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"The
Four sacred Plants"
Samah (Tobacco)
Samah, or tobacco, is one of the four sacred plants, representing the
EASTERN direction. Ojibway used a form of tobacco know as kinikinik,
or red willow but many use store bought tobacco.
Samah is used in the offering of prayer to the Creator, acting as a
medium for communications. It is either offered to the fire, so the
smoke can lift the prayers to the Creator or it is set on the ground
in a nice lean place at the base of a tree, or on the water.
This is done on a daily basis as each new day is greeted with prayers
of thankfulness. The elders say hold it in your left hand as that is
the hand closest to your heart.
It is always good to offer Samah when seeking knowledge or advice from
an elder or when a pipe is present.
Keezhik (Cedar)
Keezhik, or cedar, represents the SOUTHERN direction. The leaves are
cleansed from the stems and separated into small pieces which are used
in many ways.
When burned, Keezhik, acts as a purifier, cleansing the area in which
it is burned and emitting a peasant scent.
Elders say put some in your shoes and goodness will come your way.
To some tribes, Cedar is considered the "Tree of Life" because
it withstands the four elements year around.
Shkodawabuk (Sage)
Shkodawabuk, also known as sage, represents the WESTERN direction.
Shkodawabuk is used in much the same way as Keezhik (Cedar). It is burned
as a purifier, but when compared to the piney scent of cedar, sage has
a spicy air.
Weengush (Sweetgrass)
Weengush, the sweetgrass, is known for its beautyfully sweet, aromatic
scent, which is enhanced when it rains or when it is burned. This too
is a purifier.
It is often braided and thus signifies the hair of O´gushnan (our
Mother the Earth). Each of the three sections that go into the braid
have a specific meaning, being: mind, body and spirit.
Suggestions how to use Weengush, and how it works:
- Ceremony of
blessing one self: you hold the bowl of burning herb and slowly move
it around in continuous circle surrounding the body from head to foot.
- Smudging (blessing
down) your home, protecting from evil spirits.
- Purifying holy
items.
- Carry it with
you when travelling, attached to the sacred war-pony and/or in your
vehicle.
- Kept as it is
protects your home, car etc.
- Burned, it calls
spirits. - Prepare the area first with sage and Cedar.
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Because Native people live life in a very sacred manner, when taking
from the Earth, one should always explain to spirit of the plants why
it is being done and offer some tobacco in return for the generosity
and help of the plant which shared itself so freely.
The Native culture can be a lifeline for those who are searching for
direction and meaning in their life. When we learn our spiritual culture,
we discover ourselves.
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If you are interested in herbs as mentioned above and wish to order
some, please visit: http://essencialdreams.com
Here you also can find variety of Native items.
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