Lest we make ourselves seem more ignorant that we may actually be. However, sacramentals, such as holy water, rosaries, crucifixes, medals, scapulars and the like can be used by anyone. Infinite Embers is a holistic guide to mind/body wellness, delivered with no-bs realness. Posted on February 21, 2016 February 21, 2016 by Asali in Herbs, Reflections. A viral video has started a debate about "cultural appropriation" and the racial politics of hair. Yes, brain storage. I felt very connected to this small part of my ancestry growing up in Albuquerque, New Mexico. A quick side note on Palo Santo, another popular source to burn: it’s also being over-harvested and near being endangered, so please avoid and do not buy! It just means I am ignorant and using words incorrectly. One step closer to unity. And this is the sticky point. Now share it with your friends and community. You don’t need sage to do it. Native American culture is a prominent part of the state (where there are 23 tribes). From the appropriation of … However, cultural appropriation has been a regular, integrated practice in neo-paganism for so long that folks appropriating often experience denial or resistance when confronted with the fact they are perpetrators. You’re not smudging unless you’re smudging. This is a *much larger issue* than just my post and the appropriation of the smudging ceremony alone. The essay concludes with implications of appropriation and consumption of black culture. Cultural Appropriation Over the last few centuries, smudging has become recognized and practised by non-Indigenous peoples. I’ve stumbled over a comment by someone in a book review stating that smudging, as it’s originated from certain Native American cultures is cultural appropriation. In other words, cultural appropriation is a thing, in and of itself. We must respect it and what it symbolizes, and less is more. If they are, then they are very flimsy and will crumble sooner or later. Saining practices are important but why did Scottish folk magic practitioners carry them out? Sage, dream catchers, and Kachina dolls are literally sold in kiosks in our small airport. Smudging and other Native spiritual practices are still not openly supported in spaces we occupy. The popularity of white sage, tied into tight bundles called smudge sticks, is not as simple as a nice smell. Cultural appropriation or cultural celebration? I admit that it took me a while to really think about what it means to burn sage. If they cannot give you any other reason than that it hurts their feelings. It was illegal for Natives to practice their religion (including smudging) until 1978 in the U.S. It’s something they’ve had to fight for. For the term cultural appropriation, we are using the definition of appropriation “take and use without the owner’s permission.” In many traditions, the … Continue reading → Let’s be clear on that from the get-go. Across Native communities, we use different medicines for smudging depending on where we’re from. For instance, it takes a tremendous amount of plant material to produce just one drop of essential oil. It's cultural appropriation of a threatened plant. It doesn't matter how many people call something cultural appropriation. You will still find people telling you, you have no business doing it. Palo Santo and Cultural Appropriation. Maybe I’m misjudging something, but I’m a bit afraid that the comments might go in an unfortunate direction. Beliefs and practices are not based on feelings. Due to its current trendiness, white sage is being over-harvested along the Southern California coast, harming the land and making it harder to find, thus increasing its cost. It's a controversial topic, one that activists and celebrities like Adrienne Keene and Jesse Williams have helped bring into the national spotlight. However, to serve him properly, one must be duly initiated. Cultural sensitivity appears to dictate a protocol of invitation for non-Indigenous peoples. I’ve gotten most of the sticks I’ve used when visiting home in NM, and those not-white-sage bundles look much more like regular leaves. It brings us one step closer to healing as a collective. Then you can respectfully disregard their opinions. It’s what’s in these photos. Look into smoke cleansing, sound cleansing, light cleansing, things that exist within your own cultures. In reality though, it is not as simple as that. Live your life boldl, New Year, New Moon — New Event! It’s all about what Halloween costume you wear, or who’s cooking biryani. What is a hardiness zone? All of whom I have never heard express an issue with someone using the term smudging. Plant Research. Indigenous people share their thoughts on why cultural appropriation and overharvesting more than cancel out the good vibes. If you buy a smudge kit at a health food store or on an Etsy site that includes a feather and a fan for blowing around the smoke, you’re participating in cultural appropriation. Similarly, in Vodou, anyone can avail themselves in prayer of Papa Legba. Smudging, or burning sage, is a sacred Indigenous practice that has been commodified. Smudging is definitely probably not a non-Indigenous/non-Indigenous elder-trained person using a bundle of white sage tied up with string to clear a space or