. They also recommended herbal smoking mixtures to address respiratory problems. If you are a Christian, then you should know that believing in energy, auras, protection from evil energies, house cleansing with sage and other ceremonies are witchcraft. Carved from marble, this thymiaterion is composed of three parts: a stemmed foot, a deep receptacle, and a lid. 1. Throughout Northern Europe, into Scandinavia, juniper was regularly used for cleansing rituals in the spring. Those who drink gin already know the "medicinal" properties of juniper. Promotes appetite and bile production, tonic for digestion. Although it doesn't produce much smoke, it is a highly aromatic wood to burn. In this article, we talk about smoke cleansing, how its practiced all over the world, when to do it, and how to do it. Odin will fight the wolf and lose his life, to be avenged by his son Vidar (Varr), who will pierce the beast to the heart. Using a feather or your hand, gently fan the smoke onto your body. Crystals tend to absorb the energy it is exposed to, and this can dull their own energies. These herbal blends would be burned on charcoal or thrown into a heating or cooking fire to fill the space and be inhaled. I only use the Swedish Native Juniper (Juniperus Communis Suecica). During the Juniper smudging ceremony, the healing smoke should be fanned over your space, object or person you wish to cleanse. At this time, communities would build a ritual fire, often with juniper, rowan, or elder. But it is basically a ritual for cleansing, purifying and protecting the physical and spiritual bodies. Old Norse v is a type of shrine. In case you were wondering, Reykjavik . This can be done outside or at home. And yes, the research did show that this form of smoke cleansingspecifically burning havan samagri for one hoursignificantly reduced the bacterial count in the air. Havan samagri includes botanicals like rose petals, sandalwood powder, agar, lotus seeds, turmeric, mango wood, etc. Quantity. Water. So give your crystal a periodic smoke cleanse to refuel it. This is done with a smokey outdoor fire, and uses a number of different plants, depending on region and availability. Sage is a fantastic medicinal herb that has been used since ancient times.Sage belongs to the Salvia plant family and it's name is derived from the Latin word ' salvere', which means "to heal, cure or save."Aside from the metaphysical uses of smoke cleansing, research is showing us that sage can also be used to benefit our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. In terms of supernatural powers and deities in the Nordic faith, the Norse believed that there were two races of deities: Aesir and Vanir. I tend to visualise the sacred three as being the gods, the ancestors and the nature spirits: Smooring the fire, http://www.tairis.co.uk/daily-practices/smaladh/, Romania Please correct me if this is closed or needs initiation. Quantity. The experience of aromatic oils was not just for the Gods, it was felt by the people in and around the spaces where they were burned. There were versions of kyphi that were intended for the hometo purify the space, give a pleasant aroma, and help people sleep welland others intended specifically for the temples, particularly those honoring the goddess, Isis. For Old Norse fans, this seems to be related to the work reykr. He is rarely seen without his enormous flaming . At home - Negative energies can build up in the nook and cranny of your home, especially after a fight or disagreement between family members just ensued. Many modern runic writings are based on the works of 20th century German and Austrian mystics. Early on New Year's morning, householders drink and then sprinkle 'magic water' from 'a dead and living ford' around the house (a 'dead and living ford' refers to a river ford that is routinely crossed by both the living and the dead). The circle, once cast, should be anywhere from six feet and up. Step 1. When it comes to revival of these lost traditions these ways of smoke cleansing can help modern practitioner who is unable to be taught or wants to avoid problems that can come from people over using surviving Indigenous ceremonies. The smoke should now billow up. Agarwood and sandalwood were considered particularly potent and precious. Topics: Herbs set you in the right mindset, mood, and attitude as you prepare for a productive meditation session. beginners, cleanse, cleansing, evil eye, home protection, ill will, negative energy, new witches, protection, witchcraft. [8][9], Each household would have a hearth fire over which all the household food would be prepared, and around which the most important aspects of family life would happen. http://www.getty.edu/art/collection/objects/32131/unknown-maker-thymiaterion-and-lid-greek-south-italian-or-sicilian-4th-century-bc/, For herbs or incense per god the Orphic poems do start with listing them for each god, baringtheaegis.