White sage (Salvia apiana) is a perennial shrub native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, particularly California and Baja California. It has silvery-white leaves and a strong, aromatic scent, especially when burned or crushed.
White sage belongs to the mint family and has been used for centuries for medicinal, spiritual, and ceremonial purposes. It is considered sacred by many Indigenous peoples of North America.
Why Burn White Sage? (The Practice of Smudging)
Burning white sage is a ritual known as smudging, a form of spiritual cleansing and purification. When sage is burned, it releases fragrant smoke believed to help:
- Cleanse negative energy from people, objects, or spaces
- Promote clarity, focus, and peace of mind
- Enhance spiritual practices, such as meditation or prayer
- Clear stagnant air and provide a sense of renewal
Smudging is often performed before important events, during emotional distress, after illness, or when moving into a new space.
History and Cultural Significance
Smudging with white sage originates from the spiritual and healing traditions of Indigenous peoples in North America, such as the Lakota, Chumash, and other tribes. It is a sacred and ceremonial act, not simply a tool or product. Traditionally, white sage was gathered respectfully with offerings and prayers.
In recent years, smudging has been adopted in Western spiritual and wellness communities. However, this has raised issues of cultural appropriation—particularly when people use sage without understanding or honoring its sacred cultural roots.
Many Indigenous groups emphasize the importance of respect, education, and ethical sourcing when non-Native people use white sage.
How to Use White Sage (Smudging Ritual)
Here’s a basic guide to respectfully using white sage:
1. Prepare Intentionally
- Choose a quiet time when you can focus.
- Set an intention (e.g., to cleanse your space or invite peace).
- Open a window or door to let the energy (and smoke) flow out.
2. Light the Sage
- Use a bundle (smudge stick) or loose leaves.
- Light the end with a match or lighter until it catches fire.
- Blow it out so it smolders and produces smoke (not flame).
3. Waft the Smoke
- Use your hand or a feather to guide the smoke.
- Gently waft smoke around yourself (start from feet and move upward), or around the space.
- Focus on corners, doorways, and areas that feel heavy or blocked.
4. Speak or Think Your Intention
- You can say a prayer or simply focus on your intention quietly.
5. Extinguish Properly
- Gently press the bundle into a fireproof dish (like a shell, bowl, or ashtray) until it’s fully out.
- Never leave it burning unattended.
Important Notes
- Our White Sage is sustainably sourced.
- Honor its origins. If you’re not Indigenous, consider learning about and acknowledging the roots of this sacred practice.
- Alternatives exist. If you prefer not to use white sage, you can also use incense, palo santo (ethically sourced), sweetgrass, or herbal sprays.