I thought I'd write a short post on the Medicine Bundle. What it is and what items go into it.
A Medicine Bundle is a bundle of personal Medicine, usually wrapped in white cloth.
Items which typically go into a Medicine Bundle are:
Medicine from the Earth, herbs, flowers, wood etc.
Medicine from the stone people, crystals, coal, amber etc.
Medicine from the four legged, animal fur, bone, feathers etc.
Something man made, jewelry, photographs, etc.
An example of a man made item for a Medicine Bundle, I personally keep a couple books in mine, a large tote bag.
Opening the bundle:
When a Medicine Bundle is opened a smudging ceremony is performed. When one is using Medicine from a bundle for a healing, a smudging ceremony is practiced every time. When new Medicine is put into a bundle , a smudging ceremony is typically performed.
More Eastern tribes referred to this as a Medicine Bundle. I do not exactly have the information on which Eastern tribes, and certainly not all of them had this.
Some Western tribes referred to this as a Medicine bag, and for this they used bags.
The smudging of the bag whenever it is opened is from what I believe Cherokee Tradition.
It is referred to in my post as a bundle, as in my lineage there is an Eastern tribe.
The whole of the post is rather eclectic. This is how I have learned to use my bag.
I choose to make use of a bag as opposed to a bundle. I feel for myself a bundle would be much upkeep.
I choose to smudge my bag in a ceremony upon opening.
Though as far as I've read I'm not certain if this was or is ever practiced within Eastern traditions. I choose to do this as I feel it is appropriate to do so, as the Medicine container is a sacred thing.
As far as my past lineage goes, the tribe of my mother's great grandmother, was that of Miqmac.
As far as I have been able to find this tribe did not to my knowledge use a bundle or bag. I've looked. I've not been able to find anything.
Despite this I choose to use one.
The item list in my post is an example of items which could be held in a Medicine Bundle.
They are not to be adhered to in stone. It is an individual's choice what goes into their personal bundle.
There are traditions also, which aquire their Medicine by way of a quest.
Sounds like a really great way to personalize a practice. I'm glad it works well for you.
It might be good in the future to make it clear that you are talking about an eclectic practice based loosely on some actual Native American practices. As I'm sure you know, many of our indigenous peoples take a scant look at people appropriating their practices or changing things they consider sacred. Don't want to step on anyone's toes here.
