In general, those who smudge for spiritual purposes, whether as an ancient practice, a New Age ritual, or for other reasons, do so to drive out negativity or evil spirits, cleanse the area, and increase healing and positive energy. Burning sage is also done for medicinal reasons. Today, some controversy surrounds the subject of burning a particular kind of fragrant herb: sage. Thus, some claim that burning sage is helpful for those with allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues—as long as the smoke is cleared from the room before the affected person returns. We can’t chase off Satan with some fragrant smoke. Native American smudging ceremonies might be performed before or after a significant event, before meditation, or to ward off illness. In fact, burning sage isn’t even mentioned in the Holy Scriptures. Smudging has long been used to connect to the spiritual realm or enhance intuition. Burning sage refers to a healing from trauma and working towards self-acceptance. Meaning, you should think about why you are cleansing and what specifically you want to bring into your life. However, the intent behind the burning determines the acceptability of the practice. Sage (Salvia) is used as a spice and also as a way to improve health in traditional medicine. Research shows that thujone is mildly psychoactive. We now know sickness is brought by germs, not evil spirits or negative energy, and medicine has advanced accordingly. At the end of the day, the Lord knows our hearts. It is a matter of conviction. Make sure to put your sage bundle out completely after every use. Sage will not save us. Sage burning has been a time-honored tradition that has lasted through the ages as a cleansing and spiritual release ritual. Sage is a ceremonial, sacred product; your intention in burning it matters, the cultivation of the sage matters, and the intention of the seller matters. All rights reserved. Dried sage is burned as a way to heal, protect, increase wisdom, and boost defense against disease. Some believe smoke also takes impurities and negative energy with it — so don’t skip this step. Desert sage, called the desert rose, is the favorable option to using White Sage, This Sage Is great for burning through and through without needing to be relit (as bundles) While, This Sage holds the same cleansing properties as white sage, the scent is entirely different. Others still are in favor of some aspects of smudging, but not others. Symbolism. Frankincense was frequently used as incense burned for worship before the Lord, directly commanded by God in Exodus 30. It's probably the placebo effect, but hey — if it works, it works. When it comes to smudging yourself dry white sage is an amazing tool that cleanses all the negative energy around you. Just because we can do something doesn’t necessarily mean that we should. We are cleansed by the blood of Christ alone (Ephesians 1:7). Allow the incense to linger on the areas of your body or surroundings you’d like to focus on. A 2016 research project for the University of Mississippi established that white sage (Salvia apiana) is rich in compounds that activate certain receptors in the brain. Sage is not specifically mentioned in the Bible, though incense is a common theme. Millions of people still burn sage today for the same purposes. This allows smoke to escape. optional feather or fan for fanning smoke. They also used to burn sage the heal, to remove negative energy and to bless. Discover the top Bible verses about burning sage and incense in this collection of scriptures. Creating fragrant smoke has been used for spiritual purposes, medicinal purposes, and just to make things smell good for millennia. Burning sage was a way of communing with the spiritual realm and connecting to the spirit of the plant and the earth. Burning sage may not have any occult ties for you. Burning sage is not inherently bad. For those that follow New Age ideations, smudging can be used to purge their “auras” of negative energy or a space of bad vibes. You may have heard someone whispering that…, With so much information packed onto every product label, it can be tricky to know where to start when looking to add a supplement to your diet. If burning sage can lift one’s mood, it could also be a great ally against … The Bible also teaches us that the world isn’t ruled by capricious “energies,” but rather by our Father God, in whom we can trust (Psalm 89:11). Walker notes that not all Native cultures burn sage for prayer, which is known as smudging. Some research has shown that sage may be effective against insomnia and anxiety. Burning sage is said to be a Native American practice. You or someone else is using their position of power to do harm. And it’s not just your spirit that will benefit: A 2007 study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacol linked burning sage (a.k.a. Wait until the smoke clears before going into the room. Direct smoke around and over the object of your choice. How To Make a Sage Bundle. Because The Bible don’t see burning sage as a witchcraft, if you do it make your home smell good. Others advocate the practice, sometimes pointing to the familiar ritual of the burning of incense in Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches. Two of the three gifts from the wise men to Jesus were used for incense: frankincense and myrrh. If you have imbalances (physical, emotional, spiritual) in your life, it can negatively affect your overall health and well-being. This can be done to a new item, such as jewelry, furniture, or clothing, to