Cedar
Coastal Salish origin:
“There was a real good man who was always helping others. Whenever they needed, he gave; when they wanted, he gave them food and clothing. When the Great Spirit saw this, he said, ‘That man has done his work; when he dies and where he is buried, a cedar tree will grow and be useful to the people – the roots for baskets, the bark for clothing, the wood for shelter.’” Bertha Peters to Wally Henry
Cedar - symbolizes protection - it was used to build our houses, used for our tools and implements, it was used for our clothing and hats... It was even used for our transportation! (canoes).
Cedar Brushing: The branches help brush off negativity. They are hung in doorways, used on special occasions, and if you are feeling bad, you can go for a walk and let the cedar branches gently brush away negativity. In a cedar brushing ceremony in Vancouver two years ago, the mayor and council were brushed off to cleanse their spirits, and open their hearts to collaboration and cooperation. Cedar brushing can be healing, restorative, cleansing, and purifying. It helps us do our work intentionally. It is a great alternative when buildings do not allow smudging.
Harvesting and Using Cedar: The inner bark is gathered in a way that does not hurt the tree. The bark is used for clothing and baskets. The wood is used for canoes and split into perfect planks also the roots are used for cradles and baskets. We can utilize every part of the Cedar tree
Cedar can be used in a ceremony, burning to smudge and cleanse. It can be used in work when getting ready to travel to the spirit world.
It is of great importance how one harvests the Cedar. It must be done with reverence and respect making sure to take only enough, and to care for the tree, as has been done today to prepare this cedar and bring this teaching to you all.
Thank you to all my relations, friends, colleagues, youth, and elders who shared their teachings about cedar with us all today. – Jennifer Mervyn
Here are some teachings that given to me by elders in my surrounding community.
How to use Cedar with Clients:
Cedar branches can be gathered in the morning (best at break of dawn, however it is ok when you have the chance). Let the cedar tree know your intentions, such as "Thank you cedar for all your gifts; I humbly ask you for some of your branches so that I can use them in my office and help the people I work with in a safe and kind way. I promise to return the branches back to the water when I am finished.”
The reason why we say "in a kind and safe way" is similar to the "Secret" the power of intention. When we ask the universe, supernatural beings, and nature, it is important to ask in a safe and kind way because we believe what you ask for will be taken at face value. However, the person asking may not get the results they are asking for, such as "I wish I had more time to spend with my family" the result might end in losing their job, not the universe's fault, it did as asked. So we ask in a safe and kind way. You can add more, the more accurate, the better.
1. Place the Cedar Branch over your doorway, can be pinned with thumbtacks or you can find a creative way to place them above the doorway respectfully, the most important are the intentions.
a. By placing the branch above the doorway, this helps take away negative energy from your client and yourself.
b. When the branch starts to naturally dry, it is time to take the branch down and return it to the river or ocean. We return the branches because we believe that the cedar is now carrying the negative energy and feelings, by returning the branches the water will wash away and take care of energy and feelings in a safe and kind way. Returning the branches to the water a necessary step.
c. Now you can restart the process. By having the branch over the doorway, for your clients who know will feel respected and acknowledge the efforts you have made. Also, for clients who may not know, this is a great bonding opportunity.
2. You can let the client know that if they are feeling hard feelings, to go for a walk and ask the cedar for help and guidance in a kind and safe way.
a. As you go for a walk, find a cedar; ask permission if you can touch the cedar tree. If you have an offering of tobacco or a gift that can go back into the earth if greatly appreciated.
b. Lean with your back against the tree and let the cedar know the hardships, you can say it out loud or in your mind.
c. Stay as long as you want, when you are finished; thank the cedar for its gifts.