SEMAA (Tobacco) Semaa, or tobacco, is one of the four sacred plants, representing the Eastern Direction. Anishinaabeg use a form of tobacco known as kinikinik, or a red willow mix. Some still prefer to use the kinikinik, but many use store-bought tobacco. Semaa is used in the offering of prayer to the Creator, acting as a medium for communication. It is either offered to the fire, so the smoke can lift the prayers to the Creator, or it is set on the ground in a nice, clean place. This is done on a daily basis as each new day is greeted with prayers of thankfulness. The Elders say to hold it in your prayers of thankfulness. They also add that you are to hold it in your left hand as this is the hand closest to your heart. It is always good to offer Semaa when seeking knowledge or advice from an Elder or when a Pipe is present. Giizhik (Cedar) Giizhik, or cedar, represents the Southern direction. The leaves are cleaned from the stems and separated into small pieces, which are used in many way. When burned, Giizhik acts as a purifier, cleansing the area in which it is burned and emitting a pleasant scent. Elders say to put some in your shoes and only goodness will come your way. MSHKODEWASHK (Sage) Mshkodewashk, also known as sage, is used in much the same ways as Giizhik (cedar). it is burned as a purifier, but when compared to the "piney" scent of cedar, sage has a spice air. Mshkodewashk represents the Western direction. WIINGASHK (Sweetgrass) Wiingashk, the sweetgrass, is known for its beautifully sweet, aromatic scent, which is enhanced by the rain or when it is burned. This, too, is a purifier. Many things are made with Wiingashk such as coiled baskets. It is often braided and thus signified the hair of Aki (the Earth, our mother). Each of the three sections that go into the braid have a specific meaning --mind, body and spirit.  Wiingashk represents the Northern direction. Anishinaabe people live life in a very sacred manner. When taking something from the Earth, they always explain to the spirit of the plant why it is being done and offer some tobacco in return for the generosity and help of the plant which shared itself so freely.

~Niiwin Gchitwaa-mshkikiin~ ~ The Four Sacred Medicines ~

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