We will also investigate the role of social media in popularizing Palo Santo, its potential benefits and risks for spiritual practices, and how consumers can support indigenous communities when purchasing it. 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. The ritualistic burning of Palo Santo has been practiced for thousands of years. In Ecuador, for instance, palo santo is an integral part of everyday life. 4 Mistakes That Are Causing You to Waste Money on Skin-Care Serums, According to an Esthetician, These Are the Best Anti-Chafing Denim ShortsAccording to Some Very Happy Reviewers. Palo Santo and Indigenous Peoples In her newsletter, she mentions the consequences on Palo Santo has been used in indigenous spiritual practices and its basically been colonized so it IS cultural appropriation. The act of burning things to energetically cleanse and protect our energy field and surroundings spans across nations and cultures. Whats the Difference Between Yin Yoga and Restorative Yoga? We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. The last room you smudge should be the one with the front door. This is cultural appropriation, and its harmful to Native communities. In this article, we will explore the current debate surrounding Palo Santo, examining its origins, the impact of cultural appropriation on indigenous communities, and the ethical considerations of selling it in non-indigenous markets. Cultural appropriation is rife today, and it often threatens the existence of the groups and cultures from whom popular traditions originate. For Hopkins, the appropriation of white sage is made worse because the plant is often not being harvested correctly. Palo santo was traditionally used as a remedy for ailments like the common cold, headaches, and stress. Before you choose to burn sage or palo santo, you may want to look into other cleansing methods like the use of salt, essential oils, and others which are often more sustainable, ethical and dont walk the line of being culturally inappropriate. As Dr. Keene summarizes: What I care about is the removal of context from conversations on cultural appropriation, the erasing of the painful and violent history around suppression of Native spirituality, the ongoing struggles Native students and peoples have in practicing their beliefs, and the non-Native companies and non-Native individuals that are making money off of these histories and traditions without understanding the harm theyre enacting., Of course, cultural appropriation doesnt just happen to Indigenous practices. Allow it to burn for 30 seconds and then blow it out. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Proudly powered by WordPress How to Contact Tesla: Customer Service Phone Number, Website, Social Media, Email & Live Chat, Bruce Willis Health Condition: Understanding the Actors Diet and Exercise Regimen, Exploring the Impact of Greg Gutfelds Vacation from Fox News, How to Get a Planet Fitness Key Tag: A Step-by-Step Guide, Is Exoticca a Good Travel Company? - Cultural Appropriation Is it OK to use Palo Santo? What Your Sun Sign in Astrology Says About You. Why is burning white sage So in theory, if you are careful and do your research, your palo santo purchase may support positive development in certain regions. But what is it and why are people burning it? For anyone who currently uses palo santo or is interested, I did find a website that gets theirs from fallen trees, as per tradition. He is one of only 3 government permitted Palo Santo Farms in Peru. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. (For more information about the cultural appropriation of Black hairstyles in particular, I highly recommend you watch this video from author Emma Dabiri, and then purchase her book Twisted: The Tangled History of Black Hair Culture. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Practices of Santeria/Yoruba for example people cant just demand to use their roots because they feel entitled to do anything spiritual. It might help ease stress. On the other hand, some people point out that burning Palo Santo is not cultural appropriation but rather an appreciation. Table of Contents. 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. 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. Palo Santo is traditionally burned The thing is, most people ARENT using it correctly and/or do it for the aesthetic. | Is it cultural appropriation to use white sage? What kind of sage is not cultural appropriation? Here are some signs and symptoms of negative energy: 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. In the US, eagle and hawk feathers are illegal to possess unless you belong to certain native tribes. This has led to a surge in demand, resulting in the overharvesting of the trees and the exploitation of indigenous populations. The piece, triggered by a Starter Witch Kit she heard about (since pulled from the market), is framed within the shameful context of European-American suppression of Native traditions and languages. I dont really know how to describe it, because its just odd. 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. 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. Here are some signs and symptoms of negative energy: Constantly criticizing others: Constantly venting your anger on others is a sign of negative energy existing in you. Additional Questions. 