Cedar: Strength-Endurance-Certainty. Cedar symbolizes wisdom and strength. Cedar is a sacred plant that has been burned by many Native American Indians for centuries in ceremonies of cleansing, clearing, and blessing. It is used during prayer and meditation to cleanse rooms and to clear crystals between therapy sessions, etc. Cedar is often used in the sweat lodge ceremony. A few pinches are thrown on the red-hot rocks, immediately sparking into a yellow glow and releasing their aroma. The smoke of burning cedar is said to attract the good spirits and eliminate negative energies.