“Smudging” ceremonies usually involve the burning of fragrant sticks and the directing of smoke toward the person or object to be “smudged.” Although “smudging” in this country has its roots in Native American shamanism, the ritual of burning fragrant sticks could be “baptized” into a Christian use of incense for purposes of prayer and blessing. If done as a part of an authentically Christian spirituality, there is nothing wrong with it. If done as an expression of pagan spirituality, it should be avoided by Christians.
