smudging
The Secret To Smudging Is In The Smoke
“The secret to smudging is in the smoke.” These were the words of my mentor when I undertook my Ukuthwasa as a shaman initiate many years ago in Southern Africa. I have also come to know that the true intention behind any smudging ceremony is a very significant part of its success.
An initial part of my rigorous training as a Sangoma, or traditional healer, was a self-cleansing ritual using Mphepo, made up of herbs indigenous to Southern Africa.
“Smudging,” simply put, is the burning of certain herbs to create a cleansing smoke bath. The smoke is used to cleanse areas used for rituals and ceremonies, as well as any tools or objects used for such cleansing, as well as to cleanse people. Continue reading
Shadow Beings Be Gone!
Very recently, for a period of just a few days at around dusk, I kept on seeing dark shadow figures to my left, in my peripheral vision. These dark shadows would move quickly and, although not eerie, they were unlike what I usually witness when I see spirit. My Husky cross, Collie, is always sensitive to the presence of spirit in my work room, and I know from her stares at these dark shadows that she saw them too, but she wasn’t at all perturbed.
It occurred to me only a few days ago that during that brief period of witnessing the shadowy figures, a few chaotic days followed: a water heater burst, a generator went up in smoke, the washing machine seemed to have reprogrammed itself, my older dog was diagnosed with a tumor, my youngest dog ate some of my cash money, as well as other minor aggravations, like power outages. Continue reading