Tobacco is one of the four sacred plants, representing the Eastern direction.   The Ojibwe people used tobacco on the regular basis to honor mother Earth. Tobacco was also used during offerings and prayers to the creator, acting as a medium for communications.  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 at the base of a tree, or on the water.  It is customary to do this every morning greeting each new day with prayers thankfulness.  Elders say to hold tobacco on your left hand, as that is the hand closest to your heart.It is always good to offer tobacco when seeking answers or knowledge from an elder to when a pipe is present.