Your sage plant should have at least 2-4 sets of true leaves, but I actually prefer to start seeds in the spring for plants I plan to transplant in the fall, as it gives them more time to develop. To create sage bundles, be sure that your harvested sage leaves are completely dry to the touch. Take multiple stems of sage and group them together, tying a piece of cotton string around the stem ends to gather them together. Then, grasp the stem end with one hand, and carefully gather the leaves up against the stems with the leaf ends pointing towards the top of the bundle. Over-harvest of wild Californian white sage populations is a concern held by many Native American groups and conservationists. [5] Over-harvesting is negatively affecting the wild population and distribution of white sage. [5] It is believed that illegal harvest is occurring on public lands and non-permitted harvesting is also taking place on private land. In June 2018, four people were arrested for the illegal harvest of 400 pounds of white sage in North Etiwanda Preserve of Rancho Cucamonga, California. [6] Due to the potential for overharvesting and the plant's sacredness to certain Indigenous tribes, many Native Americans have asked non-Natives to refrain from the usage of white sage. To enjoy the scent as well as the benefits of this awesome incense, there are many varieties to choose from.

White Sage, Salvia apiana - Calscape White Sage, Salvia apiana - Calscape

Once white sage is established, it does extremely well in very dry conditions. It puts down deep taproots to search for its own water supply. Then move to the next corner, and waft smoke from the bottom to the top of the corner, and once you complete the final corner, move to the center of the room, raise the bowl to chest height, and waft smoke up towards the room center.If you are smudging a house, a wand of Sage might be best. If you are smudging a person, you may only need to use a leaf. Its properties make it ideal for use in cleansing and clearing ceremonies of people, places and objects, as well as for meditation or prayer. People wanting to build a closer spiritual connection may also benefit from burning or carrying the herb. With any sage — and especially drought-tolerant types —avoid creating soggy conditions. Let the ground dry out a bit between each watering.

to Growing and Respecting Sacred White Sage A Guide to Growing and Respecting Sacred White Sage

All our sages, white sage and Californian white sage is ethically sourced. It is extremely popular in sending prayers, for purification, cleansing rituals to dispel negative energies. It is also used in celebrations and as an offering to loved ones, ancestors and the great spirit. Juniper Ridge started as a company at a farmers market at Berkeley, California in 1998. And everything they make comes from the mountains or the deserts of western USA.They are obsessed with natural aromatics and also obsessed with the preservation of the wilderness. All of their aromatics and herbs come from the wild and are always sustainably and responsibly harvested. They donate 10% of their profits to defending western wildernesses. Sometimes I just set the wand outside until it's done with burning, and this blesses the neighborhood.

To this day, Southern California tribes still use Salvia apiana for smudging, a spiritual practice in which they burn fragrant leaves from the plant — singly or in bundles with other plant materials — to create sacred smoke during purification and healing ceremonies. Historically, Southern California native peoples also relied on it for basket-making material, food, and medicine. When smudging, light your sage and fan the sage with your feather as you move around a person or space. The smoke represents prayers going out in to the Universe. Speak your prayers or wants as you smudge. The medicine wheel is an important part of the smudging ritual. There are 4 points of the Medicine Wheel. North, South, East and West which stand for a Strong Spirit Animal Guardian- the White Buffalo, Coyote, Eagle and Grizzly Bear – all connected to the four elements- Earth, Water, Air and Fire. You can call on the energy of the 4 guardians when smudging, in these 4 patterns. Face or move around a person or surrounding from each direction, calling on the Spirit Animal and Element. DeerInWater points out that the overuse of California White Sage is partly due to people nationwide wrongly thinking that Salvia apiana is the only White Sage used in Native American spiritual traditions. One traditional smudging plant he suggests becoming acquainted with is, of course, Artemisia ludoviciana, which the Potawatomitribe grows in its garden. He emphasizes that “California sage cannot handle everybody’s spiritual needs.”

California White Sage Spray with Crystals 120ml Sacred Nest California White Sage Spray with Crystals 120ml

The smoke from the burning sage is said to cleanse a person or space of negative energy and unwanted spirits. If you are looking to protect yourself spiritually, consider burning this type of incense.West direction aligns with the Grizzly Bear which represents energetic, strong, powerful, determined- cleanses and the Fire element. The terpenoids and essential oils found in white sage likely deter herbivory. [2] Uses [ edit ] Salvia apiana dried flower - MHNT Some Roman Catholic Churches attended by Native Americans regularly use smudging in religious services according to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Ad Hoc Committee on Native American Catholics. The Conference’s report, Native American Catholics at Millennium, was published in 2000 and can be accessed here.