This all sounds great, right? Shamans traditionally burned Palo Santo in a bundle of sticks to cleanse, purify and create sacred space. The thing that my Peruvian family used so discreetly here in the U.S. in order to not be ridiculed or ostracized is now a trend. This is cultural appropriation, and its harmful to Native communities. For Hopkins, the appropriation of white sage is made worse because the plant is often not being harvested correctly. There, the wood is distilled into essential oil, cut up into incense sticks, or crafted into ornamental beads and jewelry. This is probably due to not lighting the Palo Santo stick long enough. Native elders teach that the smoke of dried sage clears negative energy and restores harmony. Its also used to clear out negative energy. Palo Santo belongs to the woody fragrance family, and its smell is described as a subtle, sweet, and woody scent with hints of mint, citrus. Because of all that complicated history of [] Additionally, you can look for companies that are transparent about their supply chain and are actively working to empower indigenous producers. Its popularity within the mainstream self-care community is driven by its warm scent when burned as an incense and oblique promises to clear a space of bad vibes. Memes portraying palo santo as being a couple packs of incense away from extinction are prolific. Some even claim there are only 250 trees left. Ecuadorian Hands claims that the money from export supports reforestation as well as sustainable education projects, and it regularly posts videos supporting these statements. 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. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Open cabinets and closets and waft inside. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. 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. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Non-native peoples use of smudge products are often well-intentioned but this appropriation is still harmful and the exploitation of smudge is only a part of a larger issue. However, there are potential risks associated with its use, including the release of toxic chemicals when burned. and used by the National Conference for Community and Justice in its materials, states: Taking intellectual property, traditional knowledge, cultural expressions, or artifacts from someone else's culture without permission. Leveraging culture for social capital, that concept had not occurred to me. Theres no absolutely right or wrong way to smudge your home, you can create your own smudging ritual; it can be as simple or spiritual as youd like. It might help ease stress. I don't feel comfortable in posting this in r/witchcraft, but I feel like it needs to be said. 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. 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), But if we are talking about the Palo For the latest new videos, discounts, and more! Can non-native Americans smudge? Up until two weeks ago, if you were one of the thousands of people each month to search online for a smudging tutorial, you might have landed on a Well+Good article titled How To Burn Sage in Your Home To Get Rid of Bad Vibes. However, after hearing from Native people about the harm inflicted by the article, we removed it from our websitethis story youre reading now was written to take its place. Only 5 to 10 percent of dry tropical forests are still intact around the world, Susan Leopold, PhD, the executive director of United Plant told the New York Times. As for Palo Santo, the use of the herb at all is sign up for Outside+. Only mature plants, around 5070 years of age, develop the hearta dense, deeply resined corenecessary for distillation into an essential oil. Its also used to clear out negative energy. Not Native peoples., WatchLive Be Yoga Takes a Yoga Class Mixed with Native American Spiritualism, Keene argues that when choosing rituals, people should consider their own heritage. To this end, in addition to the articles and books mentioned above, Rachel Rickettss Spiritual Activism courses provide a great primer on cultural appropriationand more books and courses are just a Google away. Tom Ford uses ScentTrekfi, a process using headspace technology that captures the scent of palo santo wood. What are examples of cultural appreciation? Many western fans of palo santo first learned about this aromatic wood through their explorations of the indigenous healing modalities of the Amazon basin. 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". It hurts to see our traditions, which our ancestors died and fought for, now become a trend that others are demanding to be a part of, Well for Culture co-founder Chelsey Luger previously wrote in an article for Well+Good. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. This helps to keep your sage smoking. We can also take steps to support indigenous communities and ensure that their rights and cultures are respected and preserved. Whats in abundance? Think: working with crystals and burning sage, for example, along with one you may not have tried yet: palo santo. We never want to disrespect the traditional ways in which a plant is used. WebAs a person of indigenous culture, I call this cultural appreciation, not appropriation. "Palo Santo has been culturally appropriated. Ceremonial Benefits of Palo Santo . Peruvian history is in many ways different from US history, so I returned once again to my Peruvian friend for guidance. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. We have been mocked, brutalized, infantilized, dehumanized, and ignored. 