Native American Spiritual Rituals
American Indian Spiritual Healing With Traditional Plants and Herbs
Nov 15, 2008
American Indians perform various spiritual healing ceremonies and rituals to create connections to the spirit world. Numerous plants and herbs are used for the spiritual rituals including sage (Salvia spp., Artemisia spp.), bear berry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), red cedar (Juniperus virginiana), sweet grass (Hierochloe odorata) and tobacco (Nicotiania spp.). Other sacred plant mixtures used are cornmeal and pollen, and a Kinnikinnick.
The Use of a Kinnikinnick in American Indian Ceremonies
The ancient Algonquian Indian word of Kinnikinnick means a ceremonial or ritual botanical mix of various herbs and plants; the bear berry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) plant, in particular, may be used individually in this ceremonial offering or in a mix of other plants and herbs, sometimes a mix of as many as 30 different plant species. Each plant or herb used in the botanical mix is prepared and dried separately, before being blended together and placed in a leather pouch.
A Kinnikinnick is used in a number of different ways:
- it is used for smudging (the sacred practice of burning herbs)
- it is worn to keep substances away which may be harmful
- it is carried as an offering
- it is packed in bags and baskets with items used in ceremonies in order to keep them healthy.
Plants and Herbs Used in a Kinnikinnick
The following plants and herbs are an example of those used to make a Kinnikinnick:
- Bergamot (Monarda spp.) - all plant parts may be used
- Angelica (Angelica atropurpurea) – use of the leaves
- Canadian Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) – use of the needles
- Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)- use of the leaves and blossoms
- Indian Tobacco (Lobelia inflata) – use of the leaves
- Sage (Artemisia spp., Salvia spp.) - use of the leaves and bark
- Sunflower (Helianthus annuua) – use of the leaves
- Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare, Tanacetum huronese) – use of all plant parts
- Willow (Salix spp.) - use of bark and leaves
- Yarrow (Achillea spp.) - use of all plant parts
- Mountain Mints (Pycnanthemum spp.) - use of all plant parts
- Juniper (Juniperus spp.) - use of leaves, bark and berries.
The Native American Practice of Smudging
Smudging is a sacred American Indian practice which involves the burning of herbs for both purification and prayer; this is a practice which is carried out by most American Indians. The burning of the herbs releases many fragrant aromas from the oils released by the plants which enhances the experience.
Prayers are then offered within the smoke of the herbs. Smudging is a time of spiritual healing and may involve a gathering of people for the passing of the burning herbs from one to another in collective prayer to the Creator. Two common plants used in smudging are sweet grass and sage.
Herbs Used in American Indian Spiritual Ceremonies
Sweet grass is considered to be of great importance in Native American ceremonies; it is said to signify the hair of Mother Earth and is consequently braided to represent this. Sage is used in Native American ceremonies to purify and vanquish bad spirits and any form of trouble; it is used in contrast to sweet grass which is said to generate good energy and welcome good spirits.
In spiritual rituals, the smoke from the burning of sage and sweet grass, is said to take prayers and sadness up towards the spirits. Other herbs used for smudging, either individually or in blends, include bergamot (Monarda spp.), yarrow (Achillea spp.), mesquite (Prosopis spp.), bear berry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) and tobacco (Nicotiania spp.).
References:
Kavasch, E. Barrie, Baar, Karen 1999 American Indian Healing Arts USA: Bantam
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