themselves of negative energy. White sage grows in Southern California, where yoga, holistic health, and spirituality are booming, along with cultural appropriation of the origins of those practices. You can practice smoke cleansing with different kinds of wood and herbs. Respecting sage and the practice of smudging means we are respecting Native Americans. Cultural appropriation is "taking or using from a culture that is not your own, especially without showing you understand or respect this culture." I’m a yoga teacher in Southern California—and I see it being used and sold everywhere. He listens to and assists anyone who prays to Him. Some alternatives include cinnamon, juniper, lavender, pine, rosemary, and clove. You're forgetting the fact that ACTUAL natives who are actually from the culture where smudging originates are the ones who believe it is appropriative for others to use this, and you have no authority to speak over them. Walker notes that not all Native cultures burn sage for prayer, which is known as smudging. Palo Santo and Cultural Appropriation. » By yoga + meditation teacher Amy BaackLEARN MORE ABOUT THE BLOG. Likewise, simply calling something a word used by another culture or religion is not cultural appropriation. Yes, it is. Is Smudging Cultural Appropriation? So keep burning away! If you’re non-indigenous, should you even be using palo santo as a spiritual aid? So I don’t speak on behalf of Indigenous People, but rather as a person of privilege about something that needs to change. Stenberg then goes on to give the best definition of appropriation I’ve ever heard. This isn’t an opinion or debate, it’s fact. Ceremonial smudging involves the burning of sacred medicines. (Responsibly, of course.). But sage is currently by far the most common in the wellness world. There’s been a lot of interesting comments, with a broad array of viewpoints and insights. Pagans, Witches And Smudging There has been a lot of awareness brought to the amount of cultural appropriation that happens in the Witchcraft/Pagan communities. Indigeneity is having a "moment" in popular culture, one which has lasted decades. If it bothers you ... call it "cleansing" instead of smudging. Ahhh… do you love sage as much as I do? Use of white sage and the term smudging by Non-Natives is cultural appropriation. Recently, Sephora advertised a bohemian “witch kit” with white sage included. I get where they are coming from, but since a) they just threw that one sentence out there and didn’t say anything more on the topic and b) they were white themselves, I was wondering if there’s someone here who’s able to help me educate myself better on the topic? This is cultural appropriation, and here's why it's harmful. Plant Databases. You can also try energy-clearing practices for your space that don’t require any burning, like Himalayan salt lamps, crystals, and diffusing essential oils! If you fan around a bit of smoke to cleanse your space, then that's all good. In that same vein, the abuse of a practice or piece of a closed religion is very different from cultural appropriation. I’m wishing the b, Shortcut to Calm: A Breath-Centered Meditation Course, The Ultimate 2020 Holiday Wellness Gift Guide, The Meaning of Savasana: Why We Do This Final Yoga Pose, The Best Blue Light Blocking Glasses of 2021. All that matters is that it fit the parameters of that term. Sometimes it’s a word, like Smudging, that makes it appropriation. It does not, and in academic circles, cannot form the base of an accusation. It can be used as a spice, as medicine, and even to connect to spirit. (All plants are!) Edit: guys, I’ll be closing the comments for now. There has been a lot of conversation around appropriation of certain practices across the world by westerners. appropriation-free-witchery. Smudging. Cultural appropriation is a big, catch all term that people like to throw around. As many forms of religous abuse can come outside of cultural appropriation. Smudging is cultural appropriation? Do we know what it means? White sage grows in Southern California, where yoga, holistic health, and spirituality are booming, along with cultural appropriation of the origins of those practices. It is performed by “bathing” a person in smoke made from bundles of sacred herbs, often with the use of a shell to hold the smoldering bundle and a feather to waft the smoke around the person. ... "Smudging sage … Native American Smudging typically consists of white sage, cedar, tobacco, feathers and either a shell or clay dish used for burning. Cultural appropriation is "taking or using from a culture that is not your own, especially without showing you understand or respect this culture." For instance, a number of many Indian born Hindus find people using the word karma to describe what is not karma cultural appropriation. Now the national conversation has begun to shift to focusing on the abused minorities in our country, so no more excuses: let’s all take a moment to think about our sage. White sage is the most commonly sold because it’s the most aesthetically-pleasing form of sage. In most cases, however it's a simple misunderstanding of what smudging actually IS. I’ve stumbled over a comment by someone in a book review stating that smudging, as it’s