What is Sage and What is Saging/Smudging?

What is sage?

Sage is an evergreen shrub part of the mint family. It has oval, dusty gray-green leaves with woody stems. Because of the fine, velveteen hair-like projections on sage leaves, they have a slightly fuzzy or fluffy appearance and cottony texture, which can make it unpleasant to eat raw. There are many varieties of sage, but the species used for culinary purposes is known as common sage, garden sage, kitchen sage, or Salvia officinalis.

What is sage in terms of smudging?

Sage smudging is a practice to clear negative energy.

Where did the practice originate from?

The practice of burning fragrant herbs and resins has been around a very long time. Incense burners have been found that date back to Egypt's 5th dynasty - that's from the 25th and 24th centuries BC - 4500 years ago.

This practice that originated in antiquity, has since been practiced by many cultures. The Celts had a practice of "saining" that involved sprinkling water from a river or a stream, combined with burning juniper to bless and protect, or consecrate a home or person. 3 Palo Santo wood is still used by Amazonian tribes for healing and in shamanic rituals. The tree is in the same family, Burseraceae, as the Boswellia sacra, that is the source of frankincense.4 Catholics are familiar with the scents of burning frankincense and myrrh in church, a practice that dates back to the Old Testament (Exodus 30:1-10).

What are some good things to know about sage and saging?

Sage is not the only herb used in smudging ceremonies; cedar, tobacco, yarrow and sweetgrass are used as well. The practice is often done to mark the beginning of ceremonies. The clouds of smoke are used to bathe away negative energies and to purify spaces, and people. The herbs, or "medicine" are placed in a shell or fireproof container and lit. A feather or a fan is used to waft the smoke into the air.

What are some things to be aware of when practicing this tradition?

That it is not yours to practice. If you are going to smudge, it's important to respect the traditions of the Native American people. It was not until 1978 that the American Indian Religious Freedom Act was passed. Prior to that, many Native American ceremonies, including smudging, were illegal in some places and it was only through the courage of people practicing in secret, that these traditions were retained and passed down to current generations.

Being in the know and being mindful:

The Chumash tribe of California is concerned about over harvesting of white sage.6 Some suggest growing your own sage. The USDA says, "This species is readily available from native plant nurseries throughout its range.

There are also many varieties of smudge or smoke cleansing bundles. You may choose to use one that has a resonance with your own cultural background. In whatever way you practice, be sure to remember that it is a sacred ceremony and to honor its history while you sanctify your space.

**Check out our other blog about saging and cleansing tools and techniques**