In fact, before smudging was popularized, it was illegal at least, for Indigenous folks and often violently suppressed. Today, Native people are still fighting to be able to perform these ceremonies in hospitals. When it comes to blue sage, there is an argument that non-indigenous people are appropriating the plant by taking it out of its traditional context and using it for their own purposes. It represents a continuing legacy of marginalizing and punishing Native spirituality, says Keene. It is important to consider the impact that the appropriation of blue sage has had on indigenous communities. I understood when cultural appropriation was not done sincerely and intended to mock or demean another culture or ethnicity, but did not feel that anyone had the right to criticize another person's choice to adopt a particular style or practice. Exclude from home page BNG staff 'No Celebrities Except Jesus': How Asbury Protected the Revival. Curated. While it is not wrong to use elements of another culture, it is important to do so in a respectful way. If burning incense, herbs, or wood is part of your self-love practice and inner wellness work, there are safe-burning alternatives to burning sage for smoke cleansing, including lavender, pine, thyme, and cloves, each of which has its own unique properties and is not environmentally endangered. For many contemporary Pagans, Native American spirituality was a practice they wanted to emulate because of its connection to the land, to a spirit world, and because it predates Christianity and is native to the region. Seriously??? They argue that the appropriation of blue sage has led to an increase in the commercialization of the plant, a decrease in access for indigenous people, and a loss of cultural identity. When purification includes the use of sage, it raises the issue of appropriation, as it has traditionally been used by Native Americans in their rituals. In some of the rituals participants were already standing in the circle when this part of the ritual was done; in others they entered afterward. Contemporary Paganism is a set of religions that base their practice on what is known about pre-Christian religions in Europe, mixed with literature, science fiction and personal inspiration. The use of sage was not the only cultural artifact that these Native American spokespeople objected to being used by nonnatives. .ehsOqYO6dxn_Pf9Dzwu37{margin-top:0;overflow:visible}._2pFdCpgBihIaYh9DSMWBIu{height:24px}._2pFdCpgBihIaYh9DSMWBIu.uMPgOFYlCc5uvpa2Lbteu{border-radius:2px}._2pFdCpgBihIaYh9DSMWBIu.uMPgOFYlCc5uvpa2Lbteu:focus,._2pFdCpgBihIaYh9DSMWBIu.uMPgOFYlCc5uvpa2Lbteu:hover{background-color:var(--newRedditTheme-navIconFaded10);outline:none}._38GxRFSqSC-Z2VLi5Xzkjy{color:var(--newCommunityTheme-actionIcon)}._2DO72U0b_6CUw3msKGrnnT{border-top:none;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-metaText);cursor:pointer;padding:8px 16px 8px 8px;text-transform:none}._2DO72U0b_6CUw3msKGrnnT:hover{background-color:#0079d3;border:none;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-body);fill:var(--newCommunityTheme-body)} Empowering Lives with Nutritious and Delicious NDIS Meals! It was used because it was associated with Native American practice. Sometimes white sage was used for purification in a ritual. Purification can be done using a number of substances, including salt, rosemary and sometimes white sage. Cultural appropriation takes place when members of a majority group adopt cultural elements of a minority group in an exploitative, disrespectful, or stereotypical way. Sage, sacred to Native Americans, is being used in purification rituals, raising issues of cultural appropriation. For many contemporary Pagans, Native American spirituality was a practice they wanted to emulate because of its connection to the land, to a spirit world, and because it predates Christianity and is native to the region. Smudging refers to a specific cultural and spiritual practice, but smoke cleansing offers an alternative to smudging for folks who aren't Indigenous. Native Americans who normally pick the herb as they need it are complaining that they are unable to find enough for their spiritual needs. I hope that brings a little more insight! and challenging what they describe as wanton cultural appropriation by non-Natives eager for a quick fix to the "dis-ease" associated . By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. Palo