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Smudging shares its roots with incense, which is the burning of natural substances for a particular purpose.
According to Webster's, incense is a word derived from the French encens, or encensen from the Latin incensus to cause (a passion or emotion) to become aroused. The English definition of incense is defined as:
The perfume or odors exhaled from spices and gums when burned in celebrating religious rites or as an offering to some deity. The use of incense dates back thousands of years. It can be traced to ancient Egypt where materials were burned in religious ceremonies, and to drive away demons and gratify the presence of gods. It is mentioned on an inscribed tablet that was placed on the Sphinx at Giza, Egypt, in about 1530 BC.
The Babylonians used incense extensively while offering prayers or divining oracles. It was imported into Israel in the 5th century BC to be used in religious offerings. At one time the Israelites erected separate altars for the offering of incense. It spread from there to Greece, Rome and India, where both Hindus and Buddhists still burn it in their rituals and at festivals. It was one of the gifts of the three wise men from the East to the infant Jesus, in the form of frankincense and myrrh. Roman Catholics still use incense at mass and in many other of their rituals.
The smoke of the burning incense symbolizes the sacredness of a person or occasion, and their prayers are like the smoke that rises up to God. Incense is widely used in most Oriental religions and in the ceremonies of the Anglican, Roman Catholic, and Orthodox churches. Throughout history, the burning of natural substances has been used for cleansing, healing and spiritual purposes.
Native American Smudging: The Sacred Smoke Bowl Blessing
'Smudging' is the common name given to the "Sacred Smoke Bowl Blessing," a powerful cleansing technique from the Native American tradition. It is a ritual way to cleanse a person, place or an object of negative energies or influences.
The theory behind smudging is that the smoke attaches itself to negative energy and as it clears it takes the negative energy with it, releasing it into another space to be regenerated. Sage is burned in smudging ceremonies to drive out evil spirits, negative thoughts and feelings, and to keep Gan'n (negative entities) away from areas where ceremonials take place. In the Plains Sweatlodge, the floor of the structure is strewn with sage leaves for the participants to rub on their bodies during the sweat.
Sage is also used in keeping sacred objects like pipes or Peyote wands safe from negative influence. In the Sioux nation, the Sacred Pipe is kept in a bundle with sage boughs. Smudging is very effective when you've been feeling depressed, angry, resentful or unwell or after you have had an argument with someone. It is also great to smudge yourself, the space and all the guests or participants before a ritual or ceremony or celebration. You can smudge your own auric field, the spaces of your home, car or work area. You can use smudging to cleanse crystals, gemstones, altars, sacred books, or any other spiritual item.
Originally posted by sled735
...Your story sounds much like many of the abduction stories shared by others who have been taken.
And it could have been taking your parents too, since it is their bedroom where it hides. They may have not had any memory of this at all, or they just didn't say anything in front of you to avoid scaring you.
Do you have any memories of UFOs in your area?
"I have a story about a Buddha that was in our den for awhile..." I am very interested in hearing the details of this experience, if you don't mind sharing.
Originally posted by sled735
Oh my gosh!!! How strange! Wonder what happened to the girl? Do you think she had an accident, or just left the city? I guess there's no way of knowing now. That's just really weird!!
Please don't apologize for the long posts. I love the long ones that go into detail. Thanks for sharing.