Sweetgrass Braid

Sweetgrass (Hierochloe odorata) is one of the most sacred plants of the First Nations people. It is usually braided, dried and burned; and used in the beginning of prayers, rituals, smudging and other ceremonies to attract positive energy, purify a space, bring in good influence, and align in harmony with the earth and with oneself. It is often used after burning sage bundles to remove negativity.

Three stranded braids of the sweetgrass represent mind, body and spirit. In essence, Sweetgrass is a melding or braiding of these qualities together. Sweetgrass is often referred too as “the hair of Gaia, our Mother Earth”.

The purifying smoke cleanses an area, brings in positive thoughts and healthy and higher vibrational energies. It is also known to be carried in medicine and pipe bundles to protect sacred objects.

Just as the sweet scent of this natural grass is pleasing, smelling a bit like warm vanilla; sweetgrass is sometimes called vanilla grass, Seneca Grass, Holy Grass, and Vanilla Grass.

When used in combination with sage smudge sticks; sweetgrass can help turn a negative atmosphere in to a positive environment.

Directions: Sweetgrass is usually burned by shaving little bits over hot coals or by lighting the end of the braided dried grass, let it burn for about 10 seconds, then blow the flame out. Hold a large clamshell, or bowl under the grass to catch the embers. The grass should smolder and give off smoke. It is this smoke which is used for cleansing and purifying a sacred space, a person, home, or new environment.

Begin smudging in the north corner of a space and pass the smudge stick over the top and bottom of the corner. Pass it around any doors or windows, under chairs and furniture frequently used. Moving clockwise, continue smudging an entire space and repeat the action until completed.

One may visualize light filling a space, or one may repeat words in prayer as smudging, such as “light and contentment fill this space”; intend that positive energies filling the space. Then lay the sweetgrass in the bowl and allow it to burn out on its own.

To smudge oneself begin by washing, cleansing your hands in the smoke, then the heart to purify of negative energy, your mouth to insure you speak only with respect and your hair which protects your spirit, then smudge from the head down to ones feet.

Repeat as needed, cleanse ones home or environment monthly, or after any negative or traumatic emotional experiences.