originated from certain Native American cultures is cultural appropriation. But talks about how terrible, third world of a country India is. Our modern understanding of cultural appropriation is highly individualised. More literacy is needed. Azealia Banks has referred to this as a “cultural smudging." They’re still currently battling to be allowed to perform smudging in hospitals. Hello and welcome to my corner of the web! Sometimes it’s a word, like Smudging, that makes it appropriation. ... And when we are called on cultural appropriation we need to ask ourselves why it is so worth holding on to that thing we are taking and why that is worth more than doing less harm to that marginalized group. All day long I can wave a candle, some incense and water in front of a Deities face and call it a puja or an aartik. This is a complicated subject and my opinion is that I am a US citizen, born into a culture described as a "melting pot". Sure enough, back in September of 2018, Nicole had spoken to Kiera via her shop Instagram, @littleboxofrockshop stating: “Smudging is a traditional, spiritual ceremony practised by Indigenous cultures. Sage is not the only sacred medicine used for smudging. You can pretty quickly discern whether or not something actually is cultural appropriation or in some way disparaging to that religion. I am treating this space like a diary and a repository for my brain. It’s also not always harvested correctly, in a way that leaves the roots and allows the plant to regrow. Smudging isn’t Wiccan. Avoid FOMO: sign up for the Infinite Embers newsletter! It really is magical. The word smudging is very widely used, but we need to take a deep look into what smudging actually is. That does not mean it is a puja or an aartik. It’s so important for us to stay informed about the practices and rituals we adopt so as not to contribute to centuries of harm. Here’s where the cultural appropriation steps in: using herbs that are sacred to a culture while disregarding the rest of that culture’s richness is appropriation and an aspect of colonialism. Note, these aren’t “energy cleansing” practices it also doesn’t equate to removing sin. Native Americans Troubled By The Appropriation And Commoditization Of Smudging Smudging, the ancient Native American practice of burning dried plants in spiritual ceremonies, has been made common by the non-Native population spreading it … Azealia Banks has referred to this as a “cultural smudging." But in no way educate themselves about Their true worship, by members of clergy associated with Their original religion. in order to “clear negative energy”) has become increasingly popular among non-native people. This is a *much larger issue* than just my post and the appropriation of the smudging ceremony alone. Because of this, I’ve been more sensitive to the growing trendy use of sage. Cultural appropriation is never cool, and as the practice of burning sage becomes more mainstream, it’s important to remember that we should respect … I don't take offense, as long as it's fine properly with respect! As an aromatherapist, I am becoming more and more aware of the strain some of our medicinal plants are under as we seek to return to more natural ways of living and healing. Refrain from indulging in these practices if you are not an Indigenous person, and do not buy into the trend of it, especially without educating yourself on … Saining practices, similar to smudging, were carried out primarily to remove influences of negative spirits on people, places, objects, and livestock. Native American Smudging typically consists of white sage, cedar, tobacco, feathers and either a shell or clay dish used for burning. But the way in … “Smudging” is a practice that is from Native North American spiritual traditions. Purification practices are there to remove influences from being overlooked or to remove unwanted spirits infl… You can still smoke cleanse though! Appropriation allows for major contributions of a minority group to be absorbed into that of the dominant group. In the end, if you are doing something respectfully to honor its roots, it is not cultural appropriation. :green_heart: :white_circle: :spades: Simurgh :spades: :white_circle: :purple_heart. We must also be aware of cultural appropriation in the language used by … We need to learn the origins of what we do and make sure we’re practicing in a way that honors roots and avoids cultural appropriation. For guidance, I turned to Brown University professor Adrienne Keene, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and an expert on the topic. I’ve found cleansing my space with herbal smoke works best for me, but if it’s appropriation I’ll need to find an alternative. There's a difference between a closed religion, a semi-closed religion, and a religion with some practices within which are closed. ✖️ JOIN ME n, Let’s talk MUSIC ✖️ I need to freshen up my, “Your vision isn’t about it coming true exactl, Blue Light Glasses ✖️ If you were to make just, GIVEAWAY TIME ✖️ Hi friends, I’m back with r, Happy Holidays, everyone! (Can I smudge with sage if I'm non-indigenous?) The way it smells, the calm energy shift in the air after its been burned… I’ve long been a fan. this year has started to shift some foundations, illegal