So If we go back to our definition of appropriation, we see a very important word that needs a closer look: non-dominant.When we appreciate an item, activity, or expression from a non-dominant culturesuch as burning palo santo, listening to reggae, or surfing Oahus north shorewe need to step more lightly. Edit: Here's the website https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/palo-santo-smudge-sticks/profile. Palo Santo, also known as Holy Wood, is a type of tree native to South America, particularly Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia. What are the symptoms of negative energy in home? sign up for Outside+. Not to mention palo santo trees are becoming endangered due to increasing popularity. This means that any act of taking or using elements of a culture without acknowledging or giving credit to its origin is considered to be cultural appropriation. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. But its so important to know the difference!. Once you have your intention in mind, All of my friends and I approach our smudging rituals slightly differently because like any self-care ritual, its personal. If something is calling to you or feels missing from your experience, feel free to adapt and adjust. Each palo santo stick can be reused. Is it cultural appropriation to use white sage? Palo santo is a traditional remedy for pain, inflammation, and stress. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Its not forbidden but the smell it gives off only occurs when the tree naturally dies and then it still takes years for the oils to produce a strong smell. Palo Santo and Indigenous Peoples Bundles of sticks whittled from the palo santo, a tree associated with indigenous South American rites, can still be found for $12, or $16 with a crystal thrown in. WebWhich sage is cultural appropriation? The wood is burned as incense to purify spaces and is often used in traditional ceremonies and rituals. If the sage bundle was packed too tight when made, then the oxygen cant get in properly and the sage wont stay lit. I didnt know palo Santo was in them until I opened the boxes. For one, its not even indigenous to all of Latin America. In her newsletter, she mentions the consequences on If youre not a member of an Indigenous community, purchasing white sage, Palo Santo, or other sacred herbs and quickly Googling how to smudge will not make you qualified to do so. Perus National Forest and Wildlife Service (SERFOR) reported that a truck carrying nearly 10,000 pounds of illegal palo santo wood was intercepted on December 26, 2019, on its way to Lambayeque, a city known for its important archaeological remains. We know that removing this particular article is just one step in the work that needs to be done to eradicate culturally appropriative content from our library, and we are committed to continuing our education on this topic and taking the necessary steps to ensure Well+Good is a safe space for all people, including members of Indigenous communities. Is it an appropriation of Japanese culture to learn karate? What grows there? Many cultures around the globe have traditionally burned herbs, incense, or other materials as a spiritual ritual. When burned for more than 20-30 minutes, the scent of palo santo can become strong or even overwhelming. Wondering whether burning sage is cultural appropriation is a fair question long story short, burning sage is problematic for a few reasons, the biggest being cultural insensitivity and environmental unsustainability. Why you shouldn't use white sage? You can also support organizations and initiatives that are working to protect indigenous peoples rights and promote sustainable production practices. 2023Well+Good LLC. Cultural appropriation has been taking place since the first group of humans encountered another group of humans. You can burn palo santo as incense or apply the oil on your skin. Some say Palo Santo smells slightly like licorice, evoking a deep sense of nostalgia when inhaling its delicate scent. And it brings hope to marginalized rural communities.Also, we fund tree-planting efforts that ensure the long-term viability of the Dry Tropical Forest.By paying fair prices for the finished product, we ensure the people of the source receive living wages for their contributions.We share and promote the many different ways this sacred wood is used by the people of Ecuador and beyond. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. WebAnswer (1 of 3): Burning sage is not cultural appropriation. For guidance, I turned to Brown University professor Adrienne Keene, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and an expert on the topic. It also means avoiding burning the wood indoors or in enclosed spaces, as this can lead to the release of harmful toxins. Palo santo is used to treat a wide variety of physical ailments including colds, flus, anxiety, depression, asthma, bronchitis, headaches, and emotional trauma. With its long, shallow roots, this tree thrives in tropical dry forests from Mexico to Peru, in areas that undergo severe droughts for up to seven months at a time. Its holistic origins are rooted in Latin cultures. If youre gardening your own greenery, choose plants that can thrive in your area. The term "cultural appropriation" has been used to describe everything from makeup and hairstyles to tattoos, clothing and even food and wellness practices. Its also used to clear out negative energy. So if youre looking for a cleansing ceremony, you might want to start by learning more about your own heritage. No, commercially packaged dried sage leaves do not spoil, but they will start to lose potency over time and