![sage burning sage burning](http://www.outersports.com/img/burning_sage.jpg)
It’s largely because of this history-and the restrictions still placed on Native traditions today-that the mainstream co-opting of Indigenous spiritual practices is so harmful to many. It wasn’t until 1978-less than 50 years ago-that the American Indian Religious Freedom Act (AIRFA) was passed, guaranteeing Native Americans the freedom and protection to “believe, express, and exercise traditional religions.” Native people have been violently oppressed in North America since the first European colonizers set foot on the continent in the 16th century, and in 1892, the “ Rules for Indian Courts,” written by the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, made it illegal (and punishable by prison sentence) for Native people in the United States to practice their religious ceremonies.
![sage burning sage burning](https://img.hunkercdn.com/630x/ppds/07d51083-c952-4cb8-8099-f6e56ef8c2ef.jpg)
It's most likely to be harmful when the source community is a minority group that has been oppressed or exploited in other ways or when the object of appropriation is particularly sensitive, e.g. This can include unauthorized use of another culture's dance, dress, music, language, folklore, cuisine, traditional medicine, religious symbols, etc. “Taking intellectual property, traditional knowledge, cultural expressions, or artifacts from someone else's culture without permission. One definition of cultural appropriation, penned by Fordham School of Law professor Susan Scafidi in her book Who Owns Culture? and used by the National Conference for Community and Justice in its materials, states: Like most of our products, everyone experiences healing differently, so don’t worry about textbook rules and let your energy lead you!įor more information, inspiration, or impactful practices, visit us at tranquilwellbeing.What is cultural appropriation, and why is it harmful?
#Sage burning how to#
There are many videos online demonstrating how to smudge which can be helpful for technique or avoiding setting the house on fire, but be sure not to get hung up on others’ goals for purification. The most important part of burning sage is to do what feels right for you and your situation. Sage also makes for a great chemical-free air freshener or odor remover, so the physical and mental effects will linger for many days after the bundle is put out. When you go into the process with a specific thought or mental state you are looking to purify, an item you are wanting to bless, or space you are trying to rid of negative energy, your experience will be more meaningful and successful. Intention is arguably the most important part of burning sage. Never leave burning sage unattended and completely extinguish it at the end of each use by pressing it into the dish or shell. While there is research indicating that sage can rid the air of toxins, inhaling too much smoke can cause adverse effects, so avoid too much direct exposure. If you are leaving sage to burn in a room for an extended period of time, be sure to open a window and make sure your pets are out of the room. The Abalone shell, included in our bundles and kits, can collect the ashes and also incorporates the energy and purity of water into your practice. You can direct this smoke at any space, object, or body part of your intention by holding the sage or directing with a feather. The bundle shouldn’t be on fire, but rather smoldering and releasing smoke. To begin the process, simply light the bottom of the bundle with the matches. To burn sage, you only need 3 simple things: A sage bundle, some matches, and a ceramic bowl or glass to collect the ashes. Other than the sage itself, you will most likely have the tools necessary for smudging in your home already.
![sage burning sage burning](https://cdn.lifehack.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/13224854/burning-sage1.jpg)
We’re here to break down smudging into 5 easy steps.
![sage burning sage burning](https://yestowander.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/IMG_7847-1-scaled.jpg)
If you’re a sage burning beginner, you are probably wondering what you need, how to use it, and why you should begin. While the practice of burning sage, otherwise known as smudging, is thousands of years old, it was only introduced to the modern western world a few decades ago. However it is also commonly used for improving mental health, purifying objects and spaces, and channeling intentions. Did you know that the tradition of burning sage has been used for thousands of years? Similar to oregano, lavender, and thyme, you may recognize sage from your spice cabinet.