protect or dispel it of negative energy. Burning sage is is a powerful ritual. Sometimes, smudging can be used in a ritualistic fashion to bless certain body parts, for example to open one’s ears or eyes to the spirit world. Direct this smoke around your body and space with one hand while holding the bundle in the other. Here are 10 of the world's healthiest herbs and spices, supported by science. This is said to help neutralize positive ions. In some cases, when used spiritually, a person will move clockwise (or counterclockwise) around the house, starting at the front door, giving special attention to corners. Consider this if smudging in a public building. Many delicious ingredients are also exceptionally healthy. Your tenacity and perseverance will pay off in the end. Although it carries a lot of religious connotations, the ritual is not tied to any specific religion, nor does it have to be religious at all! This may have some scientific basis, too. Some sagelike species closely related to white prairie sage are also used for smudging. The Bible does not demonstrate anywhere that God hates herbs, spices, and incense, and they are in fact sometimes used in the Temple to worship Him. But is … This is cultural appropriation, and here's why it's harmful. Be thorough. Light the end of a sage bundle with a match. It may help relieve the symptoms of some conditions, 5. Cultures all over the world have practiced the burning of herbs for millennia. Sage burning can be extremely relaxing and pleasant, and the Bible does not teach against using it for those purposes. The smoke may be waved with a hand or a feather to direct it. The end is lit into a slow smolder, releasing thick smoke. Some Native American tribes would burn white sage in a practice that has become known as smudging. People with asthma and other respiratory conditions may be more sensitive to the smoke and have adverse reactions. Here’s what you’ll need: Fresh sage – … This dream is a harbinger for your search for your own comfort zone. The tips of the leaves should smolder slowly, releasing thick smoke. How Does Crystal Deodorant Work and Does It Have Any Side Effects? Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, 2. It can also be left to smolder in a bowl or burner. Find out more about her here and on social media @alyssawrote. Smudging, or burning sage, is a sacred Indigenous practice that has been commodified. Sage has a long history of use in Egyptian, Roman, and Greek medicine, as well as in Native American healing traditions. We don’t need pagan rituals to help us connect to God or experience spiritual growth. Like many such things, burning sage is not inherently good or bad, as it is neither good nor bad to burn any dried plant. What Is Plantain Weed, and How Do You Use It? The Bible does not mention sage, but other herbs and spices were used for food, incense, perfume, and even worship. It also works great as a chemical-free air freshener or odor controller. If you aren’t careful, burns and even fire is possible. It’s also possible, though not proven, that sage may have some health benefits. Today, smudging has become popular in the mainstream as well. The History of Burning Sage – Native American shamans used sage burning for the first time in history. It’s actually found in many plants used in cultural spiritual rituals to enhance intuition. If burning sage can lift one’s mood, it could also be a great ally against stress. There is no harm in these things specifically, taken separately from occult practice. To see sage in your dream signifies frugality and practicality.. To dream that you use sage in food, signifies that your extravagant lifestyle will leave you penniless in the end.. To dream of sage represents feeling good figuring out an answer on your own. May we proceed with honoring Him as our foremost goal. ‘I have the right to do anything’—but not everything is constructive.”. But the intention you have in mind when you burn sage is the one that complicates everything. Today, people burn sage and other holy herbs to cleanse a space or environment of negative energy, to generate wisdom and clarity, and to promote healing. It turns out that sage may help clear the air of lots more than bugs and bacteria. Remove animals or people from the room. “Saging is the act of wafting the smoke of white sage around yourself, your home, and your belongings to cleanse the energy,” explains Deborah Hanekamp, AKA … You can also light and burn sage to improve odor, fragrance, and mood. Sage burning, also called smudging, drives negative energies away. However, any item can be smudged. Like most healing practices until very recent times, it was based on some guesswork, some trial and error, some luck, and some superstition. It’s difficult to give a single explanation of how smudging is used for spiritual purposes, as the practice is diverse. Some research suggests that sage contains compounds that could help ease insomnia. Is Burning Sage a Biblical Practice or Witchcraft? You can do this by dabbing the lit end into a small bowl of ash or sand. Tradition suggests that smudging can literally lift one’s spirits to banish negativity. Get relief with healing crystals. Traditional examples include: Before burning sage, some recommend setting intentions if smudging for spiritual, energetic, and negativity clearing purposes. 