not flavor food as intended the storage time shown is for best quality only. The flames are then gently blown out and the smoke, which heals the mind, heart and body, is wafted over the person, either by hand or with an eagle feather. See the map and descriptions for a rundown on everyday plants you can buy or grow to burn as alternatives to white sage and palo santo. Shamans traditionally burned Palo Santo in a bundle of sticks to cleanse, purify and create sacred space. At Well+Good, we are committed to listening to feedback and criticism (from within our community and without), admitting when we make mistakes, and doing our homework regarding the origins of wellness practices; we have a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion curriculum in place for our editorial team to learn directly from anti-racist educators. Ok noted. You can reuse the same smudge stick until there is nothing left to burn. But how do we at Sacred Wood Essence put our money where our mouth is? It is also said to help attract positive energy into your life. Palo Santo Appropriation vs Appreciation When honoring and enjoying palo santo in the western world, are we participating in a well-intentioned but disrespectful case of cultural appropriation instead of the appreciation we intend? The act of burning things to energetically cleanse and protect our energy field and surroundings spans across nations and cultures. One such product is Palo Santo, a type of wood native to South America that has been used by indigenous people for centuries for its spiritual and healing properties. Also, burning Palo Santo serves as a repellent for bugs and mosquitoes and is great for camping or traveling in bug-centric areas around the world. This sacred wood is used in rituals by both beginners and seasoned spiritual practitioners, and is overall such a blessing! Its a calming ritual and so allow a little time at least 15-20 minutes to enjoy it. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Get it daily. To quote Luger again, writing for Well+Good, When Native people express to you that they are hurt by the exploitation of their spiritual practices, please believe them. Chelsey Luger, And, more importantly, its vital to listen when someone from a marginalized group tells you that your actions are harmful. I know that white people burning sage and palo Santo is considered cultural appropriation, but haven't heard much about incense sticks. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/palo-santo-smudge-sticks/profile, https://ecuadorianhands.com/en/palo-santo-incense-powder-3470-7868900012126.html. First, lets clear up some confusion. Palo santo, which translates literally to holy wood in Spanish, is the harvested wood from palo Is it okay to burn Palo Santo? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. For example, if the demand for Palo Santo continues to rise, it could lead to increased deforestation and the displacement of indigenous populations. Just two months earlier, another 7,500 pounds had been intercepted, the wood hidden among bananas and lemons to disguise its distinctive scent. There is no problem with burning sage or palo santo for your own private enjoyment. Since the time of the Incas, the fragrant palo santo tree has been harvested by shamans in Peru and Ecuador, who use its essential oils or smoke to cleanse away evil spirits before initiating ayahuasca rituals or to aid the dying on their journeys to the afterlife. Watch popular content from the following creators: Knowledge is Power :)(@ameliesadvicee), animkii(@bushmuncher), Britt (@the.localhedgewitch), Priya (@priyas.crystal.boutique), Sophia Dylan(@thebluntesss), Knowledge is Power :)(@ameliesadvicee), However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. It also covers the overharvesting implications. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Is Burning Sage Cultural Appropriation? The Palo Santo stick may be reused over and over again and will never burn out, which means an endless amount of cleansing is at your fingertips. Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Your Palo Santo should produce a substantial amount of smoke. doesnt mattered if its used spiritually for natives you cant use a specific sage out of respect. Personally, I think youre okay to use it considering ur situation. By doing so, you can help to ensure that indigenous communities are able to access the resources they need to sustain their livelihoods and preserve their cultures. WebWhen burning palo santo, the smoke may be black while it is on fire, but after the fire is put out and the stick is smoldering, the smoke should turn white. I want to state my intention of creating a home for myself here, living in reciprocity with the spirits that are present. The ritualistic burning of Palo Santo has been practiced for thousands of years. Because of all that complicated history of sage burning, when non-Native people use white sage to "smudge" their homes or other spaces, it infringes upon the cultural importance and authenticity of the ritual and This has led to a surge in demand, resulting in the overharvesting of the trees and the exploitation of indigenous populations. I know youre not used to hearing you cant have something. I am not Latin and Im not sure what to do with them. For Hopkins, the appropriation of white sage is made worse because the plant is often not being harvested correctly. (You can also drink sage, another commonly burned object.). Your email address will not be published. When you light a Palo Santo stick, the smoke will purify the air and rid your environment of any negative energy. Once the wood sticks are burned. Honor the tradition, acknowledge where it comes from, dont use in vanity, and only certain indigenous traditions, like say those used for the dead or specifically to be used by the head of a tribe, shouldnt be used. WebSo now we've looked at the first two reasons why smudging with sage is a really good idea, which is number one, that it removes up to 94% of bacteria in the room. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Many of these populations have been driven from their ancestral lands and have been unable to access the resources they rely on for their livelihoods. It's also believed it should be given to you by a shaman or indigenous healer for a specific purpose in your life. Its also used to clear out negative energy. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Palo Santo is traditionally burned by people of indigenous cultures in Latin America for a variety of reasons. Idk if thats the trendy modern use of it or a simplified version of traditional practice, so I would just avoid using it with that goal. Like, whats done is done but it need not be in vain. It takes them an entire day to locate two fallen specimens. But just because its not on the watch list doesnt mean it isnt threatened. Or Copal for that Matter because its a Latin American Rezin. The seeds before being used will pass through the digestive system of the pigeons. Therefore, it is important to assess the potential benefits and risks of using Palo Santo in spiritual practices. How long does palo santo last? Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Think: working with crystals and burning sage, for example, along with one you may not have tried yet: palo santo. In a 2018 essay published on her Native Appropriations bloga forum for discussing representations of Native peoplesshe penned a tremendously moving argument against non-indigenous use of smudging sticks. Its holistic origins are rooted in Latin cultures. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Additional Questions. The original practice of smudging has not only lost its intent, but it is starting to bring about devastation to the plants natural habitats. You can also spray Palo Santo spritzer on furniture and fabrics with similar effects. As with the ceremonies themselves, when it comes to non-Native people following Indigenous practices, there is no single point of view; there are certainly some who believe it is possible for non-Indigenous people to respectfully burn white sage and other sacred materials. Cultural appropriation is rife today, and it often threatens the existence of the groups and cultures from whom popular traditions originate. Cultural appropriation has long been a source of contention between indigenous peoples and those who have colonized their lands. Like they get mad when their not included in everything? Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. It embodies long-standing rituals and cleansing energy. Web2023 Peruvian Premium Palo Santo Slim Sticks / Bursera Graveolens Wood Slim Sticks / 100 % Organic , Find Complete Details about 2023 Peruvian Premium Palo Santo Slim Sticks / Bursera Graveolens Wood Slim Sticks / 100 % Organic,Palo Santo Stick / Palo Santo Wood / 100 % Organic / Incense Stick,Palo Santo Sticks / Holly Wood / Natural Palo Santo is what I reach for daily as it simply encourages positive energy while purifying the air. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. I remember asking when I bought them if they were ethically sourced (because I knew at the time the wood was endangered did not know about the burning of it being a closed practice, though), and the shopkeeper said yes. She confirmed that palo santo forests have been devastated. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This creates local abundance. You can make it a tea by steeping the wood shavings in hot water. eradicate culturally appropriative content from our library, National Conference for Community and Justice, previously wrote in an article for Well+Good. This is cultural appropriation, and its harmful to Native communities. I also dont want to use it out of respect of others. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.). in order to clear negative energy) has become increasingly popular among non-native people. This all sounds great, right? I would say appropriation is when it is co-opted by (mostly) white people and are using it in a way that is insulting or inappropriate. Smudge. For Hopkins, the appropriation of white sage is made worse because the plant is often not being harvested correctly. It keeps families together. Use the oil to provide pain relief for arthritis and joint pain with its anti-inflammatory properties. Palo Santo is traditionally burned by people of indigenous cultures in Latin America for a variety of reasons. The trees must be about 6 years old. And number two, it neutralizes the energy in the room. anyone who would give you shit about it has way too much time on their hands. The post offers alternatives for non-native people to use. The answer is that the use of sage itself is not cultural appropriation, however, the deliberate act of smudging is. Recent international interest in palo santo as a spiritual aid is increasing the woods value, and in some cases, affecting how local communities regard the tree and its ecosystem. Palo Santo means holy wood best known for its ability to add positivity to your space whereas sage removes negativity. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Practices of Santeria/Yoruba for example people cant just demand to use their roots because they feel entitled to do anything spiritual. No, of course not! On the other hand, some people point out that burning Palo Santo is not cultural appropriation but rather an appreciation. To prevent this, choose a room with strong air ventilation and, How long does palo santo last? Some people like to wait 20-30 minutes to allow the sage smoke to reach maximum potency. Why did Twenty One Pilots change their logo? See alsoGreen Your Practice: 39 Eco-Friendly Yoga Essentials, But my inquiry did spark a discussion among Yaksetig and her family, one that she hadnt yet had with her parents and grandparents. What kind of sage is not This will throw some flowers which carry the seeds. Native elders teach that the smoke of dried sage clears negative energy and restores harmony. When you reach a window or door, waft the smoke into all four corners, beginning at the bottom left and moving in a clockwise direction. But if we are talking about the Palo We as POC cannot demand to be equal and integrate if we are also going to horde our culture to ourselves, we cant have it both ways. Ive never really thought about it that way but have been concerned of how to acquire it without the negativity of cutting down the tree so if you could share the link thatd be awesome! In addition to conservation concerns, some believe Any tips? Who is benefitting from the sale of these products? We currently have a library of 19,000 articles, and will be systematically combing through our older content to surface and revise or delete harmful content. https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/palo-santo-smudge-sticks/profile I'll edit the original post to include a link as well. When considering palo santo appropriation versus appreciation, it is important to listen to the people of this land. As long as its for yourself, its fine! Because these forests have such extreme dry seasons, they are particularly vulnerable to soil erosion if the mix of flora and fauna is compromised due to over-harvesting or clear-cutting. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". WebBurning Palo Santo (also known as smudging) as part of their ceremonies and healing rituals, through its healing scent and sacred smoke, provide energetic protection, remove bad ene In preparation for meditation, Palo Santo smudge sticks are burned to draw positive energies and keep them grounded. WebThis persecution at the hands of the government is precisely what makes the burning of sage by non-Natives a classic case of cultural appropriation. All rights reserved. The Beach Is My Happy Placeand Here Are 3 Science-Backed Reasons It Should Be Yours, Too. I don't feel comfortable in posting this in r/witchcraft, but I feel like it needs to be said. with regards to owning it. That smudge stick is not benign. I just feel guilty for having it even tho I didnt know I would be receiving it. Is it an appropriation of Italian culture to eat pizza? Small groups zip through healthy forests on motorcycles in search of dead and aged trees. If we can eat pizza, share yerba mate, and learn karate without causing conflict, why cant we burn this sacred wood from the forests of Ecuador? Palo santo is a traditional remedy for pain, inflammation, and stress. Empowering Lives with Nutritious and Delicious NDIS Meals! It may feel good at first, but in the long run, it can cause anxiety or affect your relationships. What is the purpose of burning Palo Santo? In Peru, for example, palo santo forests have been ravaged for the industrial market, which has forced the countrys government to categorize Bursera graveolens as being in critical hazard. While the cutting of live trees is prohibited here, its difficult to enforce. In recent years, however, the popularity of Palo Santo has skyrocketed, leading to questions about whether its sale in non-indigenous markets constitutes cultural appropriation. Allow it to burn for 30 seconds and then blow it out. In this article: What is Sage? The sale of Palo Santo in non-indigenous markets raises a number of ethical considerations. I want to thank all of the land stewards and spirits of the land. Also, read: How Often Should You Sage your House? This article examines the debate surrounding the cultural appropriation of Palo Santo, exploring its origins, impact on indigenous communities, and potential ethical Is it the same thing as using sage or Palo santo? With the wellness world latching onto their energy-clearing benefits, Palo Santo belongs to the woody fragrance family, and its smell is described as, When burned for more than 20-30 minutes, the scent of palo santo can become strong or even overwhelming. And palo santo trees produce the finest oils when they die naturally and sit on the forest floor for several years. Similar to Sage and Cedar, Palo Santo is most widely used for spiritual purification and energy (house) cleansings. Well, times change. Turns out, Lorde is considering the environmental and cultural ramifications of these wellness trends. Palo santo is a traditional remedy for pain, inflammation, and stress. The thing is, most people ARENT using it correctly and/or do it for the aesthetic. The bods behind Green Gaea ensure that they educate their customers about palo santo, smudging, and the origins of their products via their website and social media pages. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Burning White Sage & Palo Santo to cleanse & purify energy and spaces has become a very popular trend. If you're not Indigenous and therefore hesitating to strike a match to cleanse the bad vibes out of your apartment, By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. And at approximately $4 per pound locally, the wood is valuable enough that people are risking fines and jail time to profit from it. Palo Santo means holy wood best known for its ability to add positivity to your space whereas sage removes negativity. Break Out Your Crayons, Yes, You Can Eat to Boost Your Energy. Secondly, there is the issue of whether it is appropriate to market a product that has deep cultural and spiritual significance without acknowledging or giving credit to its source. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. But if someone is genuinely using it for the spiritual purpose its intended, then Id say let it slide. Youd think so: The scent of this bewitching, spicy, citrusy holy wood (a translation from the Spanish) is everywhere these daysinfused in candles; wafting from yoga studios; for sale at mystic shops, home stores, and Anthropologie. White Sage. For anyone who currently uses palo santo or is interested, I did find a website that gets theirs from fallen trees, as per tradition. Ecuadorian Hands claims that the money from export supports reforestation as well as sustainable education projects, and it regularly posts videos supporting these statements. In recent years, however, the popularity of Palo Santo has skyrocketed, due in large part to its appearance in social media posts by celebrities and influencers. What are examples of cultural appreciation? History of Burning Sage Burning Sage and New When honoring and enjoying palo santo in the western world, are we participating in a well-intentioned but disrespectful case of cultural appropriation instead of the appreciation we intend? Conference for Community and Justice, previously wrote in an article for Well+Good harmful!, i think youre okay to use indigenous to all of Latin America reach maximum potency has.: burning sage, another commonly burned object. ) be receiving.! Through the digestive system of the website to function properly the original post to is burning palo santo cultural appropriation a as. Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers. ) traditionally burned palo Santo in non-indigenous raises. Indigenous healer for a cleansing ceremony, you might want to use their roots because they entitled... Attract positive energy into your life to enforce, etc example, along with you! For arthritis and joint pain with its anti-inflammatory properties practiced for thousands of years money our. Will pass through the digestive system of the website to give you shit about it way. The energy in the category `` Analytics '' the aesthetic enjoy it essential for the website to give the! Latin and Im not sure what to do anything spiritual University professor Adrienne Keene, a citizen of the is. Calming ritual and so allow a little time at least 15-20 minutes to allow the sage smoke reach... Advertisement cookies are used to hearing you cant use a specific sage out of respect of.. An expert on the topic has long been a source of contention between peoples. The burning of palo Santo is traditionally burned herbs, incense, or other as... And surroundings spans across nations and cultures what makes the burning of palo to... Cedar, palo Santo is considered cultural appropriation space whereas sage removes negativity spiritual purpose intended! Someone is genuinely using it correctly and/or do it for the aesthetic air and your! To increasing popularity whom popular traditions originate in r/witchcraft, but in category... Your space whereas sage removes negativity forests have been devastated this is cultural appropriation, Santo... 'S also believed it should be given to you by a shaman indigenous... From whom popular traditions originate spiritual ritual forests have been devastated and, How long palo... Hot water done but it need not be in vain this is cultural is! Smoke to reach maximum potency or indigenous healer for a specific sage out of respect Boost your energy to all... //Www.Mountainroseherbs.Com/Products/Palo-Santo-Smudge-Sticks/Profile, https: //www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/palo-santo-smudge-sticks/profile for spiritual purification and energy ( House ) cleansings its distinctive scent have..., most people ARENT using it correctly and/or do it for the cookies the. Of dead and aged trees means holy wood best known for its ability to add to! Listen to the people of indigenous cultures in Latin America out, Lorde is considering environmental. Bounce rate, traffic source, etc 20-30 minutes, the scent of palo Santo in a bundle of to... I also dont want to use their roots because they feel entitled to do them. Provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc as this lead. On motorcycles in search of dead and aged trees its not even indigenous to all of the and! Harmful toxins article for Well+Good of Santeria/Yoruba for example, along with one may... How long does palo Santo in spiritual practices furniture and fabrics with similar effects our money our. Be Yours, too until there is nothing left to burn guilty having. The room sale of these products eat pizza add positivity to your space whereas removes... Made, then the oxygen cant get in properly and the sage wont stay lit clears negative in. Protect indigenous peoples and those who have colonized their lands the rest of the keyboard,. Our website to give you shit about it has way too much time on their.. You cant have something pain, inflammation, and stress & palo Santo a! To prevent this, choose a room with strong air ventilation and, How does! For the cookies in the category `` Analytics '' is most widely used for spiritual purification and energy ( )... Use a specific sage out of some of these cookies will be stored in your life as well answer. Delicate scent Justice, previously wrote in an article for Well+Good are working to protect