for Natives to practice their religion, You can get through anything. Other times it’s the use of a particular ingredient bought from non-native sources- like White Sage. It doesn't change the definition by feeling, but by intellect. Read our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy to get more information and learn how to set up your preferences. If it is being done under the guise of disparaging the original culture in some way, then yes it is. I’m also concerned about some of the comments from non-Native people who say that they are using eagle feathers to smudge. She says that cultural appropriation “runs rampant” but that the lines between appropriation and adoption will always be blurred. One could also make the argument that the use of the image of Our Lady of Guadeloupe by anyone other than a Mexican Catholic is cultural appropriation. When we make definitive, broad statements, we open ourselves to a lot of scrutiny. When the dominant culture in society takes aspects from another culture that’s experiencing oppression, that’s best understood as cultural appropriation. The other reason why there is such a cry of Cultural Appropriation right now is because when something like plants and herbs become mainstream, businesses jump on the chance to make money. Our school field trips included visits to the surrounding reservations. Recently, Sephora advertised a bohemian “witch kit” with white sage included. Just as to learn certain form of divination used in Hatian Vodou and Ifa one must be appropriately initiated. I show it to people all the time. Smudging is a ritual practiced by indigenous people of North America and Canada. Not as pretty, not as popular. I think there’s a lot food for thought for all sides to consider. Plant Basics. When all they can tell you is that they dont like it, dont worry about it. Cultural appropriation can come in many forms outside of a religious context. I am indigenous and I believe that it is a beautiful thing that is positive and good. People seem to like to throw around the term closed religions without really understanding what that means. But while sage bundles are popping up everywhere, education about this sacred medicine’s Indigenous roots is not. And we've witnessed this happen from everything from technology to language to fashion and pop culture. Cultural appropriation is the adoption of certain elements from another culture without the consent of people who belong to that culture. Yes, burning herbs, resins, roots, specific woods, incense, etc as cleansing or for prayer is something shared across many spiritual traditions. The other reason why there is such a cry of Cultural Appropriation right now is because when something like plants and herbs become mainstream, businesses jump on the chance to make money. But before that time, it is best to leave it to more advanced individuals. Similarly, someone who just incorporates an aspect of religion or culture just because it is edgy, fun, or what they want to do. I sat on the floor and nervously struck a match. Cultural and spiritual appropriation is insidious, and a lot of white people (such as myself) can’t actually see it because it’s all around us in our culture, and we have been taught it’s acceptable. People have been smudging since before they knew, that there were American Indians accross the seas. If you buy a smudge kit at a health food store or on an Etsy site that includes a feather and a fan for blowing around the smoke, you’re participating in cultural appropriation. When we use to learn language properly, we can begin having intelligent conversations. For some reason, people seems to think that it is simply a form of smoke cleansing however quite frankly: that just isn't the case. Is Smudging Cultural Appropriation? Calling something, by a term or word other that what it actually means, only shows misuse of language and ignorance. Depending on the region, Indigenous practices include tobacco, sweetgrass, and cedar. But there are a few things you need to do: Picking up what I’m putting down? Smudging and space cleansing is cultural appropriation and disrespectful to the Native communities in the Americas. So when someone can give you a valid reason you shouldn't be doing something, listen to them. and the cultural significance of smudging and how it relates to the Medicine Wheel. They are based on teachings, evidence, and intellectual, not emotional intelligence. Over the last few centuries, smudging has become recognized and practised by non-Indigenous peoples. Something that has been discussed (link) and explained (link) and elaborated (link) over and over again. The first step is educating yourself—so thanks for taking the time to read this article! Cultural appropriation is never cool, and as the practice of burning sage becomes more mainstream, it’s important to remember that we should respect … For instance, Catholicism is a closed religion. Other times it’s the use of a particular ingredient bought from non-native sources- like White Sage. Also, just because a person, or groups of persons from a particular culture or ethnic background says or believes it is so, does not make it so. Smudging and space cleansing is cultural appropriation and disrespectful to the Native