Sweetgrass

I mentioned sweetgrass yesterday as one of the four medicines, so this is a good time to expand on that. During ceremonies, sage is smudged first to cleanse and clear negativity; sweetgrass is smudged to bring positivity. Some say the three braids represent peace, love, and harmony. Dr. Kimmerer related that when we braid sweetgrass, we are braiding Mother Earth’s hair, and we can feel Her love for us, and show our love for Her, much as when a mother braids her child’s hair.

 Here is another version:

 SWEETGRASS
We  burn sweetgrass, a kindness medicine with a sweet gentle aroma when we light it.
21 strands to make a braid

 The first 7 strands represent those 7 generations behind us:
Our parents
Our grandparents
7 generations behind us, who we are and what we are is because of them. They've brushed and made the trails we have been walking up until now; the trails have been destroyed.
The time has come to heal and connect with our ancestors. They paid a tremendous price for us to be able to speak out against injustices.

 The next 7 represent the 7 Grandfather teachings of wisdom, love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility, truth.

 Wisdom: to cherish knowledge is to know wisdom.  Wisdom is given by Creator to be used for the good of the people.  The word also means prudence or intelligence.

 Love: to know peace is to know love. Love must be unconditional.  When people are weak they need love the most.  This form of love is mutual.

 Respect: to honor all Creation is to have respect. You must give respect if you expect to be respected.

 Bravery: bravery is to face the foe with integrity.  The translation from the native word is literally “state of having a fearless heart.” To do what is right even when the consequences are unpleasant.

 Honesty: honesty in facing a situation is to be brave. Always be honest in word and action. Be honest first with yourself, and you will more easily be able to be honest with others.

Humility: humility is to know yourself as a sacred part of  Creation. This word can also mean compassion, calmness, and patience. You are equal to others, but not better.

Truth: truth is to know all of these things. Speak the truth. Do not deceive yourself or others.


The last 7 strands are those of the 7 generations in front of us.
Our children
Our grandchildren, as well as those children yet to be born
It is important because everything we do to Mother Earth  will one day effect them. We have lost our way; everything we do to Mother Earth gives us everything we need to heal ourselves and the earth. We must go back to our roots and bloom.
"We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children"

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