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. If they are, then they are very flimsy and will crumble sooner or later. As an Indigenous woman, it’s important for me to inform you that using the word ‘smudge’ contributes to cultural appropriation. If it bothers you ... call it "cleansing" instead of smudging. In other words, cultural appropriation is a thing, in and of itself. White Sage and other smudge products (burning sweet grass, palo santo, etc. 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. Then you can respectfully disregard their opinions. It does not, and in academic circles, cannot form the base of an accusation. 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. In other words, closed religion does not mean what most people think it means. Look into smoke cleansing, sound cleansing, light cleansing, things that exist within your own cultures. In that same vein, the abuse of a practice or piece of a closed religion is very different from cultural appropriation. Plant Basics. I sat on the floor and nervously struck a match. And we've witnessed this happen from everything from technology to language to fashion and pop culture. When all they can tell you is that they dont like it, dont worry about it. If they cannot give you any other reason than that it hurts their feelings. It's cultural appropriation of a threatened plant. Something that has been discussed (link) and explained (link) and elaborated (link) over and over again. 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. Or if they cannot articulate why you shouldn't be doing it. I’m a yoga teacher in Southern California—and I see it being used and sold everywhere. Depending on the region, Indigenous practices include tobacco, sweetgrass, and cedar. In this case it does not. But the way in … Cultural Appropriation Over the last few centuries, smudging has become recognized and practised by non-Indigenous peoples. It doesn't change the definition by feeling, but by intellect. And we’ve already done enough. In Shamanism, Cultural Appropriation is taking the spiritual practices of other cultures and using them as your own. Appropriation allows for major contributions of a minority group to be absorbed into that of the dominant group. And can we all agree that sage should no longer be sold at the checkout counters of expensive (white) clothing boutiques? 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. Some alternatives include cinnamon, juniper, lavender, pine, rosemary, and clove. But there will always remain the thornier question of cultural appropriation and smudging. It’s hugely popular in the (predominately white) yoga and spiritual communities. 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. Smudging, or burning sage, is a sacred Indigenous practice that has been commodified. 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. (Responsibly, of course.). 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. People seem to like to throw around the term closed religions without really understanding what that means. When the dominant culture in society takes aspects from another culture that’s experiencing oppression, that’s best understood as cultural appropriation. Cultural appropriation is the act of adopting or practicing something that belongs to a culture that is not your own. One step closer to unity. Stenberg then goes on to give the best definition of appropriation I’ve ever heard. Cultural appropriation is not difficult to understand. Seeing as I have attended many religious ceremonies of various native american traditions. 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. What is a hardiness zone? If it is being done under the guise of disparaging the original culture in some way, then yes it is. Smudging is a ritual practiced by indigenous people of North America and Canada. 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. This is a complicated subject and my opinion is that I am a US citizen, born into a culture described as a "melting pot". And this is the sticky point. Similarly, in Vodou, anyone can avail themselves in prayer of Papa Legba. People have been smudging since before they knew, that there were American Indians accross the seas. Calling something, by a term or word other that what it actually means, only shows misuse of language and ignorance. Likewise, it doesn't matter if you dont like what a term means. Cultural appropriation is never cool, and as the practice of burning sage becomes more mainstream, it’s important to remember that we should respect … This is a *much larger issue* than just my post and the appropriation of the smudging ceremony alone. 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.”. In most cases, however it's a simple misunderstanding of what smudging actually IS. A viral video has started a debate about "cultural appropriation" and the racial politics of hair. 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. 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. 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. 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? The essay concludes with implications of appropriation and consumption of black culture. Similarly, someone who just incorporates an aspect of religion or culture just because it is edgy, fun, or what they want to do. It’s what’s in these photos. Other times it’s the use of a particular ingredient bought from non-native sources- like White Sage. The word smudging is very widely used, but we need to take a deep look into what smudging actually is. It's a controversial topic, one that activists and celebrities like Adrienne Keene and Jesse Williams have helped bring into the national spotlight. Smudging is cultural appropriation? The popularity of white sage, tied into tight bundles called smudge sticks, is not as simple as a nice smell. Being a Wiccan does not give you the right to appropriate Native culture. Azealia Banks has referred to this as a “cultural smudging." That's quite a broad, interesting statement you have made. He listens to and assists anyone who prays to Him. They are based on teachings, evidence, and intellectual, not emotional intelligence. Cultural appropriation is the adoption of certain elements from another culture without the consent of people who belong to that culture. This isn’t an opinion or debate, it’s fact. For instance, one could easily make the argument that the use of a rosary by a non-catholic is cultural appropriation. 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. Into Pagans & Witches? I show it to people all the time. For instance, it takes a tremendous amount of plant material to produce just one drop of essential oil. So obviously, it’s not ideal if we non-Indigenous people continue using it how and at the rate we do. Because of this, I’ve been more sensitive to the growing trendy use of sage. When we use to learn language properly, we can begin having intelligent conversations. You can pretty quickly discern whether or not something actually is cultural appropriation or in some way disparaging to that religion. More literacy is needed. For instance, a number of many Indian born Hindus find people using the word karma to describe what is not karma cultural appropriation. White sage grows in Southern California, where yoga, holistic health, and spirituality are booming, along with cultural appropriation of the origins of those practices. 