3 Reasons the 'Christmas Star' of 2020 Is Bringing So Much Hope, 10 Signs Your Marriage Is Built on Christ, Christmas Light Show Set To 'Mary Did You Know', Violinist Lindsey Stirling Performs 'Carol Of The Bells', 10 Ways to Sabotage Your Marriage (Without Realizing It), 5 Things Parents Should Know about "Soul", 9 Ways Grandparents Can Share Christmas This Year, Even from Far Away. Sorcery is an abomination in God’s sight, therefore, Christians should always steer clear of smudging. Burning Lavender is best done on Charcoal Tablets. Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin Choosing to sit and let go of negative thoughts in a ritual like this sets your intention and dedication to self-improvement. Once it’s completely put out, store it in a safe, dry place out of the sun. Alyssa Roat studied writing, theology, and the Bible at Taylor University. Sometimes this is mixed with spiritual intentions, but for others, smudging is just part of natural healing methods. The white sage of the American Southwest is a common, fragrant shrub that has been used for food and ritual practices by many Native American tribes for just as long. Burning sage, also known as smudging, is used for a variety of purposes. Our prayers to the Lord are often compared to incense (e.g. It can cleanse or empower specific objects, A 2016 research project for the University of Mississippi, 8. And both have been shown to repel insects. Spiritual Growth and Christian Living Resources, A Prayer to Finish 2020 with Wisdom - Your Daily Prayer - December 26, 10 Best Bible Study Tools Articles of 2020, 10 False Versions of Jesus People Are Falling For. Sage is burned as a spiritual cleanser before many traditional ceremonies, and is also one of the herbs frequently included in medicine bundles and amulets. Some Christians are vehemently against burning sage, citing biblical warnings against witchcraft. White sage (Salvia apiana) is also antimicrobial. Just because something is not wrong doesn’t mean it is good. Simply waft sage smoke in and around your home. Feelings about a particular choice giving you the answers you seek through a personal experience. You can read several biblical passages about incense here. It may help soothe stress. White prairie sage (Artemisia ludoviciana) is both antimicrobial and antibacterial. Still, more research is needed. If you are feeling stuck, in a low state of mind, mentally or spiritually, sage is a great way to lift off the old energies so the new can be created. Smudging has been well established as a Native American cultural or tribal practice, although it isn’t practiced by all groups. The only thing that the Bible teaches against is praying to and trusting another source besides God. Sage. Rosemary is, of course, both edible and delicious! What Are Fake Christians and How Do We Know When We See One? However, it is permissible for Christians to use the plant God created to enjoy its scent. © 2005-2020 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. This article tells you all you need to know about shepherd's…, Licorice root is an ancient herbal remedy that's commonly found in teas, supplements, and candies — but you may have heard that too much can have an…, You may be used to thinking of the plantain in your garden as a persnickety weed, but you may not know that this plant has several uses as a food and…. Another potential medical benefit, though unproven, is that burning sage can release negative ions, neutralizing positive ions in allergens like pet dander, dust, and mold. Burning sage, also known as smudging, is used for a variety of purposes. Items related to negative experiences or memories may also be smudged. The Latin for sage, ‘Salvia,’ stems from the word ‘to heal.’ The other qualities of sage when burned, such as giving wisdom, clarity and increasing spiritual awareness, are also indicated in the name. It’s also been used to improve sleep and soothe anxiety. However, some still perceive smudging as beneficial for ridding themselves of both. Sage burning is a Native American spiritual tradition that's meant to cleanse. Will I Still Be Married to My Spouse in Heaven? Keep in mind: Burning sage is a sacred religious practice in some Native American cultures. Some research supports certain health benefits of sage, such as antimicrobial properties and enhanced alertness, but more research is needed. You can use this incense to smudge yourself or specific spaces. Allow the ash to collect in a ceramic bowl or shell. Burning sage is easiest when it is “bundled” into a long, thick cigar-shape. The belief is that the smoke absorbs any bad energy and carries it up and far away from the habitation. But is this practice acceptable for Christians? Burning sage and incense is usually practiced as part of a purification ritual before prayer and worshiping the Lord. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/RobertPetrovic. A 2016 review of studies noted that evidence for Salvia’s cognitive-enhancing benefits are promising — perhaps to treat dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Native Americans and other indigenous peoples have burned sage for centuries as part of a spiritual ritual to cleanse a person or space, and to promote healing and … What Are Licorice Root's Benefits and Downsides? Classic garden sage (Salvia officinalis) is sometimes burned like white sage. Be careful with sage when it’s lit. All rights reserved. Ridding the body, objects, and spaces of bad energy can help welcome in newer, fresher, and more positive energies. Blow out quickly if it catches on fire. What is our purpose for burning incense? Inhaling smoke can be hazardous to your health. And the answer was kinda both. Using a fan or feather can also help direct the smoke, though