From Pagan and Earth-based rituals to Christian Mass, the mystical essence of smoke has captivated spiritual seekers for centuries. Regardless of origin, sacred smoke has been a foundational and honorary practice for protecting, cleansing, releasing and initiating prayer and intention as long as humans have been curiously humbled and in awe of sky-ward contemplation.
It is believed that smoke carries earthy messages to mystical heavens, wish-felt words and invocations sent on a cosmic current to the greater mystery of divine authority. Sacred smoke liberates souls from dying bodies and fears from timid hearts. It purifies the residue on clouded vision left from misperception and tainted circumstance. It shields from the dark and psychic attacks of misery-kept company and mal-intention of under-evolved beings. It emerges from the dance of flame and casts an abstract and captivating story into the atmosphere of ceremony…..a hazy cloud to be witnessed with wonder-struck eyes, listening bones and intuitive interpretation of spirit speak.
Sacred smoke initiated from ceremonial pipe or fire ceremony is a much needed connection to the wisdom keepers that provide insight, direction and meaning in the weight of modern world. The heaviness of our personal and cultural burdens is lifted and in the spaciousness we are free to remember the potential human….the human that is earthly and celestial, a combination of embodiment that is non-negotiable for conscious healing and evolution.
Tis the season for fire side gatherings. Gather in circle with those seen and unseen, call on your elders, your quiet teachers and your own intuitive field. I encourage you to approach the warmth from a soul view. Feed the flames intention, reverence and prayer. Feed the flames special sages, sweet grass, piñon, mugwort, blood orange or your favorite herbal smoke. In quiet, contemplative ease watch the expression of flame and smoke bellow, engulf, entangle and carry a silent song to the sky world.
Blessings, Aho, Namaste
Robin