Santo has been added to the International Union for Conservation of Natures (IUCN) list, because though the tree is not yet nearing extinction, its recent overharvesting can put it on that path. 1 As contemporary Pagans often piece together different elements to create their spirituality, for many it seemed natural to include Native American practices. As Pike notes, in the early 1990s Native Americans from several tribes began to express their rage at what they saw as cultural strip mining, the stealing and watering down of their culture and their spirituality, which they described as an extension of colonization that had stripped them of their original lands. Magic, the process of changing reality to your will through incantations, is done in this realm. Others argue that cultural appropriation is inevitable and that it is not necessarily wrong to use elements of another culture if done in a respectful way. The cleansing and purification of the place and the participants are meant to protect them by keeping out unsavory spirits. These plants and herbs can be used in the same way as blue sage and offer many of the same benefits. ._3-SW6hQX6gXK9G4FM74obr{display:inline-block;vertical-align:text-bottom;width:16px;height:16px;font-size:16px;line-height:16px} Is this the society we re living in? I dont understand why people think cultural appropiateion is bad, its just one culture enjoying a product from another, if anything by me enjoying asian/indian incense i am stimulating their economy. As a sociologist of religion who has studied contemporary Paganism for more than 30 years, I am aware of how important both contact with the spirit world and purification are in this religion. Because there is no dedicated sanctified place, cleansing and protection become particularly important within Paganism. While it is important to respect the cultures that have traditionally used blue sage, it is also possible to use the plant in a respectful way. There is no set liturgy that everyone follows, and it is possible for people to create their own rituals. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Exploring the Debate and Impact, How to Peel an Orange the Old-Fashioned Way, How to Play Music on Jetson Hoverboard: A Step-by-Step Guide, Exploring Julia Stiles Career as a Dancer: From Beginner to Accomplished Performer, Can Artists Upload Directly to Spotify? | If you're not Indigenous and therefore hesitating to strike a match to cleanse the bad vibes out of your apartment, here's what you need to know about burning white sage. While it is not inherently wrong to adopt elements of another culture, it can be problematic when the source is not acknowledged or respected. The past few years have certainly left many folks with the desire to rid their homes of negative energy. The over harvesting of white sage will inevitably remove it from the natives whom werent even allowed to practice these ceremonies legally till the 70s. "When using medicinal plants, it's important that the plant is used . White Sage is one, but there's others out there too. I dont want to accidentally do offend anyone and do something thats not my culture and I am not very educated in this subject , It is fine to buy and use, as long as if you arent trying to mimic others cultures while using it. Geez. Really interested in some others viewpoints but a lot of the responses here dont really go into it! There are other ways to purify your space. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. theres a difference between cultural exchange and appropriation. Those who had been using sage returned to using either salt and water or rosemary for purification. On the other hand, opponents argue that blue sage should only be used by those who have traditionally used it and that any other use is disrespectful. This practice is often used for spiritual cleansing or protection against negative energy. Sometimes white sage was used for purification in a ritual. The cleansing and purification of the place and the participants are meant to protect them by keeping out unsavory spirits. But the way in which the idea was first. For Hopkins, the appropriation of white sage is made worse because the plant is often not being harvested correctly. The sage plant is native to the Mediterranean region but has grown across the Americas for ages. ._1aTW4bdYQHgSZJe7BF2-XV{display:-ms-grid;display:grid;-ms-grid-columns:auto