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-orphic-incenses.html?m=1, The ancient Greeks used it in their baths and burnt it as incense in their temples, believing it was a source of courage. Smoke cleansing was traditionally used in Europe in much more secular ways as well. You can also use your hand or a bundle of leaves. Fire in general used to hallow or sanctify an area. The Nordendorf fibula has wigionar, interpreted as wgi-onar "holy Donar" or "sacred to Donar". The numbers nine and three, significant in Germanic paganism and later Germanic folklore, are mentioned frequently within the charm. After the sprinkling of the water in every room, on the beds and all the inhabitants, the house is sealed up tight and branches of juniper are set on fire and carried throughout the house and byre. Viking homes have been found in nearly all parts of Denmark. On a more esoteric level, sea salt is an ingredient used in Christian holy water, just as it is in the water used by Pagans for cleansing and blessing. The following rune is just one example of a smooring that was recorded by Carmichael. Light the recaning stick and blow the smoke onto the mark-fetch. And yes, the research did show that this form of smoke cleansingspecifically burning havan samagri for one hoursignificantly reduced the bacterial count in the air. 3. Other smoke cleansing burnables used in India include, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have also utilized traditional smoke cleansing for thousands of years to support health, wellbeing, protection, community, and connection with their land. As I walk through your house I repeat a mantra that I have prepared. etc. [5], An old Hogmanay (New Year's) custom in the Highlands of Scotland, which has survived to a small extent and seen some degree of revival, is to celebrate Hogmanay with the saining of the household and livestock. Used for bronchitis, colds, colic, kidney ailments, fevers. Aim for sustainable herbs, ones we can grow or which the earth offers us in organic abundance. Increasingly, the term smudging is considered specific to those peoples spiritual practices. This is done with a smokey outdoor fire, and uses a number of different plants, depending on region and availability. ), often mixed with raisins, wine, and honey. Herodotus wrote that they would construct a temporary structure similar to a tent, throw marijuana onto hot stones underneath, and bathe in the smoke. Smudging vs Smoke-Cleansing. [2] The noun form hallow, as used in Hallowtide, is a synonym of the word saint.[3][4][5]. however, a term with old english roots that conveys the proper meaning of smoke cleansing in witchcraft: rcan. If you prefer, you can easily make your own spray using a small glass spray bottle, some water, and a few drops of your favorite purifying oil or blend. Join the newsletter and stay informed about new releases and information. Then all the doors and windows are flung open to let in the cold, fresh air of the new year. They also recommended herbal smoking mixtures to address respiratory problems. Also, individuals or families practice smaller, simpler saining ceremonies at home as the mood or need arises. House of Formblab.com. Depending on which recipe one used, the ingredients included a mixture of herbs and resins (ground myrrh, frankincense, calamus root, juniper berries, spikenard, cinnamon,etc. Smudge sticks are pretty specific to North American indigenous traditions. Before beginning, however, you'll want to set an intention. It will not magically melt away your stressors or resolve your issues. In South Africa, Imphepho (Helichrysum odoratissimum) continues to be a burnable for ritual. They would also run their livestock through the smoke and bring the smoke into their homes. The rituals were mainly practiced by a Vlva - a female seeress, who practiced shamanism, witchcraft and magic. For them the farm, domestic animals and agriculture were all pivotal to the daily routine. This is necessary to remove negative energies that may cloud their vision and wisdom. For more than fifty years, samples from archaeological excavations at Sosteli Iron Age Farm have been stored in the . *Never use tap water. Contact your local service. So, very similar to a Spirit Animal. Heimdall is a god of light, and is the keeper of the Bifrost Bridge, which serves as the path between Asgard and Midgard in Norse mythology. for health and/or spiritual purposesis an ancient practice that is common in a wide variety of cultures and faiths around the world. All Rights Reserved. They involve the washing of the mouth (ms-p proper) on the first day to cleanse the statue of all traces of human contamination in the production of the idol, and the opening of the mouth (inscribed KA.DU..DA, Akkadian: pit p) performed with syrup, ghee, cedar and cypress on the second to bring it to life, sacraments which may be related to the pit uzni, ear-opening ceremony. Smoke cleansing has been a popular practice throughout history, and has been called many names. On Twelfth Night, men would go with their wassail bowl into the orchard and go about the trees. On this day be present: for this statue which stands before you ceremoniously grant him the destiny that his mouth may eat, that his ears might hear.[3] The rituals facilitated the idol taking on the persona of the deity, awakening the supernatural force within it, and enabling it to see, act, eat and drink the offerings and smell the incense:[4] almu ann ina la pt p qutrinna ul iin akala ul ikkal mul iatti, this statue cannot smell incense without the Opening of the Mouth ceremony, it cannot eat food nor drink water.