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Native American Smudging Fans

By Craig Chambers

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 20Jun2011 Word count: 432 Viewed: 274 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

A Native American spiritual healing ceremony would be complete without the use of a smudging fan. The shaman will use the fan to direct the healing smoke towards the one whom is suffering. Inhaling the smoke and allowing it to touch every part of the body is thought to assist in the return to health. Native American smudging fans consist of either a bundle of feathers or an entire wing attached to a handle. These smudging fans, in the hands of the healer, guide the smoke to the person needing it and add to the solemnity of the ceremony.

Native American smudging fans have a long history in the culture and life of the native tribes. The smudging fan is used to guide healing smoke to the damage in a person's aura or spirit. The ceremony is accompanied by prayer to beseech the spirit world to restore the patient. Often, several types of herbs are used to create the smoke. Sage is often the first herb burned to get rid of any evil spirits. Once the Native American smudging fan has circulated the sage smoke properly, a purifying fire of cedar will be lit. The fresh, pungent cedar smoke, propelled by the smudging fan, refreshes and cleanses. In order to ensure that beneficial spirits follow, sweet grass is lit. As the sweet grass smoke is spread by the smudging fan, good thoughts and influences will follow.

It is no mistake that feathers are chosen to make Native American smudging fans. Birds have been seen by many cultures as a link between the earth and the spirit world. Native Americans understand this connection and incorporate the feathers of different birds into their smudging fans. Today, it is possible to buy Indian smudging fans for personal use or for a collection. They are highly decorative objects and are created by true Native American artists. Most often made of turkey feathers, sometimes imitation eagle feathers are used, too. The handle is generally made of wood or a section of antler. Beads, leather, fur, and other significant items are used for further decoration.

Native American smudging fans can either be used in your own healing and cleansing ceremonies, or can be a part of a collection. They make wonderful decorative accents on the wall of the country or western style home. The interesting shape and texture of the Native American smudging fan also adds to the ambiance of the setting. These fans might be especially effective, decor wise, when added as a part of a collection of mixed Native American objects.

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