Sage, particularly white sage, has been used for centuries by indigenous cultures in rituals and ceremonies for its spiritual and cleansing properties. Smudge sticks are burned with the intention of connecting with the Divine consciousness, and aligning with ancestral wisdom.
Exploring The Origins
Many indigenous tribes throughout history have used Sacred Sage in smudging rituals for purification, protection, and spiritual cleansing in their cultural practices. Even ancient Roman and Egyptian society, dating back to about 1500 BC. Although most people are familiar with smudge sticks today, it seems that time has left the depth of its value behind. For starters, the word “Sage" describes a person of profound wisdom and extended memory. Correlated to the word sagacious, which means to discern well. Consider the quote “I come as one, but I stand as ten-thousand.”
Its scientific name being Salvia Apiana or Salvia Officinalis is of Latin origin, which translates to: “Healing or wellness | Workshop” “Healthy | Herb store” “Salvation | Pharmacy”. Smudging rituals often involve burning bundles of dried sage leaves and then fanning the smoke around a person, object, or space. Not only is Sage a direct channel to sacred ancestral wisdom, it also has powerful medicinal properties that can be explored through teas, culinary arts and even hygienic practice.
Burning Sacred Sage
When used for smudging, naturally Sage releases an “earthy” aroma while cleansing negative energy, purifying the air, and promoting spiritual balance and harmony. It's often used to create a sacred space, and even acts as a repellent for insects. Of course, it is up to you to set the intention for your particular practice or session to manifest your personally desired results.
Sage contains compounds that have been found to have antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, and is scientifically supported to reduce airborne bacteria. Allowing the smoke to be graciously inhaled and absorbed into the skin promotes detoxification, relaxation, subdues anxiety and activates higher modes of consciousness. We as a collective of beings have 3 tiers of consciousness. The subconscious, conscious, and super-conscious. This high level of awareness is best known as the Intuitive state, which is often associated with Ajna, the Third Eye Chakra and Sahasrara, the Crown Chakra.
Ingesting Sage
As you can imagine, consuming sage in food dishes or teas will have similar and possibly even greater results, Of course, contingent upon your specified intention during your practice or session. Now, the healing properties of the Sacred Sage are working cohesively with your body from the inside out, not limited to works of the outside in. This method, alongside the aforementioned, promotes strength, healing and rejuvenation.
In conclusion our ancestors understood that Heaven lives within the temple. Meaning that Heaven is an inner experience. Affirm “The more I connect with my temple, the closer to Heaven I Am”. Wisdom walks with nature and we welcome Harmony when we are receptive to all of her disguises. Using Sacred Sage in my practice has helped me to be made new and become closer to my God. I know that it can do the same for you if you allow it. True cognizance of self, constant learning, and further mastery create room for transformative occurrences. Please keep in mind that Sage is a Sacred plant, and although smudging rituals have become more popular today, it is essential to approach them with respect, understanding, and mindfulness of their cultural origins. May your power of manifestation be intensified by your new knowledge of the properties of Sacred Sage, and its implementation into your practice.
Love,