Our Life After

“Karma” is a word that basically translates to “action”. The implication in most people’s minds regarding the concept, however, is that for every action there is a reaction. Karma is typically thought of, then, as a kind of cosmic law that governs rewards and punishments reaped not only in a person’s present life but also his or her previous existences. Through the lens of such an idea, everything in life – from accidents and illnesses to romances and financial successes – can be interpreted as the fulfillment of Karmic contracts.

There are other schools of thought, however, that do not view Karma in terms of reward and punishment at all. Instead, it is seen as a kind of blueprint that structures a person’s experience around certain things that he or she has chosen – on a soul level – to learn over the course of a lifetime. This concept usually operates alongside another idea: that past lives influence the present one. For example, a person who has been through one existence where he enjoyed wealth and privilege may decide, for his next life, to experience many things that his wealth insulated him from the previous time around. Following from this decision he will be born, the next time, into poverty. This circumstance is considered his Karma contract, but it is intended not to punish him but rather to allow for certain learning experiences that he himself had embarked upon.

Chronic illnesses and disabilities are oftentimes interpreted in Karmic terms, particularly when they set the tone for a person’s entire life experience. Again, such conditions are sometimes interpreted as punishments for deeds committed in past lives and other times viewed as structures for learning. A person who “lived fast” in a previous existence, for example, may decide to spend her next incarnation in a wheelchair so that she can slow down and savor the things that escaped her notice previously. This second interpretation differs from the first in that no judgment is implied.

Both interpretations, however, view Karma in terms of situations, emotional realities, and consequences being carried over from one life to the next. Another theory describes Karma more as a form of energy that is responsive to our actions. This means, essentially, that what we put out into the universe will come back to us in one form or another. By such reasoning, the way to receive abundance is to give generously. This theory paints Karma as a force that binds a person’s inner reality to the life that he or she experiences out in the world. For example, an accident might be an expression of some anger that was pent up inside of the person who was involved in it – and thus, the accident was Karmic.

Karma is a very old concept that seems to have undergone many different permutations depending upon the belief systems and personal biases of the people who have embraced the idea. Some aspects remain generally consistent amongst most theories, however: the view of Karma as a force that binds human beings with the greater cosmos, that imparts a much larger significance to human action, and that serves as a framework through which we learn and grow from our experience.

Have you ever felt depressed? Surely, everyone has. However, not everyone knows about the ritual that can not only help relieve that emotion, but bring positive into their life and space. Smudging is a spiritual cleansing technique that originated from the North American tradition and has existed for thousands of years. Until recently, it was not recognized by the West, and therefore may seem strange to some individuals. However, smudging is a helpful and sacred ritual that can be performed by anyone. Smudging consists of lighting herbs, usually sage or sweet grass, to produce smoke and spreading that smoke wherever the individual feels energy needs cleansing. Smudging can also subtly remove ghosts from a particular area, as some believe the scent of herbs is disliked by spirits. Others believe it is simply the intent behind the smudging that ushers out negative energies and undesired spirits. Either way, the smoke created by smudging can produce miraculous results by leaving behind a trail of positive, renewed energy.
Firstly, a smudge stick must be obtained. A smudge stick is a bundle of dried herbs (usually sage or sweet grass) bonded together with thread or a strip of hide. To ensure the ashes are contained, a special container or shell can be used to set the smudge stick in. Another option is to place the loose herbs onto a dish. Placing coal beneath the herbs will ensure that the ritual will not be interrupted due to the herbs having to be constantly relit. It should be noted that smudging should not occur around individuals with respiratory issues and that smoke alarms may need to be turned off.
The smudge stick or loose herbs are then lit with a regular lighter. However, the flame is unimportant. It is the smoke that the flame creates that is significant. This means that the herbs should not be relighted unless the smoke has stopped. Before starting the process, some choose to say a small prayer to intensify the process. Others may say a prayer throughout smudging and some may just trust that the smoke will clear out anything necessary.
The process of smudging depends on what you want to smudge. You may smudge people to clear their energy and bring a sense of refreshment. Alternatively, smudging secondhand items can also be very helpful as it will clear old energy and renew the object. Perhaps most important, houses can be smudged to bring in positive energy and force out spirits.
Smudging yourself or others can be done by moving the lit bundle or dish of herbs so that the whole body is immersed in smoke. This is usually done by passing the bundle or dish from hand to hand around the body from top to bottom. More smoke can be pushed towards areas of the body that experience physical or emotional distress. Alternatively, if you want to smudge second hand items, simply move the lit bundle or dish so the whole item is touched by the smoke.
Smudging a house or room is a little more complicated and time consuming, but still rewarding. First, slightly open a window or door to provide an exit for the negative energy or spirits that will be ushered out by the smoke. Then, after lighting the herb, pick a room to smudge first. The order in which you smudge the rooms does not matter. Next, move the bundle or dish around the perimeter of each room, placing emphasis on each corner. Some people like to walk around the room counter-clockwise as they believe it will ‘undo’ any negative energy. However, you may also walk clockwise if you feel it is more appropriate. When smudging a house it is important to remember certain areas that may be overlooked. For example, energy can be hiding under furniture, in closets or in attics. In addition, it’s best to let your intuition guide you to what areas may need more smoke.
When you are done smudging, set the smudge stick or dish down. The smoke will soon stop. To close this ritual, some choose to say a thank you prayer. You may smudge again whenever you feel it is necessary. You can smudge on a regular schedule (ex. every month, season, etc.). Or, you can smudge when you are feeling depressed, moving into a new house or after a big change (divorce, death, illness, etc.).
Whether the effects of smudging come from the smoke itself, or if the smoke just acts as a placebo, a substance to merely calm someone, is not known. However, the technique of smudging is sacred and powerful for both people of the North American tradition and Westerners alike.