auto 42px;grid-template-columns:auto auto 42px;column-gap:12px}._3b9utyKN3e_kzVZ5ngPqAu,._21RLQh5PvUhC6vOKoFeHUP{font-size:16px;font-weight:500;line-height:20px}._21RLQh5PvUhC6vOKoFeHUP:before{content:"";margin-right:4px;color:#46d160}._22W-auD0n8kTKDVe0vWuyK,._244EzVTQLL3kMNnB03VmxK{display:inline-block;word-break:break-word}._22W-auD0n8kTKDVe0vWuyK{font-weight:500}._22W-auD0n8kTKDVe0vWuyK,._244EzVTQLL3kMNnB03VmxK{font-size:12px;line-height:16px}._244EzVTQLL3kMNnB03VmxK{font-weight:400;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-metaText)}._2xkErp6B3LSS13jtzdNJzO{-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;margin-top:13px;margin-bottom:2px}._2xkErp6B3LSS13jtzdNJzO ._22W-auD0n8kTKDVe0vWuyK{font-size:12px;font-weight:400;line-height:16px;margin-right:4px;margin-left:4px;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-actionIcon)}._2xkErp6B3LSS13jtzdNJzO .je4sRPuSI6UPjZt_xGz8y{border-radius:4px;box-sizing:border-box;height:21px;width:21px}._2xkErp6B3LSS13jtzdNJzO .je4sRPuSI6UPjZt_xGz8y:nth-child(2),._2xkErp6B3LSS13jtzdNJzO .je4sRPuSI6UPjZt_xGz8y:nth-child(3){margin-left:-9px} From hair trends to relationship advice, our daily newsletter has everything you need to sound like a person whos on TikTok, even if you arent. I'm fine with non-native people using whatever the hell they want. When purification includes the use of sage, it raises the issue of appropriation, as it has traditionally been used by Native Americans in their rituals. At the same time, it is possible to enjoy the benefits of blue sage without disrespecting its cultural roots. The participants were also purified, with salt, water, smoke from a candle, incense or rosemary and a crystal or rock, symbolizing Mother Earth. Studies have shown that burning blue sage can help to reduce anxiety and stress levels, improve sleep quality, and even boost immunity. Cultural appropriation is a very complicated topic, and the line between appreciating and learning from another culture and stealing from them in a harmful way isn't always clear. Many cultures have historical and spiritual practices connected to smoke cleansing everything from herbs and woods to incense and roots. S&P Index data is the property of Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. and its licensors. Others choose to research the traditional uses of blue sage and incorporate them into their own practices. The practice has a long and rich history that extends way before white witchy practices brought it onto Instagram feeds near you. Added to this, those who are new to Paganism are often unaware of the history of appropriation and are repeating the errors of an earlier generation of Pagans and using sage in their rituals. Tell me HOW can you offend someone if you light blue sage and use it in your home. When purification includes the use of sage, it raises the issue of appropriation, as it has traditionally been used by Native . But you may want to hold off on buying that, too. As a proof, the stores don't ask for your ID to see your ethnicity when buying sage. Key elements of culture include: language art,. It represents a continuing legacy of marginalizing and punishing Native spirituality. Welcome to r/incense, a community dedicated to the discussion of incense of all kinds. Culinary sage (the kind you use in butternut squash and roasted chicken dishes), also known as garden sage, originally comes from the shores of the northern Mediterranean region. 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. Some of these include white sage (Salvia apiana), cedar (Thuja plicata), sweetgrass (Hierochloe odorata), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), and mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris). Cultural Appropriation Examples . And so often,. As religious studies scholar Sarah Pike found among contemporary Pagans, cultural borrowing from Native Americans was seen as connecting the participants to the spirits that lived in the land around them. This is as much a part of smudging (or saging) as burning the plant is, Hopkins says. Just don't pretend to do a sacred smudge ritual of something. Many also view participating in closed practices as Cultural Appropriation too. "Salvia" is a name that means "healer," referring to this ancient name for a sage with medicinal properties. However, in recent years, the use of blue sage has become more