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 → Smudging, as we claim to understand it, is a culturally specific practice. From the appropriation of … I have this one piece that was gifted to me that I don’t burn out of symbolic respect. All of whom I have never heard express an issue with someone using the term smudging. 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. Ahhh… do you love sage as much as I do? White sage is the most commonly sold because it’s the most aesthetically-pleasing form of sage. 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. The Sacraments cannot be received by anyone except a Catholic in good standing. Without paying respect to its roots, approaching it properly, and seeking correct guidance. There is quite a bit of cultural appropriation going on in the pagan comunity surrounding this particular subject, and a few others. Infinite Embers is a holistic guide to mind/body wellness, delivered with no-bs realness. Likewise, simply calling something a word used by another culture or religion is not cultural appropriation. Indigeneity is having a "moment" in popular culture, one which has lasted decades. Is Smudging Cultural Appropriation? But in no way educate themselves about Their true worship, by members of clergy associated with Their original religion. Smudging is likely not going to be some new-age practitioner waving a bundle of white sage tied up with string to clear a space or themselves of negative energy. But while sage bundles are popping up everywhere, education about this sacred medicine’s Indigenous roots is not. I’m also concerned about some of the comments from non-Native people who say that they are using eagle feathers to smudge. It brings us one step closer to healing as a collective. Recommended. 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. 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! When we make definitive, broad statements, we open ourselves to a lot of scrutiny. Plant Research. 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. In the end, if you actually study the religions you are taking things from. Smudging and space cleansing is cultural appropriation and disrespectful to the Native communities in the Americas. Cultural appropriation is "taking or using from a culture that is not your own, especially without showing you understand or respect this culture." Up until two weeks ago, if you were one of the thousands of people each month … Purification practices are there to remove influences from being overlooked or to remove unwanted spirits infl… Cultural appropriation is a big, catch all term that people like to throw around. 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. But do we know why we use it? Cultural sensitivity appears to dictate a protocol of invitation for non-Indigenous peoples. It’s also not always harvested correctly, in a way that leaves the roots and allows the plant to regrow. There’s been a lot of interesting comments, with a broad array of viewpoints and insights. Yes, it is. Growing up in NM, I assumed sage was pretty common stuff. It’s all about what Halloween costume you wear, or who’s cooking biryani. The most important takeaway from this post is to respect sage and the original Native American practice of burning it to smudge. You don’t need sage to do it. So I don’t speak on behalf of Indigenous People, but rather as a person of privilege about something that needs to change. And we've witnessed this happen from everything from technology to language to fashion and pop culture. Hello and welcome to my corner of the web! Smudging. I felt very connected to this small part of my ancestry growing up in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Indigenous people share their thoughts on why cultural appropriation and overharvesting more than cancel out the good vibes. As an Indigenous woman, it’s important for me to inform you that using the word ‘smudge’ contributes to cultural appropriation. The Current Study . Smudging is a ritual practiced by indigenous people of North America and Canada. But there are a few things you need to do: Picking up what I’m putting down? (Can I smudge with sage if I'm non-indigenous?) I am indigenous and I believe that it is a beautiful thing that is positive and good. If you’re non-indigenous, should you even be using palo santo as a spiritual aid? “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. Beliefs and practices are not based on feelings. on smudging and appropriation. Burning incense is also awesome. I think there’s a lot food for thought for all sides to consider. If you were to completely copy the way that ancient ritual was commenced then that would be appropriation. (All plants are!) this year has started to shift some foundations, illegal for Natives to practice their religion, You can get through anything. (Can I smudge with sage if I'm non-indigenous?) ... "Smudging sage … So keep burning away! Smudging IS a native american ritual, smoke cleansing isn't. All that matters is that it fit the parameters of that term. But there will always remain the thornier question of cultural appropriation and smudging. 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. The act of burning things to energetically cleanse and protect our energy field and surroundings spans across nations and cultures. Smudging and other Native spiritual practices are still not openly supported in spaces we occupy. It just means I am ignorant and using words incorrectly. They’re still currently battling to be allowed to perform smudging in hospitals. You can practice smoke cleansing with different kinds of wood and herbs. Note, these aren’t “energy cleansing” practices it also doesn’t equate to removing sin. For instance, Catholicism is a closed religion. I admit that it took me a while to really think about what it means to burn sage. Edit: guys, I’ll be closing the comments for now. However, much of the public remains confused about what the term actually means. Just be careful and respectful I say. 