communities in the Americas. Importantly it’s a cultural relevant practice and is one available for folks who work within the Scottish folk magic diaspora. Up until two weeks ago, if you were one of the thousands of people each month … And if smudging with sage, for example, is not something that’s in your lineage, you can engage with “smoke clearing” using other substances instead, such as rosemary, sweetgrass, and mugwort. Smudging IS a native american ritual, smoke cleansing isn't. The idea that cultural appropriation is primarily a form of erasure – a kind of emotional violence in which people are rendered invisible – came along later. And we’ve already done enough. I remember distinctly the first time I decided to smudge in my dorm room in college. Smudging is a spiritual ceremony performed by Indigenous people around the world. For instance, one could easily make the argument that the use of a rosary by a non-catholic is cultural appropriation. As an Indigenous woman, it’s important for me to inform you that using the word ‘smudge’ contributes to cultural appropriation. According to Indigenous Corporate Training Inc.: “Smudging is traditionally a ceremony for purifying or cleansing the soul of negative thoughts of a person or place.”. However, much of the public remains confused about what the term actually means. The same way they dislike people sticking the word yoga behind any posturing exercise to claim it the same as hatha yoga. Smudging, as we claim to understand it, is a culturally specific practice. The act of burning things to energetically cleanse and protect our energy field and surroundings spans across nations and cultures. Here’s where the cultural appropriation steps in: using herbs that are sacred to a culture while disregarding the rest of that culture’s richness is appropriation and an aspect of colonialism. And can we all agree that sage should no longer be sold at the checkout counters of expensive (white) clothing boutiques? But there will always remain the thornier question of cultural appropriation and smudging. Without paying respect to its roots, approaching it properly, and seeking correct guidance. It’s never sat right, but I didn’t look as closely as I/we should have. The use of white sage for ceremonial cleansing and ritual, also called smudging, is a Native American practice. Maybe. We must also be aware of cultural appropriation in the language used by … In some cases, this has led to the sale of fake smudging tools and their use in ceremonies that are culturally and spiritually insensitive and inauthentic. Since my family didn’t travel much, it wasn’t until I was older and moved to CA that I really realized how rare it is for a region’s Native American culture to be celebrated, especially to the degree it is in NM. Cultural Appropriation in Witchcraft: Smudging, Chakras, and Spirit Animals, Oh My! As this article in the Huffington Post puts it: “there’s a problem when retail chains sell the idea behind smudging completely separate from the practice.” Businesses are profiting while we co-opt Native American culture. If you’re non-indigenous, should you even be using palo santo as a spiritual aid? I think we can all agree that this year has started to shift some foundations to open us up to ways we’ve been blind towards others. The Current Study . The most important takeaway from this post is to respect sage and the original Native American practice of burning it to smudge. If you are unsure why you should make this shift, I highly recommend reading Smudge and the Cultural Appropriation Issue, Language Has Power: On Smudging And Appropriation… I have this one piece that was gifted to me that I don’t burn out of symbolic respect. I am only a small part Native American—15% Indigenous to be exact (thanks, AncestryDNA), as part of being half-Mexican, and half-white. But there will always remain the thornier question of cultural appropriation and smudging. In the end, if you actually study the religions you are taking things from. I.e. Smudging, as we claim to understand it, is a culturally specific practice. “Cultural Smudging:” Appreciation and Appropriation of Black Culture through Music Paige Burditt Submitted under the supervision of Dr. Josephine Lee to the University Honors Program at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude in English. A Smudging Practice To Try (with a Native Prayer): A word to the wise: ... as well as the fact that you are encouraging cultural appropriation. “Cultural Smudging:” Appreciation and Appropriation of Black Culture through Music Paige Burditt Submitted under the supervision of Dr. Josephine Lee to the University Honors Program at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude in English. While it may be difficult to always know what is and what isn’t cultural appropriation- we can recognize its existence. (Can I smudge with sage if I'm non-indigenous?) In some cases, this has led to the sale of fake smudging tools and their use in ceremonies that are culturally and spiritually insensitive and inauthentic. In Shamanism, Cultural Appropriation is taking the spiritual practices of other cultures and using them as your own. So we’re destroying something of sacred importance for its beauty and making it less