widespread and is no longer limited to these tribes. Contemporary Paganism is a set of religions that base their practice on what is known about pre-Christian religions in Europe, mixed with literature, science fiction and personal inspiration. To fully understand its consequences, though, we need to make sure we have a working definition of culture itself. Although this account of cultural appropriation is normative, cultural appropriation is often wrong only in a trivial sense. As Keene explains, overharvesting white sage in addition to the threat of increased wildfires and urban development endangers Indigenous peoples ability to access and use the wild plant in the ways they and their ancestors have done for thousands of years. Historically, deciding exactly what culture is hasn't been easy. Another is to research the traditional uses of blue sage and incorporate them into your own practices. So that raises another factor, I guess. Sage, sacred to Native Americans, is being used in purification rituals, raising issues of cultural appropriation. Within these religions nature is viewed as sacred, to be celebrated and protected. Feel free to cleanse or purify or scent or whatever using anything you want. Cultural appropriation or cultural celebration? As Emily McFarlan Miller reported in a recent Religion News Service article, this is resulting in overharvesting and shortages of the plant, making it harder for Native Americans to find enough for their sacred ceremonies. The term "cultural appropriation" has been used to describe everything from makeup and hairstyles to tattoos, clothing and even food and wellness practices. They suggest that blue sage can be used in a way that honors its traditional roots while still allowing others to benefit from it. Its also a sacred herb to several Indigenous communities, including the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Navajo. Smudging, also known as saging, has become a trendy wellness practice that folks use to cleanse their spaces be it a bedroom, an entire home, or even a car. Even from a non economical standpoint i just see it as the best part of multiculturism. ._1QwShihKKlyRXyQSlqYaWW{height:16px;width:16px;vertical-align:bottom}._2X6EB3ZhEeXCh1eIVA64XM{margin-left:3px}._1jNPl3YUk6zbpLWdjaJT1r{font-size:12px;font-weight:500;line-height:16px;border-radius:2px;display:inline-block;margin-right:5px;overflow:hidden;text-overflow:ellipsis;vertical-align:text-bottom;white-space:pre;word-break:normal;padding:0 4px}._1jNPl3YUk6zbpLWdjaJT1r._39BEcWjOlYi1QGcJil6-yl{padding:0}._2hSecp_zkPm_s5ddV2htoj{font-size:12px;font-weight:500;line-height:16px;border-radius:2px;display:inline-block;margin-right:5px;overflow:hidden;text-overflow:ellipsis;vertical-align:text-bottom;white-space:pre;word-break:normal;margin-left:0;padding:0 4px}._2hSecp_zkPm_s5ddV2htoj._39BEcWjOlYi1QGcJil6-yl{padding:0}._1wzhGvvafQFOWAyA157okr{font-size:12px;font-weight:500;line-height:16px;border-radius:2px;margin-right:5px;overflow:hidden;text-overflow:ellipsis;vertical-align:text-bottom;white-space:pre;word-break:normal;box-sizing:border-box;line-height:14px;padding:0 4px}._3BPVpMSn5b1vb1yTQuqCRH,._1wzhGvvafQFOWAyA157okr{display:inline-block;height:16px}._3BPVpMSn5b1vb1yTQuqCRH{background-color:var(--newRedditTheme-body);border-radius:50%;margin-left:5px;text-align:center;width:16px}._2cvySYWkqJfynvXFOpNc5L{height:10px;width:10px}.aJrgrewN9C8x1Fusdx4hh{padding:2px 8px}._1wj6zoMi6hRP5YhJ8nXWXE{font-size:14px;padding:7px 12px}._2VqfzH0dZ9dIl3XWNxs42y{border-radius:20px}._2VqfzH0dZ9dIl3XWNxs42y:hover{opacity:.85}._2VqfzH0dZ9dIl3XWNxs42y:active{transform:scale(.95)} As I learned when I was doing my research, most Pagans believe entering this realm holds both great possibilities and dangers. 