Is It Disrespectful To Grow White Sage?

Not only is that ecologically problematic, but it’s also considered disrespectful; many California Indians hold that white sage is supposed to be a gift, not a commodity that’s bought and sold.

Is it disrespectful to use white sage?

Because of all that complicated history of sage burning, when non-Native people use white sage to “smudge” their homes or other spaces, it infringes upon the cultural importance and authenticity of the ritual and prayer — simply, it’s cultural appropriation.

Is it OK to grow white sage?

Outside of its native range, transplant White Sage in spring as weather warms. As it grows, White Sage develops a wide, spreading root system. So be careful when digging soil near it to fill in the landscape with annuals or other perennials. Salvia apiana is perennial within USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 8 to 11.

What is the problem with white sage?

The plant itself may not be endangered, but its habitat is threatened by encroaching development. In early August, intense wildfires destroyed miles of white sage habitat. Global warming impacts the plant in other ways, too, as rising sea levels erode its coastal habitat.

Is white sage sacred to Native Americans?

White Sage and other smudge products (burning sweet grass, palo santo, etc. in order to “clear negative energy”) has become increasingly popular among non-native people. However, the practice of smudging and these plants are considered sacred medicine to many Native American/Indigenous Nations.

How do you use white sage respectfully?

How to smudge your living space, an object, and more

1. Light the end of a sage bundle with a match.
2. The tips of the leaves should smolder slowly, releasing thick smoke.
3. Allow the incense to linger on the areas of your body or surroundings you’d like to focus on.
4. Allow the ash to collect in a ceramic bowl or shell.

Can non natives smudge?

As long as you’re respectful, we firmly believe that smudging and use of other sacred medicines is perfectly acceptable for those who do not come from Indigenous culture.

Why is white sage sacred?

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.

Can I grow white sage for smudging?

You can use a number of different herbs in smudging rituals, including common sage, lavender sage, cedar, pinon pine, juniper or rosemary. For many people, however, white sage is the only way to go. You can grow white sage from seedlings or cuttings, but it’s probably best for beginners to start from purchased plants.

What does white sage attract?

White sage attracts beneficial insects to your garden. Bees and butterflies will enjoy having the white sage there, as will other insects. White sage is also an anti-inflammatory and full of anti-oxidants, so many people like using it in tea recipes.

Is white sage illegal?

In some cases permits are given on public lands for commercial harvest of economically valued plants, but in the case of white sage no such permit exists. The only way this would be legal is if harvesting took place on private land with permission.

Is white sage invasive?

Description. White sage is one of the cornerstone species of coastal sage scrub habitat in Southern California and Baja California. Help native bees and birds by planting it in your yard instead of Echium candicans (Pride-of-Madeira), which reseeds itself and is invasive on the coast.

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.

What does sage symbolize?

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.

What to say when you sage your house?

Hello, my name is ___; I am moving into this space. I want to thank all of the land stewards and spirits of the land. I want to acknowledge the first people of the land. I want to state my intention of creating a home for myself here, living in reciprocity with the spirits that are present.

Is white sage good?

White Sage has been known for its medicinal properties since centuries. It offers excellent anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that promote health and prevents infections. It also acts as a stimulant and is sometimes used to treat digestive problems.

What direction do you sage a house?

Start at the front door of the home and light your smudge stick. Then, begin to move around the home. Move mindfully and with care, walking clockwise around the entire perimeter of the home. Be sure to allow the smoke to drift into even the hidden spaces, like inside closets, basements and dark corners.

Is smudging religious?

Smudging serves a variety of functions in different Indigenous cultures. As a ritual event, it is considered significant to spiritual and theological beliefs, as are sweat lodges and sacred pipes in certain cultures. (See also Religion and Spirituality of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.)

What can I use instead of white sage for cleansing?

Fortunately, there are many alternatives to white sage for all of your smudging needs.
Some popular herbs for smudging include the following:

• Cedar.
• Frankincense.
• Juniper.
• Lavender.
• Lemon Balm.
• Myrrh.
• Palo Santo.
• Sweetgrass.

Is it appropriate to burn sage?

Sage should never be harvested, plucked, burned or used in any way, shape or form if you’re “under the influence” — so no drinking or smoking and smudging. There’s also something to be said for sustainability, so it’s wise to burn a single leaf at a time, rather than light up the entire bundle.

What is the most spiritual plant?

Seven of the most sacred plants in the world

1. Lotus Flower. Jahnavi Harrison explains how the lotus is a plant that, for those educated in an eastern spiritual context, evokes layers of meaning and narrative.
2. Mistletoe.
3. Holy Basil (Ocimum Sanctum)
4. Peyote.
5. Yew Tree.
6. Marijuana.
7. Basil (Ocimum Basilicum)