Smudging, or in Old Norse Eimilauga (to bathe in smoke), is a ritual cleansing. As the smoke rises, it carries our prayers to the spirit world where the ancestors and the Creative Force dwell. Negative energies and emotions are washed away. The Eimilauga ceremony is also used for healing of the mind, the body and the soul, and to bring balance to these.
Every ceremony must begin with a good intention, and through this cleansing we make way for it. Eimilauga, or in Sami Suovvabuhttisteapmi, can also be used to cleanse and consecrate the ceremonial site. And the ceremonial objects we use.
Traditionally we take the smoke over the eyes, the ears, the mouth and the hands. But also the rest of the body. When the ceremony leader uses the smoke to wash the back, this is done to ease your path both in the ceremony and also in everyday life. In this sense the Eimilauga ceremony is a blessing.
We wash the eyes so that we may see truth, the beauty of Mother Earth, the gifts we have been given, and so that we may see the love we share with our fellow human beings and fellow creatures. We cleanse the mouth so that we may speak truthfully, be humble in our words and bring forth the good. We cleanse the ears so that we may hear the truths of the spirits, so that we may listen and be open to helping those who ask it of us. It also protects us, so that we receive good words while words that are not good go unheard. We cleanse our heart so that it may feel the truth. So that it may grow with us in harmony and balance. And so that we may always show care for others. We cleanse our feet to help us follow our life path. So that our feet may be well planted on the earth and bring us closer to family and pack.
The traditional herbs
In Norway the most commonly used traditional herbs are juniper, mugwort, nettle and birch leaf. In the north, also sweetgrass.
Juniper is, in the Sami tradition, considered to be one of Máttaráhkku's protectors. It cleanses, opens up and gives protection.
Mugwort was much used by the Norse population, but also by the Sami. It lifts the spirit and opens up to the spirit world while also being a strong protector.
Nettle makes the ceremonial fire stronger and protects against dark forces and deception from the spirits.
Birch leaf protects against the darkness, drives away fear and gives courage. It protects and gives strength to the decisions made in ceremony.
Sweetgrass is regarded as the herb that gives us the strength to endure, and it gives us humility. It is connected with Radien Eatni/Acchi – Nieida/Bartni, the Sami Creative Force that is both feminine and masculine.
Other traditional herbs used for Eimilauga/Suovvabuhttisteapmi – Tinder conk
- Chaga – Angelica – Roseroot – Greater plantain – Hops – Meadowsweet – Yarrow – Heather (Brings rain when burned) – Pine (Slightly toxic) This is where you find sweetgrass