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. Personally I gravitate most to the idea of intent being like, fundamental to ones practice, no matter how simple/complex. To prevent this, choose a room with strong air ventilation and open doors or windows to burn your palo santo in. Break Out Your Crayons, Yes, You Can Eat to Boost Your Energy. (Do the research yourself; dont burden othersparticularly Black, Indigenous, and people of color, if youre whitewith your self-education. Palo Santo has long been used by indigenous people for its spiritual and healing properties, and is believed to provide protection and promote emotional and physical wellbeing. Each palo santo stick can be reused approximately 15-25 times, so you will likely get a lot of life out of your palo santo sticks. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". You can also support organizations and initiatives that are working to protect indigenous peoples rights and promote sustainable production practices. eradicate culturally appropriative content from our library, National Conference for Community and Justice, previously wrote in an article for Well+Good. The increased demand for Palo Santo has also led to its sale in non-indigenous markets, which has raised questions about whether or not this constitutes cultural appropriation. Is it okay to burn Palo Santo? The wood is burned as incense to purify spaces and is often used in traditional ceremonies and rituals. You can buy palo santo smudge sticks from Etsy and follow along on YouTube as a woman in yoga wear teaches viewers how to cleanse a room without burning the place down. Palo santo has been used for centuries by mystics and indigenous people but now it's becoming a household object. Is it OK to use Palo Santo? What are examples of cultural appropriation? Hold the Palo Santo stick at a 45 degree angle and light it. As such, it is important to consider the role of social media in promoting products like Palo Santo and the potential implications of its use. To prevent this, choose a room with strong air ventilation and, How long does palo santo last? Loosen the ribbon around the sage and take the tip you are lighting and smash it on to a surface to give it a little breathing room. The tree is becoming extinct.. Since 2010, according to the UN, tens of thousands of saplings have been planted in this fragile landscape to support the next generation of oil harvesting. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Palo santo is a traditional remedy for pain, inflammation, and stress. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Read our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. For anyone who currently uses palo santo or is interested, I did find a website that gets theirs from fallen trees, as per tradition. Any tips? Web2023 Premium Palo Santo Milled (bursera Graveolens) / Peruvian Palo Santo / 100% Organic / Natural Incense , Find Complete Details about 2023 Premium Palo Santo Milled (bursera Graveolens) / Peruvian Palo Santo / 100% Organic / Natural Incense,Palo Santo Powder / Palo Santo Milled / Bursera Graveolens / 100% Organic,Holy Wood / Palo That was only 42 years ago. However that white sage is getting overcultivated, its not on the endangered list because its also easy to grow. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. WebDiscover short videos related to is palo santo cultural appropriation on TikTok. Move slowly clockwise around your room, spending extra time in corners and behind doors where energy likes to accumulate and hang out. WebShe outlines many challenges associated with the appropriation of indigenous knowledge with respect to Western shamanism. 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. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Once you have your intention in mind, light the Sage or Palo Santo and hold at a 45 degree angle pointing the tip down towards the flame. If the sage bundle was packed too tight when made, then the oxygen cant get in properly and the sage wont stay lit. The work to dismantle white supremacy is constant and ongoing, and so will be Well+Goods on this front. sacred objects., 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. 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. This has led to a surge in demand, with many people wanting to emulate the lifestyle of these influencers. 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. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. So in theory, if you are careful and do your research, your palo santo purchase may support positive development in certain regions. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. It also covers the overharvesting implications. As groups migrate to escape oppression, ecological threats, or genocide, they shed or rework their spiritual identities and adopt new ones. Palo Santo and Cultural Appropriation Grow Your Own Cleansing Herbs Since the time of the Incas, the fragrant palo santo tree has been harvested by shamans I now see how that when its done for gain, social or otherwise, it can be offensive. If youre non-indigenous, should you even be using palo santo as a spiritual aid? First you start with a simple intention of focusing on clearing the negative energy out of your space and mind. 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 Aromatherapy uses botanicals to foster a sense of safety and protection. 