Incense is more than just a pleasant aroma wafting through the air. They have been used for centuries for their valuable properties. Herbs, flowers, leaves, bark, twigs and tree resin harbour the power of aromatic essential oils, which can influence our mood and emotions and create an extraordinary atmosphere around us. Already thousands of years ago, incense was an important part of religious rituals. They were believed to protect against evil spirits, summon good energy and could even connect people to the inaccessible world of astral beings. Their power was already being used in ancient Egypt and Asia. The power of natural, herbal incense was also appreciated by the Indians of the Americas. The smoke from the incense aids meditation, allows deep reflection and a look into oneself. When we reach for incense, we tap into the wisdom and gifts of nature that have served mankind for centuries!
White sage – the "sacred herb" of the Navajo Indians
White sage (Latin: Salvia apiana) was called a "sacred herb" by the Navajo Indians. Among the Native Americans, it acted as a magical "guardian", protecting against evil spirits and negative energy. The plant is native to the south-western USA, where it grows wild on sunny, dry hillsides. It has distinctive, silvery leaves that emit an intense, herbal aroma with hints of vanilla and spices.
In ancient times, white sage was used as part of rituals, to cleanse spaces and people of negative energy. The Indians believed that the smoke rising from the dried and ignited leaves would ward off evil spirits, protect against charms and even heal. Today, we can also benefit from its beneficial properties! Dried white sage leaves are used as incense. When set on fire, the leaves give off a thick, aromatic smoke, which is ideal for smudging in the home or workplace. White sage smoke cleanses the space of negative energy, brings peace and harmony and helps to relax.
White sage with tricolour flowers
Incense made of white sage combined with colourful flowers smells even more intense and has a double effect! Blue lupine flowers, white dandelions and seasonal red flowers combined with the faded green of sage look simply phenomenal. Each shade not only adds to the aesthetic appeal, but also has symbolic meaning – flowers can be associated with love, transformation, subtlety and balance. With such variety, you can tune your intentions to the energetic powers of nature, creating the perfect atmosphere in your surroundings. When lit, the incense delights with pleasant, herbal and floral-sweet notes. The aromatic smoke momentarily fills the room with a beautiful fragrance, introducing a harmonious, peaceful atmosphere and promoting deep relaxation. Let yourself be enveloped by herbal magic and feel a surge of positive energy!
Burning white sage incense – how to use it?
Before you start a smudging ritual:
- Create the proper atmosphere and put your surroundings in order. Stop, relax, unwind. You will experience the magic of white sage fully with an open and clear mind. The smudging ritual is a special moment which allows you to look deep into your own soul, so do not rush it.
- Approach the smudging ritual with white sage with seriousness and respect. It is part of the ancient culture of the Indians, who through the ritual connected with the spirit of nature and achieved complete harmony with themselves and their surroundings.
- During the ritual, think about the intention that will accompany you. Surround yourself with the fragrant smoke of white sage, immerse yourself in the aroma of incense and feel the natural magic of the South American Indians. Purify your soul, mind and surroundings, drive away bad energy and invoke all that is positive.
Instructions for using white sage incense:
- Holding a bundle of white sage leaves in your hand, set one end on fire by holding it over a fire source for a few seconds. Use a candle, match or lighter. Wait until the incense begins to glow.
- Extinguish the incense by blowing out the flame or shaking it vigorously. After a moment, thick, intensely fragrant smoke will begin to rise from the bundle of white sage. As you extinguish the flame, think about the intention that will accompany your ritual.
- Cover yourself with the fragrant smoke, directing the incense from the feet to the head, and then cover the room, objects or persons you wish to purify. When the ritual is over, place the still glowing incense in a safe place, e.g. in a ceramic bowl or on a special stand. After a while the white sage will extinguish by itself – then you can light it again. Open the windows and ventilate the room to introduce a new, positive energy.
Additional information:
Origin: California
Weight: approx. 20-30g
Please note: sage bundles are prepared by hand, so the weight of each product may vary between 20-30g.
