CEDAR SMUDGE STICKS

Cedar trees produce aromatic wood and needles rich in natural oils, making them excellent for incense and purification practices. Common species used for incense include: Cedrus atlantica (Atlas Cedar), Cedrus deodara (Himalayan Cedar), Juniperus virginiana (Eastern Red Cedar) and Thuja plicata (Western Red Cedar). 
 
Burning cedar incense releases a warm, woody, and slightly smoky aroma with hints of earthiness, spice, and fresh resin. Some varieties may have a balsamic or slightly sweet undertone. The scent is grounding, calming, and protective, often associated with forest-like freshness. 
 
Cedar is often burned to clear negative energy, similar to white sage or palo santo. When burned, Cedar acts as a purifier, cleansing the area in which it is burned and emitting a pleasant scent. The fragrance relaxes and harmonizes, while building inner confidence and self-acceptance. The grounding aroma enhances focus and inner peace making it a great incense to burn during meditation. Used in rituals to promote emotional and physical well-being. Research has shown that burning cedar incense activates ion channels inside the brain, which in turn alleviate any anxiety or depression.
 
Often referred to as arborvitae - ‘Tree of Life’ in Latin. Cedar has been used for healing, purification, and spiritual protection for thousands of years.  It is one of the four sacred medicines for the North American indigenous people, the other three being sweetgrass, sage, and tobacco. Many Native American tribes use cedar in smudging ceremonies, prayer rituals, and purification practices. The smoke is believed to carry prayers to the spirit world and protect against evil. Cedarwood was used in temple incense and embalming rituals due to its preservative and sacred qualities. Cedar is burned in Himalayas and in Buddhist monasteries for meditation, protection, and offerings to deities. In Japan and China Cedar is burned in temples and on altars where it represents longevity, wisdom, and connection to the divine.