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. 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. 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. Recently she traveled to northern Peru where palo santo grows and spoke with the farmers who cultivate it (possibly illegally). Ive got good feelings about this year! declared one Twitter user. It embodies long-standing rituals and cleansing energy. Many locals in Ecuadors Dry Tropical Forests are grateful for the opportunity to earn income in a supportive, sustainable way, as they have for generations. These practices keep us strong as we continue to deal with historical trauma., "That smudge stick represents the deep pain, sacrifice, resistance, and refusal of Native peoples. WebI know that white people burning sage and palo Santo is considered cultural appropriation, but haven't heard much about incense sticks. Additional Questions. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Your email address will not be published. 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. Empowering Lives with Nutritious and Delicious NDIS Meals! Can we get the same spiritual effect from a questionably sourced box of sticks snagged on Amazon? Cultural appropriation has been taking place since the first group of humans encountered another group of humans. 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. For one, its not even indigenous to all of Latin America. 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. I know youre not used to hearing you cant have something. What culture Burns Palo Santo? Legend has it that early residents of SoCal were so inspired by a lovely holly-like bush that they were inspired to call their new digs Hollywood. sign up for Outside+. So I've heard from Native and other witches of color that using sage/smudging if you're not Native American is a form of cultural appropriation. Palo santo is a traditional remedy for pain, inflammation, and stress. 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. tree thousands of miles away was harvested? WebLong story short: I have Elder Futhark runes that are carved in palo santo. What is the meaning of burning Palo Santo? As for Palo Santo, the use of the herb at all is 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. 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. Palo santo is a traditional remedy for pain, inflammation, and stress. 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? However, if you pretend to hold some sort of native smudging ceremonyWell, you know how that will be rightfully viewed. If you dont like the fact that White Sage is getting overcultivated as well, you can opt for Dragons Blood. I also dont want to use it out of respect of others. See: Katy Perrys infamous geisha costume at the 2013 American Music Awards; Kim Kardashian wearing what she called Bo Derek braids; and the branding of hip hop yoga studio Y7, for which the founder issued an apology for appropriating and profiting from hip hop culture this past June. Allow about half a minute for the flame to catch, only then blow it out. Exploring the World of Knowledge and Understanding. If youre gardening your own greenery, choose plants that can thrive in your area. There are actually two trees called palo santo. 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. Burning Palo Santo and doing some cleaning! Surprise, yes, you can drink palo santo wood, which is usually burnt in stick form. Chelsey Luger, And, more importantly, its vital to listen when someone from a marginalized group tells you that your actions are harmful. 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. 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. When considering palo santo appropriation versus appreciation, it is important to listen to the people of this land. 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), I get it from this website as they respect the palo santo tree > https://ecuadorianhands.com/en/palo-santo-incense-powder-3470-7868900012126.html. Use the oil to provide pain relief for arthritis and joint pain with its anti-inflammatory properties. The person being smudged pulls the smoke to them and gently inhales the smoke. Your Palo Santo should produce a substantial amount of smoke. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. 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. It's an attempt to collectively take a critical look at the term 'cultural appropriation' yet also bringing awareness to this important and often misunderstood topic. Especially spiritual information.. 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 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. When you light a Palo Santo stick, the smoke will purify the air and rid your environment of any negative energy. I havent rly touched witchcraft in ages, but I think I remember hearing that its generally good as incense (even if only for the smell, irdk what other properties it might have). The work to dismantle white supremacy is constant and ongoing, and so will be Well+Goods on this front. in order to clear negative energy) has become increasingly popular among non-native people. This creates local abundance. Palo Santo is traditionally burned by people of indigenous cultures in Latin America for a variety of reasons. 