Cedar Bundles

Calocedrus sp.

Cedar has long been used by Native Americans for ceremonial and medicinal uses. It is most often burned as incense and the smoke is said to attract good spirits and eliminate negative energies. It is frequently used in the sweat lodge ceremony where a few pinches of cedar needles are thrown on the red-hot rocks, immediately sparking into a yellow glow and releasing their aroma. The Plains Apache would burn cedar to repel ghosts, believing that ghosts disliked the smell and would not come near. Among the Pawnee, it is said that cedar smoke was used as a remedy for nervousness and bad dreams. Cedar was also believed to have protective properties and it is said that cedar boughs were placed on tipi poles to ward off lightning.

Our cedar is wildcrafted in California. The large bundles are about 9 inches long and 1½ inches wide.