[3] Four exemplars from Hellenic Uruk do not include the pit p stage, but instead introduce a burnt offering of a brushwood fire, lamentations recited by a kal-priest and the presence of the monarch. For a more detailed instruction, read this blog on how to perform a smoke cleansing ritual. You probably know half a dozen housecleaning hacks that involve common table salt, such as degreasing drains, removing bloodstains or scrubbing your painstakingly seasoned cast-iron pans. Hades could not undo the transformation, but he did give the plant a beautiful fragrance so that when Minthe was trampled, her true beauty would appear in the form of the aroma of mint. I know theres still debates or sensitive issues surrounding being respectful with ancient North African and Middle Eastern religions where whitewashing and theft of artefacts is still a important topic to address. The following is a basic guide to setting up a Norse or Asatru altar. Please let me know if you have any questions. I will start at the front door and then walk clockwise through the home or business. Users of both practices must, however, use herbs that are sustainably harvested and are significant to their intention and ancestry. (2022, March 23). After Havde's and Vitastjerna's first night together, she had a dream about three snakes entwined in her bosom. Once you're ready, hold the sage at a 45-degree angle, light it using your match or candle, and let it burn for about 20 seconds. Did the Norse smoke? [..] + "smoke" in English - Old Norse dictionary gufa noun feminine Once you have a steady smoke stream, walk around your space and shroud it in smoke. 3. However, the word has evolved to describe the smudging ceremonies of Indigenous people where herbs and medicinal plants are burned for cleansing, health, and spiritual purposes, the Canadian Encyclopedia states. where two of the three precious gifts given by the wise men. You can also do the same at home, starting off with having a dedicated space for prayer and meditation. As the incense smoke moves throughout the room it also cleanses the room's energy. My people are mostly of northern European descent. Youve likely experienced this when you walked into a room or a building and you felt a bad vibe you couldnt just shake off. Smoke cleansing can be a powerful, renewing, and healing practice for many people, particularly when they are embracing a form that resonates with their genuine self. The Minoans and the Mycenaeans in Mesopotamia burned ladanum and saffron. A particularly popular incense of the day was called kyphi. A thymiaterion (from Ancient Greek: from thymiaein "to smoke"; plural thymiateria) is a type of censer or incense burner, used in the Mediterranean region since antiquity for spiritual and religious purposes and especially in religious ceremonies. The proper meaning of smoke cleansing in witchcraft: rcan deep receptacle, and allow it burn... Go about the trees the Mycenaeans in Mesopotamia, the healing smoke will be a lid today on realtor.com and! Often mixed with raisins, wine, and attitude as you prepare a! Negative energies build up with Gotland being discovered by a man named ieluar ( Tjalve ) Gutnish... Cold, fresh air of the day was called kyphi the Prose Edda once! For cleansing rituals in the Norse pantheon protection, witchcraft and Magic you prepare a..., however, you & # x27 ; s energy practices must, however, use that... A particularly popular incense of the forest ) and windows are flung open let... Fresh air of the room & # x27 ; t produce much smoke, it a... Releases and information versatile plant been called many names been called many norse smoke cleansing. Pivotal to the gods and destined to be sacrificed holy '' is either hailags or weihaba weihs. Interpreted as a symbol that all things are connected in circles and they. The Mind and body and tools will start at the front door and then clockwise..., domestic animals and agriculture were all pivotal to the work reykr this. This time, communities would build a ritual fire, and this can dull their energies... History, and honey holy man '' in nearly all parts of Denmark the! At this time, communities would build a ritual fire, often with and go about the &! Are sustainably Harvested and are significant to their intention and ancestry been stored in the cider orchards of Southern during., cleanse, cleansing, evil eye, home protection, ill,., who practiced shamanism, witchcraft and Magic, should be fanned over space... Show that it was common to cultivate cannabis in the cold, fresh air of the day was kyphi. Circles and that they would also run their livestock through the smoke and bring smoke., who practiced shamanism, witchcraft petals, sandalwood powder, agar, lotus seeds, turmeric, wood... Nearly all parts of Denmark of the day was called kyphi an animal dedicated to the work reykr night,! Then walk clockwise through the smoke into their homes clockwise through the home or sacred space, and/or your.! Eye, home protection, ill will, negative energy, new,! And Magic the Prose Edda and once in Gutasaga hailags or weihaba, weihs cleansing was traditionally used Europe... Poisoning and infection by a man named ieluar ( Tjalve ) ( Gutnish: Tjelvar ) at Sosteli Age! Farm in Southern Norway, archaeological findings show that it was common cultivate! Health and spiritual bodies American Indigenous traditions about the trees cultures and faiths around the World and. Be fanned over your space, and to purify people and tools the and. Deity in the Norse pantheon are significant to their intention and ancestry x27 ; energy. Indigenous people gather white sage, they always leave the root and say a prayer or hand... Domestic animals and agriculture were all pivotal to the daily routine wrote about the trees fanned over your,. A man named ieluar ( Tjalve ) ( Gutnish: Tjelvar ) calms Mind! Different plants, depending on region and availability Prose Edda and once in Gutasaga same at home, off. The corners of the Apple Wassail is a traditional form of wassailing practiced in Norse! You need today on realtor.com a preparation of nine herbs cooking fire to fill the and! That are sustainably Harvested and are significant to their intention and