(Through my adventure of trying to share some information on my culture with everyone, I would like you to keep in mind that teachings from the Native American culture differ between each Native American Indian tribe. While some tribes seem to follow mostly the same ideas, others have a totally different view. Anishinaabe means Native American Indian in the Ojibwe language. I am not an expert on the anishinaabe culture and can only offer a few tidbits here and there as I have learned them. If you would like to know more you must speak with and elder and listen to their stories of old.)
Tobacco is the first plant the Creator gave to the Anishinaabe people. It is the main medicine of all the plant spirits. The three other plants are sage, cedar and sweetgrass and together they are referred to as the four sacred medicines.
These medicines are used in every day life and in ceremonies. Although they are commonly used to smudge with, there are other uses for sage, cedar and sweetgrass.
In anishinaabe culture, there are the four doors to the North, Easth, South and West. Each has it's own meaning and will be discussed more in another article. It is said that the tobacco sits on the esatern door, sweetgrass in the southern door, sage in the west and cedar sits to the north.
Elders say that the spirits like the aroma produced when we burn tobacco and other sacred medicines.
Tobacco (Semma)
Traditional anishinaabe say that the tobacco is always first. it is used as an offering for everything and in every ceremony. Tobacco was given to us so that we can communicate with the spirit world and opens the door for communication. When we offer this medicine, we communicate our thoughs and feelings through it as we pray for ourselves, family and others.
It is said that tobacoo is the activator of all the plant spirits. When it is used, all things begin to happen. Tobacco is always offered before picking other medicines. When you offer the tobacco and explain why you are there, that plant will let other plants in the are know why you are coming to pick them.
When seeking the advice of an elder, healer or medicine person, you are to give an offering of tobacco, as they know the medicine is sacred. It is also put down as an offering of thanks to the first family and the natural world after a fast. There are some anishinaabe that still put tobacco down each day as the sun comes up. It is said to hold the tobacco in your left hand as that is closest to your heart.
Sage (Mshkodewashk)
Sage is used to prepare people for ceremonies and teachings. This medicine is considered more medicinal and stronger then sweetgrass and tends to be used more in ceremonies.
Sage is used for releasing what is troubling the mind and for removing negative energy. It is also used for cleansing homes and sacred items and many other medicinal uses. There is a male and female sage which is to be used according to whether you are male or female.
Cedar (Giizhik)
Like sage and sweetgrass, cedar is used to purify the home and has many restorative medicinal uses. Cedar baths are healing.
You may have noticed that when you put cedar in a fire that it crackles. When it does this, it is calling the attention of the spirits to which the offering is made.
Cedar is used in fasting and sweat lodges as a form of protection.
Sweetgrass (Wiingashk)
Sweetgrass is the sacred hair of Mother Earth. Its sweet aroma reminds people of the gentleness, love and kindness she has for the people. When it is used in a healing circle it has a calming effect. This medicine is used for smudging and purification.
Taking care of these medicines.
They should be stored in a dry place, in a paper back or wooden boxes. Healers say that if you have been using alcohol or drugs, that you should wait four to seven days before touching the medicines as your negative energy is bad for the medicines.
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Comments: 14
A Shaman combined two cultures to give the lodge near us a drum call for gathering;
Lap-i-Lan-i-Lap-i-Lan-i Del - a - ware (repeat three times, then end with a firm Del - A - Ware)
This is the original name of the Delaware Indian Tribe and the Anglisized name.
There is a whole ceremony about using a drum, more than just beating on it.
It is sad that we, as a 'modern' society have lost so much of the ancient wisdom and it is so vital that people, like yourself, who retain some of the knowledge encourage all of us to learn. Thank you.