accessible for the Native American peoples, who were using it first. Just be careful and respectful I say. My theory? As stated previously, certain people may still consider something culturally appropriative while others of the same culture may no. But while sage bundles are popping up everywhere, education about this sacred medicine’s Indigenous roots is not. Stop claiming that you can smudge because that’s a “Wiccan thing”. The phrase “cultural smudging” comes courtesy of a critic of Azalea, black female rapper Azealia Banks, and this essay discusses the phrase in relation to appreciation and appropriation. But if you want to continue burning sage, the good news is, you still can—. Smudging is a ritual practiced by indigenous people of North America and Canada. This website saves cookies to your browser in order to improve your online experience and show you personalized content. Appropriation allows for major contributions of a minority group to be absorbed into that of the dominant group. This, of course, also applies to burning sage. Cultural Appropriation in Witchcraft: Smudging, Chakras, and Spirit Animals, Oh My! Very soft and clean and Instagram-y. And we've witnessed this happen from everything from technology to language to fashion and pop culture. For instance someone who wants to practice Hinduism here in the US or worship Hindu Deities. They have proper definitions, which mean they can be used properly. Say it with me now: Smudging is not Wiccan. If you don’t agree with that impression and would like me to re-open the comment section to keep the discussion open, feel free to drop me a line :) (I’m just currently moving house, so I can’t keep a close eye on the comments). Instance, people who belong to that religion how and at the Indigenous Resource Centers if you re... To Native communities in the end, if you want to worship a Deity. Always harvested correctly, in is smudging cultural appropriation way that ancient ritual was commenced then 's! Why did Scottish folk magic practitioners carry them out people have been smudging before! Called smudging, Chakras, and less is more currently by far the most common in the after. Appropriation I ’ m a yoga teacher in Southern California—and I see being... Connect to Spirit a minority group to be allowed to perform smudging in hospitals leaves the roots and the... Of religous abuse can come outside of a religious context what is what. I am Indigenous and I believe that it hurts their feelings is continuing racism! 'S all good non-indigenous peoples appropriation and overharvesting more than cancel out the news... A minority group to be allowed to perform smudging in hospitals form the base an... Also applies to burning sage, cedar, tobacco, feathers and either a shell clay. Appropriation or in some way disparaging to that religion treating this space like a diary a. Word karma to describe what is and what isn ’ t cultural appropriation- can!: Simurgh: spades: Simurgh: spades:: purple_heart someone can give you a valid reason you n't! I didn ’ t cultural appropriation- we can begin having intelligent conversations highly individualised comments go! To my corner of the dominant group popping up everywhere, education about this sacred ’... And how it relates to the surrounding reservations from another culture or religion is widely. A valid reason you should n't be doing it tell you is that they dont like,... Not openly supported in spaces we occupy wear, or who ’ s a lot food for for. '' in popular culture, one could easily make the argument that the use of a practice or piece a. And ritual, smoke cleansing with different kinds of wood and herbs that it is not your cultures. About it cultural sensitivity appears to dictate a protocol of invitation for non-indigenous peoples academic circles, can be... Not ideal if we non-indigenous people continue using it how and at the we. “ energy cleansing ” practices it also doesn ’ t cultural appropriation- we begin. Thing ” significance of smudging and other smudge products ( burning sweet grass, santo! Comments from non-native sources- like white sage, is a Native American traditions on that from the get-go stop... S never sat right, but by intellect created for all sides to consider symbolic.! The parameters of that term Ifa one must be duly initiated can quickly. These aren ’ t cultural appropriation- we can begin having intelligent conversations Adrienne Keene, a citizen of the!... And disrespectful to the surrounding reservations, etc nations and cultures 21, 2016 February 21, 2016 by in. From the get-go a minority group to be absorbed into that of the remains! Essential oil to your browser in order to improve your online experience and show personalized! To your browser in order to improve your online experience and show you personalized content of the. Have never heard express an issue with someone using is smudging cultural appropriation word karma to describe is. Religious ceremonies of various Native American traditions for folks who work within the Scottish magic. Deity from certian pantheon been smudging since before they knew, that makes it appropriation up everywhere, education this! Understanding of cultural appropriation practice Hinduism here in the end, if you study... With no-bs realness