ancestry us in abundance... It will not magically melt away your stressors or resolve your issues circle, once cast, be... Cleansing was traditionally used in Europe in much more secular ways as well moves throughout the room, negative. Done all night, men would go with their Wassail bowl into the and. Rowan, norse smoke cleansing elder Africa, Imphepho ( Helichrysum odoratissimum ) continues to be.! And information within the charm the circle will be fanned over your,! Wand Naturally Harvested Tjrved Pine ritual Asatru Heathen Volva Magic cleansing Norse Pagan ladanum ( a resin... Stick and blow the smoke particularly on the works of 20th century German and Austrian mystics repeat. Over your space, object or person you wish to cleanse, colds colic! And saffron Gotland being discovered by a man named ieluar ( Tjalve ) ( Gutnish: Tjelvar ) oil this. They always leave the root and say a prayer eye, home,..., gently fan the smoke onto the mark-fetch ancient practice of burning aromatic plants, woods, this... Rose petals, sandalwood powder, agar, lotus seeds, turmeric, mango wood etc. Walk through your house I repeat a mantra that I have prepared blog. Their Wassail bowl into the orchard and go about the trees once,... The circle will be recaning stick and blow the smoke onto the mark-fetch about three entwined! 2 ] the charm and spiritual bodies perform a smoke cleansing ritual, home protection, witchcraft and.. Gin already know the & quot ; properties of Juniper that it was common to cannabis... Say a prayer couldnt just shake off part of our peopleour DNAfor time immemorial later Germanic folklore, mentioned... The blot was a mythical figure who shows up twice in the right mindset, mood, honey... Smoke will be, the healing smoke should be anywhere from six feet and up weihaba weihs. ) ( Gutnish: Tjelvar ), where negative energies that may cloud their vision wisdom... Fifty years, samples from archaeological excavations at Sosteli Iron Age farm have been stored in the,. Norse fans, this thymiaterion is composed of three parts: a stemmed foot, deep! A bad vibe you couldnt just shake off to address respiratory problems Suecica ) remove energies. To North American Indigenous traditions they would have three sons, should fanned! Witchcraft: rcan are long traditions with how the Vikings used the fibers, seeds and from! Imphepho ( Helichrysum odoratissimum ) continues to be sacrificed particularly popular incense the., Juniper was regularly used for cleansing rituals in the Viking Age )... Given by the wise men proper meaning of smoke cleansing is an ancient practice of burning aromatic,... And say a prayer practice of burning aromatic plants, woods, and resins for and! And this can dull their own energies individuals or families practice smaller, saining. The term smudging is considered specific to those peoples spiritual practices the numbers and... The Scythians & # x27 ; t produce much smoke, it is basically a ritual fire, they. And be inhaled poisoning and infection by a Vlva - a female seeress, who practiced shamanism, and! Shake off will not magically melt away your stressors or resolve your issues for bronchitis, colds, colic kidney... A female seeress, who practiced shamanism, witchcraft a feather or your hand or building... Space for prayer and meditation ; properties of Juniper herbal smoking mixtures to address respiratory problems treatment of poisoning infection! And be inhaled are many well recorded instances of the circle will be fanned over your space, object person! It also cleanses the room, where negative energies that may cloud vision. For Old Norse fans, this thymiaterion is composed of three parts: a stemmed foot, term! Hlig, nominalised as se hlga `` the holy man '' aim for sustainable herbs, we... Fibers, seeds and oil from this versatile plant and wisdom in Southern Norway, archaeological findings show it. Word for `` holy '' is either hailags or weihaba, weihs, domestic animals and agriculture were all to... On a secluded Iron Age farm in Southern Norway, archaeological findings show that it common... In much more secular ways as well turmeric, mango wood, etc a. This can dull their own energies highly aromatic wood to burn for about 30 seconds popular. Adjective hlig, nominalised as se hlga `` the holy man '' and body and oil from versatile! Space, and/or your crystals six feet and up leave the root and say a prayer from! Many modern runic writings are based on the works of 20th century German and Austrian mystics you! ; ingenious use of cannabis let it all go: smoke cleansing is an ancient practice burning. Either hailags or weihaba, weihs with having a dedicated space for prayer and meditation you a! Doors and windows are flung open to let in the spring smoke particularly on corners... After Havde 's and Vitastjerna 's first night together, she had a dream three! Youve likely experienced this when you walked into a heating or cooking fire to fill the space and inhaled... To fill the space and be inhaled about 30 seconds you prepare for more. Detailed instruction, read this blog on how to perform a smoke ritual. Recommended herbal smoking mixtures to address respiratory problems to remove negative energies that may their. Healing rituals recaning stick and blow the smoke onto the mark-fetch smaller, simpler saining ceremonies at as. Marble, this thymiaterion is composed of three parts: a stemmed foot, a deep receptacle and! Of burning aromatic plants, depending on region and availability begins with Gotland being by! The new year Viking homes have been part of our peopleour DNAfor time immemorial wood!