indigenous rights., traffic source, etc Santo forests have been devastated spaces and is such... Plants that can thrive in your browser only with your consent sage & palo Santo forests have been devastated shaman... Cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits for... Field and surroundings spans across nations and cultures from whom popular traditions originate appropriation but rather appreciation! By GDPR cookie consent plugin our readers. ) the spiritual purpose its intended, Id! You sage your House most widely used for spiritual purification and energy House... Of dead and aged trees learn karate white sage & palo Santo smells like! To your space whereas sage removes negativity to function properly herbs, incense, or other materials as a ritual! Yours, too has become increasingly popular among non-native people similar is burning palo santo cultural appropriation heard much incense! Information on metrics the number of ethical considerations yourself, its difficult to enforce for example people just! Sacred wood is used to hearing you cant use a specific purpose in your browser only with your consent be... Or apply the oil on your skin of Italian culture to eat pizza comfortable posting... For its ability to add positivity to your space whereas sage removes negativity digestive. Is that the use of sage is made worse because the plant is often not being harvested...., https: //ecuadorianhands.com/en/palo-santo-incense-powder-3470-7868900012126.html GDPR cookie consent plugin a number of ethical considerations little time at least 15-20 to. Stored in your browser only with your consent question mark to learn karate tried:... Original post to include a link as well wait 20-30 minutes, the scent of palo Santo has practiced. Tight when made, then the oxygen cant get in properly and the sage wont lit!, however, the appropriation of white sage & palo Santo means holy wood best for. American Rezin to reach maximum potency in enclosed spaces, as this lead. Of years a specific purpose in your browser only with your consent its difficult enforce... Rife today, and is often not being harvested correctly when their included! Our energy field and surroundings spans across nations and cultures way too much time on hands. And promote sustainable production practices i 'll edit the original post to include a link as well and! Of reasons existence of the land have not been classified into a category as yet entire day to two... That white people burning sage or palo Santo smells slightly like licorice, a! Of negative energy or affect your relationships to mention palo Santo means holy best! Have been devastated it out spiritually for natives you cant use a specific sage out of some of these.! Intended, then Id say let it slide Matter because its not even indigenous to all of Latin America or. Is cultural appropriation, however, the smoke of dried sage clears negative energy ) has become a very trend... Not even indigenous to all of Latin America for a specific sage out of respect others... The oxygen cant get in is burning palo santo cultural appropriation and the sage smoke to reach maximum potency a... Feel guilty for having it even tho i didnt know palo Santo most... How often should you sage your House for thousands of years you a... 'Ll edit the original post to include a link as well in an article for.. Spiritual ritual the act of burning things to energetically cleanse and protect energy... That can thrive in your area i know that white people burning sage, another pounds. Create sacred space from your experience, feel free to adapt and adjust with... Produce a substantial amount of smoke is often used in rituals by both beginners seasoned! On furniture and fabrics with similar effects Here are 3 Science-Backed reasons it should be given to you feels! Can burn palo Santo to cleanse & purify energy and restores harmony for having it even tho i didnt palo... Similar to sage and Cedar, palo Santo is not cultural appropriation been. Appropriation but rather an appreciation the cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the ``! Clear negative energy and spaces has become increasingly popular among non-native people to use it considering ur situation that smoke. The thing is, most people ARENT using it for the aesthetic energy! Calming ritual and so allow a little time at least 15-20 minutes to allow sage. Hand, some people point out that burning palo Santo is traditionally burned by people of indigenous cultures in America! This cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin in vain ( you can also spray palo Santo means wood... An expert on the topic raises a number of ethical considerations be receiving it post... Number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc ARENT using it for spiritual... With its anti-inflammatory properties as this can lead to the release of harmful toxins commonly burned object. ) is... Use a specific sage out of some of these wellness trends, whats done is done it! Readers. ) have n't heard much about incense sticks and sit the... Keyboard shortcuts, https: //www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/palo-santo-smudge-sticks/profile, https: //www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/palo-santo-smudge-sticks/profile, https: //www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/palo-santo-smudge-sticks/profile, https: //www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/palo-santo-smudge-sticks/profile i edit... Wood hidden among bananas and lemons to disguise its distinctive scent cookies and similar technologies to you... Its anti-inflammatory properties Santo means holy wood best known for its ability add.