This is my first lesson. My beginning teacher was Lakota, and she is my friend. I have permission to share her words. "I am going to teach you about smudging and making yourself ready to simply talk to Creator in your own way. Long time back sage was gathered dried and tie into small bundles, it was used to purify a person/space so they could clear out their mind to open their heart. It has a pleasant smell while helping you get thoughts together (light one end of the bundle). Use that smoke to go over your body and into your nose then out again in one breath. Then you can smudge the space you're using for prayer if you like (I do a small circle around me). You can then put the smoke bundle out or let it burn itself out. Then simply sit down, listen to what's in your heart. (if outside listen to what you hear in nature) Feel the thoughts you want to tell Creator then in a song or chant or using your words tell him and ask for guidance. It may not come the way you think it should but be open to whatever changes around you . This is like praying and I feel whatever you call Creator he still knows your heart and will answer protect and love you. Oh, gathering sage is also done with a prayer . . . thanking Mother Earth for this gift and allowing us to have it to cleanse ourselves. You see, you must always give thanks for what is given and try to put something back into the earth for its gift." To the Tsalagi people, cedar is the most sacred herb used. Sage and sweetgrass are also used during prayers as is tobacco. When we perform a cleansing or smudging, we move in a counter-clockwise circle. The more I learn, the more I pray; and I've learned that the most important key is listening to your heart. GUESTBOOK