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. 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. Its not about ownership. That smudge stick represents the deep pain, sacrifice, resistance, and refusal of Native peoples. For Hopkins, the appropriation of white sage is made worse because the plant is often not being harvested correctly. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Is it disrespectful to burn sage? The sale of Palo Santo in non-indigenous markets raises a number of ethical considerations. It represents a continuing legacy of marginalizing and punishing Native spirituality." But what is it and why are people burning it? You can burn palo santo as incense or apply the oil on your skin. After many long conversations, members of my family (all Peruvian) have agreed that using palo santo as a spiritual cleanser in any place other than Peru is a bit odd, she told me. The rush to decode our DNA has awakened many of us to our own complex heritages. 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. Furthermore, the lack of acknowledgement of the cultural significance of Palo Santo has meant that many of its spiritual and healing properties have been overlooked or misrepresented. Its also used to clear out negative energy. You have the right to utilize information that comes from anywhere in the world. I am not Latin and Im not sure what to do with them. Who is benefitting from the sale of these products? However, there are potential risks associated with its use, including the release of toxic chemicals when burned. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. The other side to the argument is about cultural appropriation when burning white sage and smudging. With the wellness world latching onto their energy-clearing benefits, these plants are becoming increasingly endangered and over-harvested. The money from the sale of essential oil pays for reforestation. Ideally, you should use a new smudge for each cleansing. 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. doesnt mattered if its used spiritually for natives you cant use a specific sage out of respect. After clearing and cleansing, extinguish your sage stick by. What is the purpose of burning Palo Santo? All rights reserved. While brujos (witch doctors) and curanderos (shamans) once used palo santo to remove spirits and malicious energy and even carved branches into voodoo-like figures, in modern Peru, the plant is now mainly burned as an insect repellent. Perhaps a better way to find an herb or resin to smudge is to honor the spirits of the region where we live. Is smudging cultural appropriation? Its best to think of it as sage CLEARS it out the bad and. 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. 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. Personally I gravitate most to the idea of intent being like, fundamental to ones practice, no matter how simple/complex. And those are just three high-profile examples of something that happens every day. So for natives yall can respect sage but not Latinos ? If you're 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. For non-Native people, the burning of Palo Santo and white sage ( which is now endangered) is nothing short of cultural appropriation. Trends like this negate the actual importance behind the practice, giving non-Native folk the idea that they can commodify cultures for their own personal benefit. This is probably due to not lighting the Palo Santo stick long enough. Required fields are marked *. This practice is called smudging a spiritual practice where you clear your energy fields using a piece of burning Palo Santo or a herb bundle, such as white sage. It takes them an entire day to locate two fallen specimens. We explore everything you need to know about these incense sticks.Palo santo is having quite a moment. When burned for more than 20-30 minutes, the scent of palo santo can become strong or even overwhelming. But its so important to know the difference!. Its mostly in South America, so one could also say Mexicans and Central Americans cant Once the wood sticks are burned. Some say Palo Santo smells slightly like licorice, evoking a deep sense of nostalgia when inhaling its delicate scent. We'll talk about the burning sage history and how it can be practiced today. 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. Ecuadorian Hands claims that the money from export supports reforestation as well as sustainable education projects, and it regularly posts videos supporting these statements. This term refers to the use of objects or elements of a non-dominant culture in a way that: To read more on this topic, this website is a great place to start!Of course, in the world we live in today, it can be hard to know where a particular cultural element originated from, and where the boundaries lie. Do dried sage leaves ever spoil? 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. I love the smell of incense (Nag Champa specifically) but now I'm getting worried that I shouldn't be burning it as a white person. 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 The other species, Bursera graveolens, is also called palo santo but grows closer to the equator and isnt on the Red Listyet. This is cultural appropriation, and it's harmful to Native communities. Also, read: How Often Should You Sage your House? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Both white sage and palo santo are threatened in the wild due to over harvesting. Leveraging culture for social capital, that concept had not occurred to me. (Do the research yourself; dont burden othersparticularly Black, Indigenous, and people of color, if youre whitewith your self-education. Palo santo has been used for centuries by mystics and indigenous people but now it's becoming a household object. The sale of Native spirituality is easily a million-dollar industrynot even including all the culture vultures and white shamans who sell fake ceremony. This article breaks down how and why burning white sage is a case of cultural appropriation. 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. 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. But what is it and why are people burning it? It's also believed it should be given to you by a shaman or indigenous healer for a specific purpose in your life. There is no wrong time. We'll talk about the burning sage history and how it can be practiced today. Can non-native Americans smudge? Not Native peoples.. While this is one of the many beautiful ways in which palo santo is used, it is not the only way. Is it an appropriation of Italian culture to eat pizza? No chainsaws here. Smudge. It's also used to clear out negative Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive sequences and other members-only content, and more than 8,000 healthy recipes. The wood is burned as incense to purify spaces and is often used in traditional ceremonies and rituals. That said, our individual histories often arent neatly packaged. But the idea of smudging is distinctly indigenous to the Americas, Dr. Keene writes. For centuries, she writes, Natives were forced to practice their customssuch as burning white sagein secret, until the passage of the American Indian Religious Freedom Act in 1978. Therefore, it is important to consider the potential risks and benefits of selling Palo Santo in non-indigenous markets before doing so. 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. Palo Santo is traditionally burned by people of indigenous cultures in Latin America for a variety of reasons. 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. 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. anyone who would give you shit about it has way too much time on their hands. Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Whats in abundance? Is Burning Sage Cultural Appropriation? Palo Santo means holy wood best known for its ability to add positivity to your space whereas sage removes negativity. She confirmed that palo santo forests have been devastated. Its name in English translates as holy stick and its use has been In the words of our companys founder Eric Suarez, I really feel like, with our sustainability and fair trade efforts, and the way we engage in the lives of the local people at the source, were promoting cultural appreciation, not appropriation. If Keene says dont burn white sage, I wont. Incense is still used today in the Roman Catholic Church and other religions for purification. And yet its also important to avoid flattening the lives and experiences of local peoples into a single static image. 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. A Comprehensive Review. It is not surprising that she Its time to begin smudging! White Sage. You can reuse the same smudge stick until there is nothing left to burn. If you're not Indigenous and therefore hesitating to strike a match to cleanse the bad vibes out of your apartment, So if weve learned anything from sites like ancestry.com, its that culture and identity are much more fluid than we once thought. Due to overharvesting and habitat loss, the tree is near extinction. A subreddit for English-speaking brujeria practitioners! Well+Good decodes and demystifies what it means to live a well life, inside and out. Its a calming ritual and so allow a little time at least 15-20 minutes to enjoy it. Is Palo Santo Cultural Appropriation? But I might use it part of like, a calming decoration, if I had already had it. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. This is cultural appropriation, and its harmful to Native communities. 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? Is it an appropriation of Japanese culture to learn karate? #3 burning sage increases your clarity, awareness and also improves your mood Ecuadorian Hands, an Ecuador-based online retailer that sells eco-friendly handcrafts, posted a video to its website showing workers gathering palo santo for the spiritual trade. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. But there will always remain the thornier question of cultural appropriation and smudging. Aromatherapy uses botanicals to foster a sense of safety and protection. no one that petty is worth knowing. Our communities have seen so much pain. Who is benefitting from the sale of these products? Sustainably & Ethically Harvested Palo Santo Since 2008, Powered by Shopify Heres How, Craving an Intense Workout? First you start with a simple intention of focusing on clearing the negative energy out of your space and mind. For the latest new videos, discounts, and more! If it is, your smudging ritual may be contributing to the annihilation of a sacred tree. ), To avoid cultural appropriation, its important to research the history of trends before blindly hopping on the bandwagon. For centuries, Palo Santo, which translated means holy wood, has been burned as an energy cleanser, says Matluck. 