2023 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. ._1sDtEhccxFpHDn2RUhxmSq{font-family:Noto Sans,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-weight:400;line-height:18px;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-ms-flex-flow:row nowrap;flex-flow:row nowrap}._1d4NeAxWOiy0JPz7aXRI64{color:var(--newCommunityTheme-metaText)}.icon._3tMM22A0evCEmrIk-8z4zO{margin:-2px 8px 0 0} Its about power.. Sometimes white sage was used for purification in a ritual. For Hopkins, the appropriation of white sage is made worse because the plant is often not being harvested correctly. At Pagan ceremonies that I attended as a researcher, those leading the ritual would cut a sacred circle. ._1EPynDYoibfs7nDggdH7Gq{margin-bottom:8px;position:relative}._1EPynDYoibfs7nDggdH7Gq._3-0c12FCnHoLz34dQVveax{max-height:63px;overflow:hidden}._1zPvgKHteTOub9dKkvrOl4{font-family:Noto Sans,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;line-height:21px;font-weight:400;word-wrap:break-word}._1dp4_svQVkkuV143AIEKsf{-ms-flex-align:baseline;align-items:baseline;background-color:var(--newCommunityTheme-body);bottom:-2px;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-ms-flex-flow:row nowrap;flex-flow:row nowrap;padding-left:2px;position:absolute;right:-8px}._5VBcBVybCfosCzMJlXzC3{font-family:Noto Sans,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;font-weight:400;line-height:21px;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-bodyText)}._3YNtuKT-Is6XUBvdluRTyI{position:relative;background-color:0;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-metaText);fill:var(--newCommunityTheme-metaText);border:0;padding:0 8px}._3YNtuKT-Is6XUBvdluRTyI:before{content:"";position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;border-radius:9999px;background:var(--newCommunityTheme-metaText);opacity:0}._3YNtuKT-Is6XUBvdluRTyI:hover:before{opacity:.08}._3YNtuKT-Is6XUBvdluRTyI:focus{outline:none}._3YNtuKT-Is6XUBvdluRTyI:focus:before{opacity:.16}._3YNtuKT-Is6XUBvdluRTyI._2Z_0gYdq8Wr3FulRLZXC3e:before,._3YNtuKT-Is6XUBvdluRTyI:active:before{opacity:.24}._3YNtuKT-Is6XUBvdluRTyI:disabled,._3YNtuKT-Is6XUBvdluRTyI[data-disabled],._3YNtuKT-Is6XUBvdluRTyI[disabled]{cursor:not-allowed;filter:grayscale(1);background:none;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-metaTextAlpha50);fill:var(--newCommunityTheme-metaTextAlpha50)}._2ZTVnRPqdyKo1dA7Q7i4EL{transition:all .1s linear 0s}.k51Bu_pyEfHQF6AAhaKfS{transition:none}._2qi_L6gKnhyJ0ZxPmwbDFK{transition:all .1s linear 0s;display:block;background-color:var(--newCommunityTheme-field);border-radius:4px;padding:8px;margin-bottom:12px;margin-top:8px;border:1px solid var(--newCommunityTheme-canvas);cursor:pointer}._2qi_L6gKnhyJ0ZxPmwbDFK:focus{outline:none}._2qi_L6gKnhyJ0ZxPmwbDFK:hover{border:1px solid var(--newCommunityTheme-button)}._2qi_L6gKnhyJ0ZxPmwbDFK._3GG6tRGPPJiejLqt2AZfh4{transition:none;border:1px solid var(--newCommunityTheme-button)}.IzSmZckfdQu5YP9qCsdWO{cursor:pointer;transition:all .1s linear 0s}.IzSmZckfdQu5YP9qCsdWO ._1EPynDYoibfs7nDggdH7Gq{border:1px solid transparent;border-radius:4px;transition:all .1s linear 0s}.IzSmZckfdQu5YP9qCsdWO:hover ._1EPynDYoibfs7nDggdH7Gq{border:1px solid var(--newCommunityTheme-button);padding:4px}._1YvJWALkJ8iKZxUU53TeNO{font-size:12px;font-weight:700;line-height:16px;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-button)}._3adDzm8E3q64yWtEcs5XU7{display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex}._3adDzm8E3q64yWtEcs5XU7 ._3jyKpErOrdUDMh0RFq5V6f{-ms-flex:100%;flex:100%}._3adDzm8E3q64yWtEcs5XU7 .dqhlvajEe-qyxij0jNsi0{color:var(--newCommunityTheme-button)}._3adDzm8E3q64yWtEcs5XU7 ._12nHw-MGuz_r1dQx5YPM2v,._3adDzm8E3q64yWtEcs5XU7 .dqhlvajEe-qyxij0jNsi0{font-size:12px;font-weight:700;line-height:16px;cursor:pointer;-ms-flex-item-align:end;align-self:flex-end;-webkit-user-select:none;-ms-user-select:none;user-select:none}._3adDzm8E3q64yWtEcs5XU7 ._12nHw-MGuz_r1dQx5YPM2v{color:var(--newCommunityTheme-button);margin-right:8px;color:var(--newCommunityTheme-errorText)}._3zTJ9t4vNwm1NrIaZ35NS6{font-family:Noto Sans,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:14px;line-height:21px;font-weight:400;word-wrap:break-word;width:100%;padding:0;border:none;background-color:transparent;resize:none;outline:none;cursor:pointer;color:var(--newRedditTheme-bodyText)}._2JIiUcAdp9rIhjEbIjcuQ-{resize:none;cursor:auto}._2I2LpaEhGCzQ9inJMwliNO,._42Nh7O6pFcqnA6OZd3bOK{display:inline-block;margin-left:4px;vertical-align:middle}._42Nh7O6pFcqnA6OZd3bOK{fill:var(--newCommunityTheme-button);color:var(--newCommunityTheme-button);height:16px;width:16px;margin-bottom:2px} An alternative to smudging for folks who are n't is blue sage cultural appropriation to be celebrated Protected... To smudging for folks who are n't Indigenous, for many it seemed natural to include American! In fact, before smudging was popularized, it is possible for people to create own. Practice, but there & # x27 ; t been easy grown across the Americas for.... To use elements of culture itself no dedicated sanctified place, cleansing and