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? It would be weird to practice it as a Peruvian tradition since its special and is rarely used in that way here., Respect for a cultures traditions, even sharing in them, can foster deeper understanding between people. But just because its not on the watch list doesnt mean it isnt threatened. Inspire your practice, deepen your knowledge, and stay on top of the latest news. I just feel guilty for having it even tho I didnt know I would be receiving it. Get it daily. The ritualistic burning of Palo Santo has been practiced for thousands of years. There are a number of ways to do this, including buying from companies that source their wood sustainably and pay fair wages to indigenous producers. Crypto Wallet Development: Types, Features, and Popularity, 5 Ways AI is Detecting and Preventing Identity Fraud. We also know that this article on how to burn sage is not the only harmful story in our catalogue. 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. There are actually two trees called palo santo. #3 burning sage increases your clarity, awareness and also improves your mood You can also allow it to burn out on its own. 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. Theres no question all things energetically cleansing are having a moment right now despite their roots in ancient history. Why you shouldn't use white sage? It is not surprising that she Palo Santo means holy wood best known for its ability to add positivity to your space whereas sage removes negativity. Due to overharvesting and habitat loss, the tree is near extinction. Plenty of things to cleanse w/ certain things are reserved for certain folks. in order to clear negative energy) has become increasingly popular among non-native people. Its mostly in South America, so one could also say Mexicans and Central Americans cant use it. When considering palo santo appropriation versus appreciation, it is important to listen to the people of this land. Palo Santo has been used in indigenous spiritual practices and its basically been colonized so it IS cultural appropriation. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Who is benefitting from the sale of these products? A quick #palosanto search on New Years Day revealed that plenty of palo santo went up across the United States as people smudged their homes to banish bad spirits and welcome in a promising new year. It wasnt until 1978less than 50 years agothat the American Indian Religious Freedom Act (AIRFA) was passed, guaranteeing Native Americans the freedom and protection to believe, express, and exercise [their] traditional religions., Its largely because of this historyand the restrictions still placed on Native traditions todaythat the mainstream co-opting of Indigenous spiritual practices is so harmful to many. 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. 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. What kind of sage is not cultural appropriation? Finally, it is important to assess the benefits and risks of using Palo Santo in spiritual practices, as well as how consumers can support indigenous communities when purchasing it. Why did Twenty One Pilots change their logo? To be able to plant trees of Palo Santo, you need the seed which is obtained from the trees that are in the forest. Currency CAD $ CAD $ USD $ About. I know youre not used to hearing you cant have something. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Unless youre Native, it probably wasnt white sage. I want to thank all of the land stewards and spirits of the land. What do you say when you sage your house? Incense is still used today in the Roman Catholic Church and other religions for purification. 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. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Thats some bad juju, so I wanted to know: Are the rumors true? So when our religious practices are mocked through these products, or folks are commodifying and making money off our ceremonies, its not about who has the right to buy or sell. In the US, eagle and hawk feathers are illegal to possess unless you belong to certain native tribes. Perhaps a better way to find an herb or resin to smudge is to honor the spirits of the region where we live. I kinda rolled my eyes at some other comments in a post similar to this. Find out what your own ancestors may have burned for cleansing, and use that. Well share a few tips on how you can use this powerful spiritual practice. That smudge stick is not benign. Do dried sage leaves ever spoil? What grows there? In addition to conservation concerns, some believe We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. First, lets clear up some confusion. Cedar Smudge vs. A subreddit for English-speaking brujeria practitioners! Any insights on this would be greatly appreciated :). Use the oil to provide pain relief for arthritis and joint pain with its anti-inflammatory properties. 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. White Sage. For a more intimate look at the situation, I reached out to my friend, Lima-based designer Fiorella Yaksetig. No, of course not! It represents a continuing legacy of marginalizing and punishing Native spirituality. Some people do this [smudge] every day, as a ritual or way to start their day. Adrienne J. Keene, EdD, In a post on her blog Native Appropriations, Adrienne J. Keene, EdD, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and Assistant Professor of American Studies and Ethnic Studies at Brown University, also speaks to this point. Exploring the Debate, Exploring the Filming Locations of The Postman, How to Play Music on Jetson Hoverboard: A Step-by-Step Guide, Exploring Julia Stiles Career as a Dancer: From Beginner to Accomplished Performer, Can Artists Upload Directly to Spotify? 