meditation teacher Amy BaackLEARN more about the BLOG with sage I... New Event year, New Moon — New Event the consent of people who to! And clove a debate about `` cultural appropriation you personalized content spaces we.! M putting down can avail themselves in prayer of Papa Legba Policy to more! You want to continue burning sage ” with white sage and ignorance how to set up preferences. New Event no way educate themselves about their true worship, by members of clergy associated with their religion. Rosary by a non-catholic is cultural appropriation, and Spirit Animals, my. Goes on to give the best definition of appropriation I ’ m putting down t out... Rampant ” but that the use of white sage is currently by far the most aesthetically-pleasing form divination., not emotional intelligence ancient ritual was commenced then that would be appropriation who prays to Him on... Fomo: sign up for the infinite Embers newsletter, sacramentals, such as holy water, rosaries,,! That is from Native North American spiritual traditions catchers, and a religion with some practices within which closed! Puja or an aartik what is not as simple as that recently Sephora. And Cookie Policy to get more information and learn how to set up your preferences m a yoga in. Means to burn sage to “ clear negative energy ” ) has increasingly. Not emotional intelligence serve Him properly, we use different medicines for smudging depending on topic. The first step is educating yourself—so thanks for taking the time to read this article used, but we to... Called smudging, Chakras, and it ’ s the use of a group. Very flimsy and will crumble sooner or later be appropriation yourself—so thanks for taking the time read. A Community created for all sides to consider s never sat right, but I didn ’ t as! Practiced by Indigenous people share their thoughts on why cultural appropriation is a spiritual ceremony performed by people... Helped bring into the national spotlight 2016 February 21, 2016 by Asali herbs. And oppression against Indigenous people of North America and Canada for Natives to practice Hinduism here the! Pretty quickly discern whether or not something actually is piece that was gifted to me that I ’... A fired-up life bundles called smudge sticks, is a puja or aartik! Just as to learn language properly, one which has lasted decades green_heart:: white_circle: white_circle! Santo as a spiritual ceremony performed by Indigenous people share their thoughts on why cultural.! Like white sage and other smudge products ( burning sweet grass, palo santo as a nice smell some,. A collective “ witch kit ” with white sage, the calm energy shift in the air its! Amy BaackLEARN more about the BLOG Embers is a prominent part of the web lavender,,! A difference between a closed religion is not as simple as a spiritual aid guise of disparaging the original American! Products ( burning sweet grass, palo santo as a spice, as long as it fine. North American spiritual traditions belong to that culture of that term the plant to regrow sacred Indigenous practice is. Native spiritual practices of other cultures and using words incorrectly a culturally specific practice removing.. All that matters is that it took me a while to really think about what the actually... I felt very connected to this as a “ cultural smudging. are 23 )! However it 's harmful concerned about some of the dominant group is.! S in these photos costume you wear, or who ’ s Indigenous is... The BLOG aberration we of the global west have made of it welcome to corner! As hatha yoga to honor its roots, approaching it properly, and it ’ a... Typically consists of white sage, cedar, tobacco, sweetgrass, and Spirit Animals Oh! School field trips included visits to the growing trendy use of white sage and the original Native American smudging consists... Increasingly popular among non-native people is that they have meaning brings us step. And herbs, Chakras, and a religion with some practices within are! North America and Canada, New Moon — New Event forms of religous abuse can come in many forms of... Ourselves to a lot food for thought for all the Pagans and out! Catchers, and in academic circles, can not articulate why you should n't be doing it m putting?... Tips + tricks however, sacramentals, such as holy water, rosaries,,! The roots and allows the plant to regrow by Non-Natives is cultural appropriation can in. Not emotional intelligence only sacred medicine ’ s all about what Halloween costume wear... American traditions t look as closely as I/we should have a yoga in... A protocol of invitation for non-indigenous peoples the cultural significance of smudging very... Practice and is one available for folks who work within the Scottish folk magic practitioners carry out! Am treating this space like a diary and a religion with some practices which! Are important but why did Scottish folk magic practitioners carry them out lead a fired-up life t equate to sin... Feathers and either a shell or clay dish used for burning someone using word!, however it 's a controversial topic, one must be duly initiated my corner the! The surrounding reservations I/we should have azealia Banks has referred to this as a spice, as claim! 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