Known as the most popular Native American botanical across North America, this cleansing herb has been used by the Plains Indians for thousands of years.
Harvested fresh and dried to preserve the natural essential oils, this cleansing herb has been used by the Plains Indians for thousands of years in purification rituals.
As a dried herb, Artimisia (sage) is closely connected to the tribal beliefs and traditions of many cultures. Used by the Plains Indians for thousands of years, it is the most popular Native American botanical across North America. While there are many varieties throughout the world, we harvest our plants fresh from South Dakota in June. The leaves are carefully dried to preserve the natural essential oils of this cleansing herb.
Not only are the cool leaves soothing and fragrant, the appearance of this herb marks one of the great seasonal ceremonial cycles for Northern Plains Indians. During Native American rituals such as the Sundance and the Hanbleceya (crying for a dream or vision quest,) beds of fresh Artimisia (sage) restore and refresh participants while the earthy aroma grounds tribal members, tying them to their purpose.
Outside of these important ceremonies, plant smudging is used by people from all walks of life to cleanse a space. As a purification ritual, some Native Americans believe the smell of burning sage pleases the spirits while the smoke repels bad influences. This ancestral connection between smoke and spirit, to both attract positive energy and remove negative energy, is represented across our continent and the world.
If you are interested in learning how to burn sage, our Tribe Scribe article, How to Smudge with Prairie Sage, is a great place to start.
I have a sycamore tree tree out back. I took my bloodhounds ashes (Clifford) and later another bloodhound (Zeke) and buried them by the tree. I set up a small blue led light to remember them by. After a number of years I smudged them to release them to the Creator. I tearfully went back in the house. The blue light never came back on again. They were released to the Creator. Bear in mind I am not indigenous and nearing 81 years old, but I believe.
As a non indigenous 80 year old this made an easy first time smudge project. The product was easy to light and stayed burning until it became ash and it was packaged perfectly. Thanks, Jim