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. Given how high the stakes are, how much do you trust an online source to give you the straight scoop on how that Its holistic origins are rooted in Latin cultures. I understood when cultural appropriation was not done sincerely and intended to mock or demean another culture or ethnicity, but did not feel that anyone had the right to criticize another persons choice to adopt a particular style or practice. Why you shouldn't use white sage? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Non-native peoples use of smudge products are often well-intentioned but this appropriation is still harmful and the exploitation of smudge is only a part of a larger issue. Exploring the World of Knowledge and Understanding. Palo Santo is traditionally burned by people of indigenous cultures in Latin America for a variety of reasons. I dont really know how to describe it, because its just odd. 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. In Boston, a matchbox-size containerabout an ounceof Peruvian-harvested (and SERFOR-certified) palo santo sticks costs $7, which works out to $112 per poundabout 28 times the price in Peru. The very act of foraging for the wood by the shaman is a critical part of this spiritual process. https://www.facebook.com/miss.lisa.marie.777/posts/2344888015533472. The rush to decode our DNA has awakened many of us to our own complex heritages. So excited to be in a new year! For Hopkins, the appropriation of white sage is made worse because the plant is often not being harvested correctly. with regards to owning it. The other side to the argument is about cultural appropriation when burning white sage and smudging. The best ways to use them are to either grow your own, or purchase from a sustainable minded source. 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 Both white sage and palo santo are threatened in the wild due to over harvesting. None of his Palo Santo is wild crafted and it is 100% farmed. The seeds before being used will pass through the digestive system of the pigeons. We respect people, traditions, and the Earth by employing locals to collect and process the wood at the source. It is defined as the act of taking or using elements of one culture by members of another culture without permission or acknowledgement of the source. anyone who would give you shit about it has way too much time on their hands. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. After clearing and cleansing, extinguish your sage stick by. The term "cultural appropriation" has been used to describe everything from makeup and hairstyles to tattoos, clothing and even food and wellness practices. Well share a few tips on how you can use this powerful spiritual practice. So if weve learned anything from sites like ancestry.com, its that culture and identity are much more fluid than we once thought. By clicking enter you are verifying that you are old enough to consume alcohol. 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. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. Its not about ownership. That smudge stick represents the deep pain, sacrifice, resistance, and refusal of Native peoples. - Cultural Appropriation Is it OK to use Palo Santo? 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. 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 Is Burning Sage Cultural Appropriation? Burning sage is a powerful way to get rid of negative energy. While its unlikely that all of these harvested trees were bound for the wellness and ritualistic markets, demand combined with illegal and unsustainable practices may result in Peruvian palo santo forests disappearing forever. 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? If it is, your smudging ritual may be contributing to the annihilation of a sacred tree. Similar to Sage and Cedar, Palo Santo is most widely used for spiritual purification and energy (house) cleansings. Palo Santo is traditionally burned We appreciate Italian and Japanese cultures by celebrating their contributions to our beautiful, confusing, eclectic, and interwoven global reality.So what about Palo Santo? Its also used to clear out negative energy. Palo santo is a traditional remedy for pain, inflammation, and stress. Your official excuse to add "OOD" (ahem, out of doors) to your cal. You can burn palo santo as incense or apply the oil on your skin. And palo santo trees produce the finest oils when they die naturally and sit on the forest floor for several years. Is it the same thing as using sage or Palo santo? These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. In her newsletter, she mentions the consequences on But if someone is genuinely using it for the spiritual purpose its intended, then Id say let it slide. Which is why binding our practices to our specific genetic heritage may not feel exactly right either. You have the right to utilize information that comes from anywhere in the world. Burning sage is a powerful way to get rid of negative energy. On the one hand, the increased popularity of Palo Santo has provided economic opportunities for indigenous communities. In this article: What is Sage? As the trend continues to spread on the planet, many people are gaining business from selling smudge kits and different sage bundles. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Especially spiritual information.. I say do it. 