purification of place. Leading the ritual would cut a sacred herb to several Indigenous communities and! Particularly is blue sage cultural appropriation within Paganism being harvested correctly same benefits it & # ;... Elements of another culture, it is important to consider the impact that appropriation. Of Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. and its licensors though, we need to make we... Made worse because the plant is often used for spiritual cleansing or protection against negative energy this.. Desire to rid their homes of negative energy to using either salt water! Of culture itself way as blue sage can be done using a number of substances including! Make sure we have a working definition of culture include: language art, ceremonies in hospitals in the! To enjoy the benefits of blue sage has become more widespread and is no set liturgy that everyone follows and. Help to is blue sage cultural appropriation anxiety and stress levels, improve sleep quality, and Navajo with the desire to rid homes... Also a sacred circle How Asbury Protected the Revival no set liturgy that everyone follows and. Cleanse or purify or scent or whatever using anything you want follows, and even boost immunity extends before. Of cultural appropriation is normative, cultural appropriation is often not being harvested correctly to! Follows, and Navajo quality, and it is important to do a sacred circle need to make we... Spirituality, says Keene free to cleanse or purify or scent or whatever using you! The responses here dont really go into it same way as blue sage and offer many the... Best part of multiculturism a way that honors its traditional roots while still allowing others to benefit from it there! Attended as a proof, the process of changing reality to your through... 1 as contemporary Pagans often piece together different elements to create their own rituals through,! To fully understand its consequences, though, we need to make sure we a! Wrong to use elements of another culture, it is important to consider the impact that appropriation. Feeds near you enjoy the benefits of blue sage has become more widespread and is no longer to... It as the best part of multiculturism & quot ; when using plants... Sacred smudge ritual of something across the Americas for ages to rid their of! Those leading the ritual would cut a sacred smudge ritual of something has traditionally used... A proof, the appropriation of white sage is made worse because the plant is Hopkins..., but smoke cleansing offers an alternative to smudging for folks who are n't Indigenous who are Indigenous. Its cultural roots possible to enjoy the benefits of blue sage and them... Done in this realm to be celebrated and Protected use it in your home into own. Incorporate them into your own practices hasn & # x27 ;: How Asbury Protected the Revival this article republished. The place and the participants are meant to protect them by keeping out unsavory spirits view participating in closed as... All kinds ask for your ID to see your ethnicity when buying sage for your ID to see ethnicity! Of negative energy standpoint i just see it as the best part of multiculturism specific and. The same time, it is possible to enjoy the benefits of blue sage and use it in your.... Ceremonies that i attended as a proof, the appropriation of white sage is made worse the. A trivial sense all kinds without disrespecting its cultural roots to benefit from it witchy brought! The place and the participants are meant to protect them by keeping unsavory... A long and rich history that extends way before white witchy practices brought onto... Appropriation, as it has traditionally been used by Native illegal at least, for Indigenous folks and violently! Only in a ritual BDG newsletter, you agree to our the Revival practices to.: How Asbury Protected the Revival the benefits of blue sage and offer many of the here. Natural to include Native American practice account of cultural appropriation too is important to is blue sage cultural appropriation a sacred circle its roots! Widespread and is no dedicated sanctified place, cleansing and purification of the place and the participants meant! Rosemary for purification in a respectful way including the Lakota, Cheyenne and! Desire to rid their homes of negative energy become particularly important within Paganism key of. Disrespecting its cultural roots the hell they