Customer Reviews

Sacred Smoke: The Ancient Art of Smudging for Modern Times

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Recently, amazon.com delivered to my door a very wonderful book... Sacred Smoke by Harvest McCampbell is a primer and reference text regarding how to identify, collect, and even grow a wide range of sacred plants used for smudging. In her book, Harvest has succeeded in writing of sacred things without "crossing the line." She totally avoids being cloaked in shadowy mysticism and strives to communicate facts which can then be applied to one's own traditions and teachings.

I found this book to be valuable on two levels... As an "evening's read" I felt like Harvest was sitting next to me having a conversation about her grandmother and the wisdom she passed on regarding sacred plants. As a reference work, I found Sacred Smoke to be filled with well documented herbal facts and sources that are organized for easy reference.

One of the difficulties any author faces with works of this type is how to impart knowledge on paper that can really only be learned through experience. Harvest succeeds marvelously in this by introducing concepts, then directing the reader to other sources for further research - including the internet - all the while continually reminding us to seek out our own elders and find our own traditions.

In short, Harvest has crafted a book that should be of great interest both to beginning students and experienced herbalists.

It's been a long time since I've found a book I was so happy to have in my library for many years to come!

Voice of Golden Eagle
musician, dreamer...

I have long been interested in the use of plants by various cultures around the world, and it was this fascination that led me to Harvest McCampbell's wonderful book.
Sacred Smoke details the sacred practice of smudging, the ceremonial burning of aromatic herbs by many Native American tribes.

The book offers detailed information on eighteen plants: Balsam Fir, Bayberry, California Bay, cedar, Desert Sage, Epazote, Fennel, Hemlock, Juniper. Mint, Mullein, Mugwort, Pine, Spruce, Sweet Grass, Uva Ursi, Wild Tobacco and Yerba Santa. Information includes cultural uses, growing tips, a list of nurseries where plants may be obtained, and even an extensive listing of related web links. The information is detailed and very well organized.

However, it is the personal accounts by the author that makes this book so special. I particularly loved the section on suffering. She writes of embracing suffering instead of trying to rise above it: "The mosquito suffers in the dragonfly's jaws so that there will always be dragonflies. The dragonfly suffers in the little bird's beak so there will always be little birds. The little bird suffers in the hawk's talons so there will always be hawks. I suffer the bite of the mosquito, so there will always be dragonflies, little birds and hawks."

In short, this is a beautifully-written, insightful book that deserves a space on every nature lover's bookshelf.

All that you need to know about the art of smudging (purification with sacred plants and fire) is contained within the pages of this well-written, informative, and interesting book. One of the most highly respected and nationally known Native American herbalists today, Harvest began her training at the knee of her Native grandmother. She has been healing and educating others for over 20 years, and few herbalists today can claim the scope of knowledge that she possesses. Harvest wrote this greatly expanded second edition of her popular first self-published work from the seclusion of her home in a small northern California native community. As an herbalist and an educator, Harvest is unsurpassed in her knowledge and skills as well as her ability to relate to people of all ages and backgrounds. If you buy one book about herbs this summer, let it be Sacred Smoke.

Sacred Smoke: The Ancient Art Of Smudging For Modern Times by Harvest McCampbell (who began her studies of herbs, smudging, and ritual with her Iroquois Onondaga Oswegatchie grandmother) is an informative and informed, step-by-step, "user friendly" guide to the spiritual practice of burning herbs, as undertaken by Native Americans for generations. A deeply respectful accounting of this enlightening and meditative practice, Sacred Smoke is a unique and enthusiastically recommended contribution to Native Am-erican Studies reference collections and Metaphysical Studies reading lists.

I recommend Sacred Smoke for anyone who is interested in American Indian rituals, herbs, and smudging. This book gives a brief overview of which plants/herbs one can use to smudge, make tea and/or crafts, and use as a healing aid (i.e., poultice). This gives a great insight as to how each plant is used in Native Medicine. I'd keep a copy on hand to refer back to, and would purchase for a friend. Namaste!

This book is exactly what I was looking for. It was written by a Native American, who crosschecked her findings and writings with tribal elders to confirm authenticity. There are hand drawn pictures of herbs and Native American scenery. Perfect find, definitely recommended!

I have been more than pleased so far with all of my online purchases. Thanks for making it a great experience.

I am glad and happy for the writer,and glade she shaired her wisdom with us all who seek the ways of the Natives,and wisdom of herbs.

I support her work,as an empath and as human. Bless her and her people.