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Sacred Sage

Sacred sage, salvia apiana, also known as white sage or bee sage, has been used by indigenous cultures for thousands of years in ceremony, as a medicine, and to purify. There are certain times of the year when the sage is picked. It is done so with the mood of gratitude and with an offering to the plant spirit before leaves are picked. One should sit before the plant in silence for a moment, ask permission, and give a gift in return. Only take what you need and never take so much that it would cause harm to the plant. Different "safe" amounts have been defined; I never pick more than three branches from any one plant.

Stems with leaves, bundled and tied with plain cotton string, are dried and later used like an incense stick. The smoke is seen as a vehicle to carry your prayers to the creator in ceremony. It is used to smudge (cleanse) tools, spaces, and people. Medicine tea is also made from the leaves. Leaves can be sprinkled in bath water for a cleansing bath.

Never pull a plant from where it is growing; buy one from a nursery if you wish to grow some in your yard. Treat it with the same respect you would a wild one. Sacred sage, harvested and worked with in the right way, is not to be sold, but given. Donations can be accepted but not expected.

O Mitakuye Oyasin
(All My Relations)

Pilar Gamboa

Pilar Gamboa is a Level 3 Aka Dua Master who specializes in working with those who are undergoing transition. She occasionally leads Labyrinth Readers Courses for those who wish to work with others in the area of conscious dying. She may be contacted by calling The Tequihua Foundation offices at (951) 686-3471 or by emailing pgamboa@tequihuafoundation.org

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