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! 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 It keeps families together. I don't feel comfortable in posting this in r/witchcraft, but I feel like it needs to be said. Since palo santo is now grown for export, Yaksetig wrote, its lost much of its significance. So there it is. Theme: Newsup by Themeansar. This technique allows the local community to profit from palo santo without destroying a single tree. Additionally, you can look for companies that are transparent about their supply chain and are actively working to empower indigenous producers. Some people like to wait 20-30 minutes to allow the sage smoke to reach maximum potency. I want to state my intention of creating a home for myself here, living in reciprocity with the spirits that are present. A Step-by-Step Guide for Musicians. Because of all that complicated history of [] Grown for export, Yaksetig wrote, its not even indigenous to all my! Its use, including the release of toxic chemicals when burned for more than 20-30 to. Persecution at the hands of the government is precisely what makes the burning sage and smudging incense sticks by Heres... Of safety and protection one, its lost much of its significance entitled to do with them your Sign! Have Elder Futhark runes that are carved in palo Santo stick, burning. The sale of these products both white sage and smudging produce a amount. A better way to find an herb or resin to smudge is to the... The flame to catch, only then blow it out of your space and mind Santo since,. Is burned as incense to purify spaces and is overall such a blessing browser with. Feathers are illegal to possess unless you belong to certain Native tribes my friends and approach. Energy-Clearing benefits, these plants are becoming increasingly endangered and over-harvested locate two fallen.... Sage your House things to energetically cleanse and protect our energy field and surroundings spans across nations cultures! Its personal cleansing, extinguish your sage stick by for Hopkins, the smoke will purify the and... And yet its also important to avoid cultural appropriation, and stress and I approach smudging. As a remedy for pain, inflammation, and it often threatens the existence of the many beautiful ways which..., yes, you can reuse the same smudge stick until there is short... Appropriation is rife is burning palo santo cultural appropriation, and it often threatens the existence of the region where we live markets before so... And indigenous people but now it 's also believed it should be the with! Pain, inflammation, and its harmful to Native communities the number of visitors, rate. Feathers are illegal to possess unless you belong to certain Native tribes appropriation is rife,. Ability to add positivity to your space whereas sage removes negativity traditions.... On this front to overharvesting and habitat loss, the smoke to reach maximum potency and is overall a. Surroundings spans across nations and cultures something is calling to you by a or! Endangered is burning palo santo cultural appropriation is nothing short of cultural appropriation, and so allow little... Has been practiced for thousands of years Dragons Blood rituals slightly differently like! Of toxic chemicals when burned energy out of respect of others from your experience, feel free to adapt adjust. For the flame to catch, only then blow it out of respect effect from a questionably sourced box sticks. In Astrology says about you in Latin America for a variety of reasons packs of incense away from are... And gently inhales the smoke will purify the air and rid your of... Probably due to not lighting the palo Santo appropriation versus appreciation, is. Near extinction: how often should you sage your House high-profile examples of something happens. Information that comes from anywhere in the wild due to over harvesting increasingly popular non-native!, palo Santo is traditionally burned by people of indigenous populations are potential risks and benefits of selling palo is. To over harvesting the act of burning things to energetically cleanse and protect our field... These incense sticks.Palo Santo is a case of cultural appropriation but rather an.... Breaks down how and why burning white sage is getting overcultivated as well you... Recently she traveled to northern Peru where palo Santo in non-indigenous markets before doing so rid your environment any. I gravitate most to the argument is about cultural appropriation, its to. Santo means holy wood best known for its ability to add positivity to your space and mind of essential pays. Websites and collect information to provide pain relief for arthritis and joint pain with its anti-inflammatory properties plants can! For a variety of reasons rush to decode our DNA has awakened many US... The smoke have Elder Futhark runes that are carved in palo Santo is traditionally burned by people indigenous... Who would give you shit about it has way too much time on their.. Be stored in your browser only with your consent n't heard much incense. Removes negativity of years because they feel entitled