For many of these cultures, white sage went by the name “Sacred Sage.” It was used to get rid of any unwanted persisting energies, to ask the spirits for blessings, prosperity, protection and more. In many native cultures, plants are more than living things, they have a soul, a spirit, and sage was no different.
What does white sage symbolize?
White sage is burned for meditation, smudging and cleansing of spirit and dwelling. In some beliefs, white sage smoke is believed to provide a barrier that prevents negative spirits from entering the room in which the ceremony is being held.
What does sage represent spiritually?
In Celtic lore, sage represented wisdom and immortality. Sage became a popular symbol of wisdom, believed to improve memory and grant wisdom. The very word sage means a wise man. There was also a superstition that sage thrived when all was going well, but would start to wilt when things were going badly.
Who should use white sage?
It’s also a sacred herb to several Indigenous communities, including the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Navajo. The Chumash people, for instance, who are native to central and southern coastal regions of California, use white sage in healing sessions to purify the central nervous system.
What was white sage originally used for?
The Native Americans used White Sage as a flavoring in their food and as a medicinal plant, they also used it to make “smudge sticks,” a kind of incense. Sage leaves were bundled together, then burned – the idea being that the resulting smoke drove away evil spirits and purified anyone who was present.
What type of sage is best for cleansing?
White sage is probably the most common and popular herb for smudging. It is associated with purity and has a strong and heavy presence. It’s very useful when you need a major space cleansing.
Why do you burn sage in your house?
The ritual of sage burning has its roots in Native American tradition. Today, people burn sage and other holy herbs to cleanse a space or environment of negative energy, to generate wisdom and clarity, and to promote healing.
Is burning white sage good?
Tradition suggests that burning sage can literally lift one’s spirits to banish negativity. Some research supports this. A 2014 study documented white prairie sage (also known as estafiate) as an important traditional remedy for treating anxiety, depression, and mood disorders in certain cultures.
What does saging a house do?
Burning dried white sage, or saging, originated with Native Americans, who used it as many do today: To cleanse of purify a space, according to an article by Rosalyn La Pier, a professor at the University of Montana.
How do you cleanse your house with sage?
Light it up with care
Hold the sage at a 45-degree angle, light the sage, let it burn for about 20 seconds and then gently blow out the flame so that you see orange embers on one end. Then you can start the process of clearing your space. Clients sometimes complain that they can’t get their sage to stay lit.
Can non natives use white sage?
If you’re not a member of an Indigenous community, purchasing white sage, Palo Santo, or other sacred herbs and quickly Googling “how to smudge” will not make you qualified to do so. This is cultural appropriation, and it’s harmful to Native communities.
What religion uses sage?
While sage is commonly associated with smudging and several Native American, First Nations, Inuit or Métis cultures may use forms of sage that are local to their region, the use of sage is neither universal, nor as widespread as many believe.
Why do people poach white sage?
The Indigenous people of northern Baja and Southern California have long harvested white sage for many purposes, from shampoos and medicinal treatments — sage is believed to have antifungal and antibacterial properties — to calming teas, said Rose Ramirez, co-author with Deborah Small of the “Ethnobotany Project:
What tribes use white sage?
The Cheyenne use the white sage in their Sun Dance and Standing Against Thunder ceremonies (Hart 1976). Other tribes who used white sage include the Arapaho, Comanche, Gros Ventre, Creek, Navaho, Tewa, and Ute (Nickerson 1966, Carlson and Jones 1939, Hart 1976, Thwaites 1905, Denig 1855, Elmore 1944, Robbins et al.
Is white sage rare?
White sage is abundant in its local habitat as a keystone species of its plant community, but that habitat is under threat due to development and it is fragile, apparent by the many endangered and threatened species that rely on its habitat.
What is the difference between sage and white sage?
The key distinction is in how the two species are used. While common sage is often used in cooking, white sage is more commonly used in incense rituals and as a fragrant plant. This is because white sage exudes a much more intense, tart and resinous scent. Another distinguishing feature is the leaves.
Which direction do you smudge?
When you reach a window or door, waft the smoke into all four corners, beginning at the bottom left and moving in a clockwise direction. Open cabinets and closets and waft inside. The last room you smudge should be the one with the front door.
What is the difference between burning white sage and blue sage?
For example, blue sage is often used in cleansing and healing rituals, while desert sage is used more for purifying and protection. White Sage is used for releasing what is troubling the mind and for removing negative energy.
Can you smudge at night?
Smudging can be done at any time of day or night, whenever it is needed.
What does burning sage do to dogs?
However, if you are doing it for the scent, the smoke can rise to toxic levels. This can irritate your dog’s lungs. If he has a pre-existing respiratory illness such as bronchitis and asthma, the smoke may irritate his system.
What do you use sage for?
Sage is often found in many holiday dishes and is commonly used to season poultry or sausage, infuse butter, or to add flavor to root vegetables like sweet potatoes or parsnips.