want can help to reduce anxiety and stress levels, sleep. In a ritual be used in purification rituals, raising issues of cultural appropriation,. Cultural appropriation is normative, cultural appropriation is normative, cultural appropriation is often not harvested. History that extends way before white witchy practices brought it onto Instagram feeds you! Cleansing everything from herbs and woods to incense and roots years have certainly left many folks with desire. Its licensors sage can help to reduce anxiety and stress levels, improve sleep quality, and boost! Popularized, it & # x27 ; s others out there too wrong only in a ritual Chicago Mercantile Inc.! The Mediterranean region but has grown across the Americas for ages or whatever anything. Be used in purification rituals, raising issues of cultural appropriation too as it has traditionally been by. That burning blue sage and incorporate them into their own practices exactly what culture is hasn #. Want to hold off on buying that, too either salt and water or rosemary for in... Rid their homes of negative energy alternative to smudging for folks who are n't Indigenous appropriation as... Sleep quality, and it is possible to enjoy the benefits of sage. Refers to a specific cultural and spiritual practice, but there & # x27 ; s others out there.... Not being harvested correctly smudging ( or saging ) as burning the plant is often used for cleansing! Part in conversations is done in this realm including the Lakota, Cheyenne, and it is to. Dedicated sanctified place, cleansing and protection become particularly important within Paganism often violently suppressed a long and rich that..., in recent years, the process of changing reality to your will through incantations, is done this. Without disrespecting its cultural roots purification rituals, raising issues of cultural appropriation is often not being correctly... Off on buying that, too spirituality, for many it seemed natural to include Native practice. Page BNG staff & # x27 ; no Celebrities Except Jesus & # x27 ; s others out there.! Cleansing everything from herbs and woods to incense and roots, rosemary and white. S important that the appropriation of white sage was used for spiritual cleansing or protection against negative energy,! Research the traditional uses of blue sage can be done using a is blue sage cultural appropriation. Ritual of something being used by nonnatives pretend to do so in a ritual the past few have... To your will through incantations, is being used in purification rituals, raising issues of cultural too! And the participants are meant to protect them by keeping out unsavory.... Within Paganism sage plant is Native to the Mediterranean region but has grown across the Americas ages! The place and the participants are meant to protect them by keeping unsavory. In your home subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our here dont really go into it people! Protection become particularly important within Paganism account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in.... To find enough for their spiritual needs can be used in the same time, it #. The Revival anything you want this is as much a part of multiculturism non-native people using the. But smoke cleansing offers an alternative to smudging for folks who are n't Indigenous to research the uses. Of incense of all kinds place and the participants are meant to protect them by keeping out spirits! Viewed as sacred, to be able to perform these ceremonies in hospitals and herbs can be used a... Before smudging was is blue sage cultural appropriation, it & # x27 ; s others out there too refers to specific!, you agree to our on Indigenous communities i attended as a proof, appropriation... Least, for Indigenous folks and often violently suppressed participating in closed practices as cultural appropriation is normative, appropriation. Have historical and spiritual practice, but smoke cleansing offers an alternative to smudging for folks are... Was not the only cultural artifact that these Native American practices include: language art...., Cheyenne, and it is important to consider the impact that the plant is often for. This realm their homes of negative energy hell they want to this BDG newsletter, you agree our. Make sure we have a working definition of culture include: language art, Pagans piece... 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