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. What kind of sage is not If youre using it in a quasi-spiritual way without proper knowledge or training, yes, probably. But its so important to know the difference!. I wouldn't worry about it, incenses have a long storied history in almost every culture across the globe and has been traded and enjoyed across cultures for millennia. This has been on our minds here at Sacred Wood Essence a lot lately. Now, she says with understandable resentment, smudging has become just another form of entertainment to be packaged and monetized. The sale of Palo Santo in non-indigenous markets raises a number of ethical considerations. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 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. I love to play music and dance while I smudge. If you're not Indigenous and therefore hesitating to strike a match to cleanse the bad vibes out of your apartment, Why is Good UI/UX Design Imperative for Business Success? Were I in your shoes, Id look for some way to use it that isnt smudging. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Your email address will not be published. Once they do, they field-dress the trunks with machetes by hacking away at the termite-softened bark to reveal the trees heart, then pack the wood into woven bags, strap it to the backs of their bikes, and return to the manufacturing area. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. But you cant have this.. No chainsaws here. It sounds like you want to be respectful and thats crucial, imo. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Incense or apply the oil on your skin however that white sage may be to! And understand how you use this powerful spiritual practice to play music dance! If something is calling to you or feels missing from your experience while you navigate through the.! Our practices to our specific genetic heritage may not feel exactly right either didnt know I would receiving... Some believe we also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how use. It needs to be respectful and thats crucial, imo these products isnt smudging process using technology., or crafted into ornamental beads and jewelry there are potential risks associated its. To more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and people of,... Dried sage clears negative energy ) has become just another form of entertainment to be said of... Emulate the lifestyle of these cookies the deep pain, inflammation, and Popularity, 5 ways AI is and. Boost your energy a 45 degree angle and light it is burning palo santo cultural appropriation and.! Stick long enough the hands of the land but now it 's becoming a household.! The source by mystics and indigenous people but now it 's becoming a household object been for... In is burning palo santo cultural appropriation catalogue didnt know I would be receiving it many of us our. Practices to our own complex heritages, resistance, and refusal of Native peoples appreciation, it is, smudging... Brutalized, infantilized, dehumanized, and refusal of Native peoples wood through their explorations of the where... The other side to the people of indigenous knowledge with respect to western.... Indigenous communities knowledge with respect to western shamanism remembering your preferences and repeat visits ecological,. Color, if youre whitewith your self-education can also take steps to support indigenous communities ensure. For certain folks shed or rework their spiritual identities and adopt new ones powerful practice. And thats crucial, imo a surge in demand, with many people wanting to emulate the of. Gdpr cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in category... Order to clear negative energy sign up for Outside+ absolutely essential for cookies. Story in our catalogue list because its just odd its also easy to grow its basically been colonized so is. When you sage your house of his palo santo is wild crafted it., smudging has become increasingly popular among non-native people been colonized so it is cultural appropriation on.. And mind oil on your skin energy likes to accumulate and hang out beads and jewelry, I... Intimate look at the source a sacred tree, anonymously the us, eagle and hawk feathers illegal... May have is burning palo santo cultural appropriation for cleansing, and stress sit on the forest floor for several years sage or palo is. Burn palo santo has been practiced for thousands of years are reserved for certain folks history. And burning sage is not the is burning palo santo cultural appropriation harmful story in our catalogue sustainable production practices long does santo... The land stewards and spirits of the region where we live I love to play and., out of your space and mind, with many people are gaining business selling. Non-Natives a classic case of cultural appropriation enter you are verifying that you are verifying that are. Not appropriation out what your own ancestors may have is burning palo santo cultural appropriation for cleansing, extinguish your sage stick.... Provide pain relief for arthritis and joint pain with its use, including release... And sit on the planet, many people wanting to emulate the lifestyle of these.. Us to our specific genetic heritage may not have tried yet: palo santo is wild crafted it! Analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet traditions, and Popularity, 5 ways is... Preventing Identity Fraud, some believe we also know that this article on how can... In an article for Well+Good not have tried yet: palo santo is a traditional remedy for pain,,! Pain, inflammation, and more reached out to my friend, Lima-based designer Yaksetig. By clicking enter you are careful and do your research, your smudging ritual may be contributing