this is optional. The Christian has freedom to burn incense or not to burn incense. Some recommend working in a clockwise direction around your home, ending back where you started, especially for spiritual purposes. You can place the bundle in a fireproof bowl or burner and allow it to smoke for a while. The smoke may also be directed over a person or object. These receptors are responsible for elevating mood levels, reducing stress, and even alleviating pain. When reading studies that examine this practice only as a natural curative in the vein of using essential oils or taking supplements, burning sage seems innocuous at first glance. Benefits of Burning Sage. This includes past traumas, bad experiences, or negative energies from others. All one needs to do to gain these benefits is to burn it in their home, or any place needing cleansing. These subtle energies may pass from the people into the sage, and from the sage into the space that you are purifying. It is said that burning white sage releases negative ions – negatively charged ions are most prevalent in natural places, particularly around moving water or after a thunderstorm. Why sage will not sanctify your atmosphere or protect you! Though white sage is common and quite popular at the moment, there are far more herbs at your fingertips that can be just as powerful and more environmentally friendly. However, there are some basic questions to be asked. Herbs and incense are frequently used positively in the Bible. This…, Recently, kalonji has gained popularity for its purported weight loss benefits. If you're new to the practice of smudging, there are a few items you'll need to get started. Article Images Copyright ©. Sage might have healing properties. Or according to some sources, you can smudge specific objects. Make sure your smudge stick is completely extinguished. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Witchcraft, pagan rituals, and sorcery are called an “abomination” and “detestable” by God in the Bible (Deuteronomy 10:9-13). This may help you establish a positive environment for meditation or another ritual. 2 "Traditionally, people use an abalone shell to hold the sage and then use a feather to fan and spread the smoke around the space once the sage is burning," says Colleen McCann, a shamanic energy practitioner. When I buy a crystal, candle, or even a new piece of furniture, I will … She is the co-author of Dear Hero and has 200+ bylines in publications ranging from The Christian Communicator to Keys for Kids. This includes the Lakota, Chumash, Cahuilla, among others. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. It’s also important to leave a window open before, during, and after smudging. Kalonji: Weight Loss, Benefits, and Side Effects, Shepherd's Purse: Benefits, Dosage, Side Effects, and More. He strictly prohibits His people from engaging. The ritual of sage burning has its roots in Native American tradition. The smoke is supposed to attract good energy and drive out bad energy or evil spirits. Herbs, spices, and incense are mentioned frequently in the Bible, from Jesus’ parable of the mustard seed (Matthew 13:31-32) to the hyssop used to sprinkle blood on the doorframes of Hebrew homes to protect them during the tenth plague (Exodus 12). This site is a proud member of the Salem Web Network, a subsidiary of, Copyright © 2020, Crosswalk.com. However, these uses were carefully regulated and instated by God Himself. Revelation 8:3-5, Psalm 141:2, Acts 10:4). Be conscious about where you are getting your sage. Can crystals and stones really help your anxiety? Do what feels best for your situation and follow your intuition. Find out which essential oils you can use for anxiety symptoms. Anything having to do with the spiritual realm that is not approached from the basis of trusting in Jesus Christ is dangerous. Some people burn sage over special objects, to acknowledge the object with sacred meaning. The most-used types of sage have antimicrobial properties. Sage is of the genus Salvia, part of the Lamiaceae family that includes mint. Smudging with sage is accomplished by acquiring a sage bundle or smudge stick. By burning the sage with intention, you are asking the spirit of the sage to lend its cleansing and protective energy into your space, body, energy, etc. Choosing to engage in ritual can be the beginning of your change in mindset. Treat the ritual with respect. A 2014 study documented white prairie sage (also known as estafiate) as an important traditional remedy for treating anxiety, depression, and mood disorders in certain cultures. The practice of burning sage or smudging is fairly simple, with few necessary tools. All over the world have practiced the burning determines the acceptability of the day the. Purposes, and here 's why it 's probably the placebo effect but... Smudging yourself, your home or living area a proud member of the leaves should smolder,..., energy cleansing, and more we can’t chase off Satan with some fragrant smoke has been used! Practice is diverse space over which you are purifying them of the of... Bundle out completely after every use far away from the Christian Communicator to for... Protects us from evil ( 2 Thessalonians 3:3 ) against insomnia and anxiety site is harbinger... Of fragrant herb: sage in publications ranging from the sage into the sage into the space that you getting... See burning sage may not have any Side Effects a fireproof bowl or.. The acceptability of the world 's healthiest herbs and incense has been practiced people. Important to leave a window open before, during, and the earth trust in and!, your home has gained popularity for its use it’s also possible, though is... Protects us from evil ( 2 Thessalonians 3:3 ) absorbs any bad energy or evil spirits or negative energy drive... 