46 /In the Shadow of the Shaman

your face and head as though you were splashing yourself with water.
Holding the smudge pot, slowly lower it in front of your body, letting
the smoke rise. Next, hold the bowl behind you. Beginning at your
feet, raise the bowl to the base of your spine and let the smoke drift up
your back to clear your chakra or energy points.

T his is not as tricky as it sounds; you will improve with practice.lf you
are using a feather to fan the flames, be sure to pass the feather
through the smoke several times before you begin smudging your­
self. Smudge sticks are very useful for this, so long as you watch for
stray sparks.

Take the totem, or a representation of the totem if need be, and pass it
through the smoke several times.

Holding the totem, surround yourself and it with clear green light to
symbolize the heartfelt connection.

Next, cast golden light around to symbolize the active higher energies
you wish to bring to this relationship.

Beginning in the South, face each of the four directions. Go South­

West-North-East-and back to South. Complete the circle.

In the South, state your intention to kindle the fires of trust that will
bond your relationship to this totem. May you bond in true faith, et
cetera. (Add your own sentiments to strengthen this ceremony.)

In the West, state your intention to let love flow between you and the
totem, which will nourish your inner needs.

In the North, state your intention to let love be felt in your heart with
this totem, and to let wisdom guide your purpose together.

In the East, state your intention to let the winds of illumination and
creativity blow freely between you so that you may grow together.

Return to face the South and hold the totem up. To Spirit, state your
intention to let the highest good be served by your relationship to
this totem.

Touch the totem to the ground or floor. To Mother Earth, state your
intention to let healing energy flow through you and through this
totem.

Meditate for a while on your path and on the relationship you have to