DIY: Feather Smudge Wand

Turkey Feathers are often used as Smudge Feathers. Hand painted Eagle Feathers are also an option. Loose white sage can be burned in a smudge bowl or a large shell.

One of the traditional elements of the smudging ceremony is the smudging feather, which is used to waft the cleansing smoke around the body, around items that require cleansing, around a room, and so on.

1. Step One: Prepare a stick for your wand.
2. Step Two: String feathers with twine.
3. Step Three: Tie feathers to stick.
4. Step 4: Wrap with suede/leather cord.
5. Step 5: Snip the ends of the suede or attach them to the wand with Gorilla glue.

Turkey feathers were used to stabilize arrows and adorn ceremonial dress, and the spurs on the legs of wild tom turkeys were used as projectiles on arrowheads. Turkey skins can be tanned and used to make cowboy boots and belts. The costume that “Big Bird”wears on Sesame Street is rumored to be made of turkey feathers.

(Nancy H.) Answer: Yes, you may use turkey feathers from domestically raised turkey farms. Domestically raised turkeys are not wild birds, and therefore are not subject to the restrictions on the sale of wild bird parts found in FGC, section 3039.

Can I keep eagle feathers and eagle parts? No, it is illegal for any individual to keep a bald or golden eagle, including its parts (feathers, feet, egg shells etc.) without a federal permit. State, tribal, and other permits may be needed as well.

For some traditional Cherokee natives, the eagle feather is used for ceremonial, healing, and purification purposes to this day. The practice used for these purposes is called Eagle Medicine (the goal is to achieve a certain mind set through diligence, understanding, awareness, and personal visions).

It’s a symbol of acknowledgment, that someone or something in the spirit world is looking out for you, keeping you safe and empowering you to whatever path you set upon. If you see a feather, your angel is near and they are reminding you that, with them, you are safe.

The feathers that you purchase at a craft store are most often one of these types of birds listed above, and they’re perfectly legal to possess….Some of the more common are:

• Pheasants.
• Most Pigeons.
• Ruffed Grouse.
• Turkeys.
• Quail.
• Chickens.
• Bobwhite.
• Eurasian Collared-dove.