Cleanliness Is next to Godliness - Smudging with Frankincense and Lenormand Cards

 There's a reason that it is said that cleanliness is next to Godliness. I agree with the idea that keeping our physical space clean is important to our well being. But equally as important is keeping our spiritual environment cleansed as well, especially for those of us involved in esoteric dealings.

There are so many different methods of doing this, but one in particular is smudging.  Smudging is burning something that is known to have the properties of positive vibrations and and using the smoke that is produced to that end. Since smoke can penetrate even the tiniest of crevices, it's a fantastic method of cleansing.

Though I am prone to pulmonary issues, I love smudging. I just have to crack the windows for ventilation. All you need is a fire-safe container or incense burner, self-lighting charcoal (which in and of itself is cleansing), a lighter, and your choice of item to burn. There are so many things that can be used, a few of which include:

• Sage
• Sweetgrass
• Frankincense
• Myrrh
• Dragon's blood
• Palo santo 
• Charcoal
• Copal
• Benzion

A number of benefits can be gained from smudging:

• Known to banish negativity
• Invites positive energy
• Improved sleep
• Mental clarity
• Improves mood
• Clear stagnant energy
• A multitude of physical health benefits (sage in particular) according to some studies

One of my personal favorite items to use is frankincense. I've read that the first recorded use of it dates back over 6,000 years. The word is derived from the French words "franc encese" which means noble/pure/high quality incense", and it has long since been associated with royalty and divinity.

Frankincese was one of the gifts brought to the baby Jesus by the 3 Wise Men and was a favorite fragrance of the Queen of Sheba. It could definitely be described as a rich, woodsy, spicy, even sultry kind of a scent. I think it is either something one definitively likes or does not like. It's either your groove or it's not due to it's distinct aroma, you know what I mean? It is definitely one of my favorite fragrances.

It also brings back very fond memories of attending midnight mass with my Mother and Grandmother. Though I realized long ago that the Catholic faith was not for me, I still get comfort from many things associated with the religion including the sense of ritual and pageantry of Midnight Mass. Every time I light it, it  evokes feelings of peace and healing. But the burning of incense is used in many other faiths including:

• Voodoo/Vodou
• Islam
• Buddhism
• Santeria/Lucumi
• Hiduism

I love that Rana George feels so strongly about the importance of smudging that she added it to her gorgeous Rana George Lenormand. Lenormand decks traditionally have a total of 36 cards. She added 4 additional cards to her deck and Incense Burner is #38. The artist she worked with, Callie French,  did such an amazing job of illustrating an authentic, vintage Arabian mabkhara (incense burner). The fragrant smoke trickles from within the exquisite container and forms plumes that permeate the air while an ancient talisman, the Evil Eye, watches over the scene, bringing its protective energy that also clears negativity. A powerful combination indeed.

When this card comes up in a reading, it is a warning to cleanse your space of nasty, unwanted or toxic energy. I think it's a beautiful addition to the Lenormand.

If you don't regularly do so, give smudging a try and see what improvements to your mood and attitude you notice. I think you will be pleased by the results. And do remember that just like house cleaning the physical home, it must be done with some regularity  to see the benefits and for optimal results.

*featured deck - Rana George Lenormand
** and though it should go without saying, always use caution when lighting things on fire