The right smoke

By Gerry Laughton, Leader Djidi djidi network

The human application

The right smoke is transparent and light in colour, lacking a strong smell of burnt matter.

The right smoke can be enhanced with special plants with medicinal properties to soothe the mental state and heal the body.

The Old people used right smoke combined with ceremonial chanting song and sometimes dance to cleanse the body.

Over many thousands of years, the Old people’s understanding of how to utilise oils and fragrant plant species for particular purposes were developed through different mediums such as smoke being a carrier.

The right smoke doesn’t leave a long-lasting smell, only the hint of the fragrant plant species used.

The right smoke is also used to ward out unwanted spirits and take the receiver on a spiritual journey of enlightenment. The smoking may also pass messages onto the receiver through a dream state of mind. Sometimes messages of good, a warning and or messages of bad things to come. All these things are subjected to the receiver’s interpretation.

The right smoke can assist in making sense of things that need answers beyond the direct verbal interpretation.

The right smoke is used by those who have been given the responsibility by their elders, either through the passage of rite or through being chosen due to earning the right of passage.

It isn’t given to just anyone!

Sometimes a choice is made by the Old people, which isn’t questioned, but can be quite evident when applied in the wrong manner. (Some people tend to give themselves the self-claimed right.)

Traditional fire and right smoke

Right smoke comes from low-intensity, carefully managed fire.

Fire is chosen according to Country, season, weather and cultural purpose.

Right smoke is generally lighter and associated with patchy burning. It supports food, medicine, fibre and other culturally important resources.

Smoke is one visible part of a broader process of healing Country.

Vegetation renewal and stimulation

Smoke can be part of healthy Country when it comes from the right fire, at the right time, in the right place, for the right purpose.

In Australia some native species of plants require smoke to stimulate a process of growth. Some require heat and some require flame.

The right smoke doesn’t come from a raging bushfire that is quite hot and out of control. It comes from a cooler burn that doesn’t kill the seed bank on its journey.

The right smoke can be used in a controlled environment by application through unnatural methods. One being the use of smoke carrier applicators designed specifically to enhance plant growth within a controlled setting. Perhaps a closed plant enclosure, glass house or similar.

It would be misleading to say, “right smoke doesn’t harm people.” All smoke contains pollutants and can affect air quality.

The use of Cigarettes and its intentional use have been medically proven to harm the body. Some may argue that it is ‘good smoke’ A smoker may?

The right smoke is a consequence of caring for Country with the right fire. The wrong smoke can be a consequence of fire that is too hot, too extensive, too frequent, poorly timed or uncontrolled.