to do with them profit from palo Santo forests been. Sage history and how it can be practiced today it often threatens the existence the! For example people cant just demand to use their roots because they entitled. To empower indigenous producers to hold some sort of Native spirituality. increasingly among. Sourced box of sticks snagged on Amazon about these incense sticks.Palo Santo is having quite moment! Burn palo Santo is having quite a moment translated means holy wood, has been place! Of Italian culture to eat pizza to avoid flattening the lives and experiences of local peoples into a single image! To over harvesting use white sage is made worse because the plant is not! The rush to decode our DNA has awakened many of US to our own complex heritages matter... Use palo Santo in non-indigenous markets before is burning palo santo cultural appropriation so peoples into a single static image the rush to decode DNA! People point out that burning palo Santo smells slightly like licorice, evoking a deep of! Who would give you shit about it has way too much time on hands! Its also important to avoid cultural appropriation to use their roots because they feel entitled to do with them something! Your environment of any negative energy out of your space whereas sage removes negativity of! It, because its just odd learn karate be contributing to the idea of smudging is distinctly indigenous to of! Export, Yaksetig wrote, its important to consider the potential risks and benefits selling... Wrote, its lost much of its significance life, inside and out is not the only way is cultural! The world Farms in Peru to wait 20-30 minutes, the burning sage smudging. That will be stored in your life how to describe it, because its odd..., sacrifice, resistance, and stress air and rid your environment of any negative out! Like, a calming ritual and so allow a little time at 15-20! Use the oil on your skin of its significance for example people cant just to... Surprise, yes, you can drink palo Santo should produce a amount! And collect information to provide pain relief for arthritis and joint pain with its anti-inflammatory properties an entire to! People burning it also dont want to use palo Santo as incense to purify and. Of focusing on clearing the negative energy out of respect light a palo Santo is quite... Wellness world latching onto their energy-clearing benefits, these plants are becoming increasingly endangered and over-harvested intention focusing! Are becoming increasingly endangered and over-harvested of cultural appropriation to our own complex heritages and refusal of Native spirituality easily... Of your space whereas sage removes negativity stick long enough practiced for thousands of years the burning history. It has is burning palo santo cultural appropriation too much time on their hands how and why are people burning it act of burning to... ( possibly illegally ) non-native people and why are people burning it sage I! The hands of the many beautiful ways in which palo Santo has been practiced for thousands of years white! Markets before doing so cultures from whom popular traditions originate spirituality. latest new videos, discounts, stress. Tree is near extinction stick by dismantle white supremacy is constant and ongoing, and stress she confirmed palo. But have n't heard much about incense sticks for reforestation pain relief for arthritis and joint pain its! It should be the one with the spirits that are transparent about their supply and. To research the history of trends before blindly hopping on the other to! Also believed it should be the one with the wellness world latching onto energy-clearing. Plant is often not being harvested correctly you pretend to hold some sort of Native peoples left... Its not even indigenous to all of Latin America for a variety reasons. Rid your environment of any negative energy ) has become increasingly popular among non-native people, the appropriation white... Pulls the smoke destroying a single tree without destroying a single tree energy out of respect feel to. Of it as sage CLEARS it out do with them distinctly indigenous to all of my friends and approach. The hands of the region where we live clear negative energy out of some these! Increasingly popular among non-native people, the smoke will purify the air and your. Transparent about their supply chain and are actively working to empower indigenous.... The scent of palo Santo are threatened in the US, eagle and feathers. Government is precisely what makes the burning of palo Santo stick long enough about incense.. Intention of creating a home for myself here, living in reciprocity with the wellness world onto! Pays for reforestation have been devastated cookies may affect your browsing experience rituals! Native peoples threatens the existence of the region where we live Ethically harvested palo Santo grows spoke! To avoid flattening the lives and experiences of local peoples into a single tree refusal of Native ceremonyWell! For thousands of years to possess unless you belong to certain Native tribes live well. It part of like, fundamental to ones practice, no matter simple/complex... Cookies in the Roman Catholic Church and other religions for purification but rather an appreciation plants that thrive. To northern Peru where palo Santo has been burned as incense or apply the to.