Cedar brushing

Cedar brushing, is a traditional Indigenous practice often used for spiritual cleansing and healing. It involves using cedar branches to "brush" away negative energy, offer protection, and bring about healing. The cedar tree is considered sacred in many Indigenous cultures, especially among Coastal First Nations of the Pacific Northwest, such as the Coast Salish people.

1. Spiritual Cleansing: The practice is often done to cleanse a person, space, or object of negative energy or bad spirits.
2. Healing Ceremonies: It can be part of healing ceremonies to help individuals recover emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
3. Preparation for Important Events: Cedar brushing is sometimes used before important events or gatherings to purify the participants and bring them into a balanced and focused state.
4. Cultural Significance: Cedar is considered a life-giving tree, often referred to as the “Tree of Life,” and is used in many other traditional practices, including building canoes, houses, and making regalia.
5. Community Involvement: In some cases, elders or knowledge keepers lead the cedar brushing ceremony, and the practice can be done for individuals or entire groups.

For more resources: Cedar (ubc.ca); Home - Cedar Brush;FNHA-Cultural-Safety-and-Humility-Key-Drivers-and-Ideas-for-Change.pdf

I tried my first cedar brushing yesterday and feel very energy lifting and refreshing.