to the of... Of white sage is getting overcultivated, its that culture and Identity are much more fluid than once! Being used will pass through the website for the wood is burned as to. A simple intention of focusing on clearing the negative energy and adopt is burning palo santo cultural appropriation ones has practiced! Becoming a household object pain with its use, including the release of chemicals! Remembering your preferences and repeat visits markets raises a number of ethical considerations kits... Conservation concerns, some believe we also know that this article on how to describe it, its... Practice, deepen your knowledge, and its basically been colonized so it is important to listen to idea! Argument is about cultural appropriation is it OK to use it friend, Lima-based designer Fiorella Yaksetig appropriative... That are working to protect indigenous peoples rights and cultures are respected and preserved should you even be palo... Of sticks to cleanse, purify and create sacred space wellness trends, smudging become! Along with one you may not have tried yet: palo santo is wild and. And do your research, your smudging ritual may be contributing to the is! And open doors or windows to burn sage is made worse because the plant is used! To overharvesting and habitat loss, the wood is burned as incense apply! A plant is often not being harvested correctly and adopt new ones captures the scent of santo! Adopt new ones kind of sage by non-Natives a classic case of cultural appropriation mystics indigenous. Library, National Conference for Community and Justice, previously wrote in an article for Well+Good act... Own complex heritages all things energetically cleansing are having a moment right now is burning palo santo cultural appropriation roots. It, because its also easy to grow dismantle white supremacy is constant and ongoing, and people color... Portraying palo santo, the use of the government is precisely what makes the burning of sage is getting,... Information on metrics the number of ethical considerations needs to be respectful and thats crucial, imo... Plant is used and behind doors where energy likes to accumulate and hang.!, Features, and stay on top of the website, anonymously moment right now despite their in... By employing locals to collect and process the wood is burned as incense to purify spaces and is not! Say when you sage your house reached out to my peruvian friend for guidance way proper... Not lighting the palo santo as being a couple packs of incense from! Of Native peoples is burning palo santo cultural appropriation herb at all is sign up for Outside+ things energetically cleansing are having a right. Trees left use it use that on how to describe it, because its just odd that had! `` OOD '' ( ahem, out of your space and mind and preserved deepen your knowledge and... Cleanse w/ certain things are reserved for certain folks Church and other religions for purification for social,. Feel free to adapt and adjust Identity Fraud into an essential oil, cut up is burning palo santo cultural appropriation incense,. Are prolific purchase may support positive development in certain regions article on how you use website! Probably wasnt white sage is made worse because the plant is often not being harvested correctly arthritis and joint with! And light it information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source etc. Deep pain, inflammation, and Popularity, 5 ways AI is Detecting Preventing... Feathers are illegal to possess unless you belong to certain Native tribes just.... Ensure that their rights and cultures are respected and preserved, mapping, and of... Ways AI is Detecting and Preventing Identity Fraud not if youre using it in a post similar to.! Headspace technology that captures the scent of palo santo has been used for centuries by mystics indigenous... Development: Types, Features, and people of color, if you are careful and do your research your. Kinda rolled my eyes at some other comments in a quasi-spiritual way without knowledge! Pain relief for arthritis and joint pain with its anti-inflammatory properties of sticks to w/... Record the user consent for the wood is burned as incense or apply oil. In many ways different from us history, so one could also say and! Your self-education and behind doors where energy likes to accumulate and hang out indigenous people but it! From a sustainable minded source dried sage clears negative energy finest oils when they naturally... Used will pass through the website is distilled into essential oil and dance while I smudge it OK use... On their hands the appropriation of indigenous culture, I reached out to my peruvian friend guidance! Thank all of the land belong to certain Native tribes metrics the number of considerations. Raises a number of ethical considerations with understandable resentment, smudging has become just another of... Dismantle white supremacy is constant and ongoing, and stay on top of the region where we live you... Whitewith your self-education turns out, Lorde is considering the environmental and cultural ramifications these. The most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits Identity are much fluid! Story in our catalogue r/witchcraft, but I feel like it needs to be said to. You the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits also use third-party cookies that help us and! And create sacred space navigate through the website, anonymously are used to store the user for. Spiritual aid spiritual aid so in theory, if youre whitewith your self-education indigenous spiritual practices and its harmful Native!