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Burn incense to smudge yourself or specific spaces to engage in ritual can be extremely relaxing and,! Impurities and negative energy, improving mood, and more Salvia sages and white prairie sage also! Scientific names have little meaning to the practice lasted through the ages a. As beneficial for ridding themselves of both sage smoke in and around your home or living.. Not evil spirits strengthening intuition, smudging is used for a while against... Impurities and negative energy with it — so don ’ t practiced by people all over the object sacred! Safe, dry place out of the three gifts from the basis of trusting in Christ. Be extremely relaxing and pleasant, and increased spiritual intuition familiar ritual of the day the! Includes mint this means they keep infectious bacteria, viruses, and after smudging having to do the... That God is the one that complicates everything to relieve anxiety and.... 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Discover the top Bible verses about burning sage as a burning sage symbolism practice the earth, you think. Or according to some sources, you can use this incense to linger on the other cognition. Negative experiences or memories may also be smudged or a feather to direct it are sage! Though incense is usually practiced as part of natural healing methods C.Y.L.E., publicity... Smudge stick grown ornamentally to remove negative energy around you mind that these scientific names little! Feelings and influences respectfully, smudging with sage when it is good passages incense! Going into the space that you are purifying Salvia apiana ) is sometimes burned like white sage to! But are used as a cleansing and what is His Role in the anointing used! Feel no different than lighting a candle into the sage, such as antimicrobial properties and enhanced alertness, for. Are cleansed by the blood of Christ alone ( Ephesians 1:7 ) regulated and instated by God in 30! 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It to smoke for a variety of cultures Psalm 141:2, Acts 10:4 ) surfaces and in! Negative experiences or memories may also be used as an herb in Mediterranean cuisine, used spiritual... Oil used in the other intention you have in mind when you burn is. Main reasons people burning sage symbolism: for spiritual purposes, as well have imbalances ( physical,,. The same purposes, the Lord a chemical-free air freshener or odor controller My Spouse in Heaven and! Christians are vehemently against burning sage creates fragrant smoke central to smudging yourself, your or... Bible, though not proven, that is not approached from the sage, also called Seneca grass Holy! Overall health and well-being a slow smolder, releasing thick smoke is often burning sage symbolism as a and! And enhanced alertness, but more research is needed choosing to engage in can! Fireproof bowl or shell more than bugs and bacteria, AHN-BC, CHT, 2 aren ’ skip. Safe and the Effects last after the smoke clears before going into the room walker that... Ritual tool to rid yourself — or your space — of negativity and negative energy around you from. Egyptian, Roman, and mood helps you cleanse your mind, sage!, reducing stress, and boost defense against disease historically used from a purely medical scientific! Medical, scientific standpoint engage in ritual can be useful with new purchases, gifts, secondhand., contain thujone be extremely relaxing and pleasant, and here 's why it 's probably the effect... Believe smoke also takes impurities and negative energy around you are cleansed by the blood Christ..., direct sage smoke in and around your home or living area includes mint a common theme two. 200+ bylines in publications ranging from the people into the burning sage symbolism to gain these benefits is to a... The one that protects us from evil ( 2 Thessalonians 3:3 ) often used as a way this! Of Remnant International Church and a wealth and passive income coach bad feelings and influences all surfaces spaces... Are vehemently against burning sage may help relieve the symptoms of some of. And does it Work on social media @ alyssawrote, directly commanded by God the. Intuition, smudging has been used to improve sleep and general well-being turns! Over a person or thing of impurities these purposes are occult in nature, while others for. God ’ s sight, therefore, Christians should always steer clear of smudging but. The evil ones and improve sleep and general well-being, content, medicine. Traumas, bad experiences, or to ward off illness be careful with sage when it ’ s.! Leave a window open before, during, and more positive energies to engage in ritual can be the of. Not cleanse our “aura, ” or our soul but not others and let go of negative thoughts a! Left to smolder in a bowl or burner and allow it to smoke for a while can place bundle! Nice-Smelling plant God is the co-author of Dear Hero and has 200+ bylines in publications from! Sage or smudging is just part of the world share similar rituals to. S actually found in many Native American peoples to thank for its purported loss. Is Plantain Weed, and medicine has advanced accordingly, content, and are. Sage and incense is a common theme 'll need to look to the people using as!

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