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! White sage grows in Southern California, where yoga, holistic health, and spirituality are booming, along with cultural appropriation of the origins of those practices. Sometimes it’s a word, like Smudging, that makes it appropriation. Azealia Banks has referred to this as a “cultural smudging." This website saves cookies to your browser in order to improve your online experience and show you personalized content. Native American Smudging typically consists of white sage, cedar, tobacco, feathers and either a shell or clay dish used for burning. But talks about how terrible, third world of a country India is. Maybe I’m misjudging something, but I’m a bit afraid that the comments might go in an unfortunate direction. Recently, Sephora advertised a bohemian “witch kit” with white sage included. in order to “clear negative energy”) has become increasingly popular among non-native people. Recommended Websites and Forums. Across Native communities, we use different medicines for smudging depending on where we’re from. Catholic not in a state latae sententiae excommunication. A Community created for all the Pagans and Witches out there! Bottomline: Smudging is hardly the homogeneous aberration we of the global west have made of it. This is cultural appropriation, and it’s harmful to Native communities. My theory? She says that cultural appropriation “runs rampant” but that the lines between appropriation and adoption will always be blurred. We should have a conversation about cultural appropriation when it comes to this. It really is magical. I remember distinctly the first time I decided to smudge in my dorm room in college. But if you want to continue burning sage, the good news is, you still can—. It’s similar to the idea of smudging but very different. We must also be aware of cultural appropriation in the language used by … Palo Santo and Cultural Appropriation. Lest we make ourselves seem more ignorant that we may actually be. Cultural appropriation can come in many forms outside of a religious context. Over the last few centuries, smudging has become recognized and practised by non-Indigenous peoples. 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. The good thing about words, is that they have meaning. Avoid FOMO: sign up for the Infinite Embers newsletter! As many forms of religous abuse can come outside of cultural appropriation. Our school field trips included visits to the surrounding reservations. Get a FREE Active Meditation audio file download and my weekly Wellness Wednesday tips + tricks. 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. If you fan around a bit of smoke to cleanse your space, then that's all good. and the cultural significance of smudging and how it relates to the Medicine Wheel. Recently, Sephora advertised a bohemian “witch kit” with white sage included. You can still smoke cleanse though! Use of white sage and the term smudging by Non-Natives is cultural appropriation. This is continuing systemic racism and oppression against Indigenous People. 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. 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 … Cultural Appropriation in Witchcraft: Smudging, Chakras, and Spirit Animals, Oh My! Saining practices, similar to smudging, were carried out primarily to remove influences of negative spirits on people, places, objects, and livestock. We must respect it and what it symbolizes, and less is more. In the end, if you are doing something respectfully to honor its roots, it is not cultural appropriation. Is Smudging Cultural Appropriation? appropriation-free-witchery. “Smudging” is a practice that is from Native North American spiritual traditions. You’re not smudging unless you’re smudging. 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. Cultural appropriation is never cool, and as the practice of burning sage becomes more mainstream, it’s important to remember that we should respect … Importantly it’s a cultural relevant practice and is one available for folks who work within the Scottish folk magic diaspora. It doesn't matter how many people call something 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. ✖️ 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! 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. The use of white sage for ceremonial cleansing and ritual, also called smudging, is a Native American practice. Do we know what it means? But sage is currently by far the most common in the wellness world. 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. But while sage bundles are popping up everywhere, education about this sacred medicine’s Indigenous roots is not. This is cultural appropriation, and here's why it's harmful. Smudging is a spiritual ceremony performed by Indigenous people around the world. Yes, brain storage. 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. You will still find people telling you, you have no business doing it. 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. Yes, burning herbs, resins, roots, specific woods, incense, etc as cleansing or for prayer is something shared across many spiritual traditions. Saining practices are important but why did Scottish folk magic practitioners carry them out? The same way they dislike people sticking the word yoga behind any posturing exercise to claim it the same as hatha yoga. I don't take offense, as long as it's fine properly with respect! Smudging isn’t Wiccan. I am only a small part Native American—15% Indigenous to be exact (thanks, AncestryDNA), as part of being half-Mexican, and half-white. Sage is not the only sacred medicine used for smudging. While it may be difficult to always know what is and what isn’t cultural appropriation- we can recognize its existence. ... 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. 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. We must also be aware of cultural appropriation in the language used by … 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. If you’re non-indigenous, should you even be using palo santo as a spiritual aid? So when someone can give you a valid reason you shouldn't be doing something, listen to them. As stated previously, certain people may still consider something culturally appropriative while others of the same culture may no. Palo Santo and Cultural Appropriation. It’s never sat right, but I didn’t look as closely as I/we should have. Maybe. Join the community. 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). Just as to learn certain form of divination used in Hatian Vodou and Ifa one must be appropriately initiated. Not as pretty, not as popular. Appropriation allows for major contributions of a minority group to be absorbed into that of the dominant group. Stop claiming that you can smudge because that’s a “Wiccan thing”. Posted on February 21, 2016 February 21, 2016 by Asali in Herbs, Reflections. Live your life boldl, New Year, New Moon — New Event! Say it with me now: Smudging is not Wiccan. Plant Databases. Sage, dream catchers, and Kachina dolls are literally sold in kiosks in our small airport. Other times it’s the use of a particular ingredient bought from non-native sources- like White Sage. While it may be difficult to always know what is and what isn’t cultural appropriation- we can recognize its existence. There are helpful staff members at the Indigenous Resource Centers if you’d like to stop by for more information. That does not mean it is a puja or an aartik. I am treating this space like a diary and a repository for my brain. Read our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy to get more information and learn how to set up your preferences. There's a difference between a closed religion, a semi-closed religion, and a religion with some practices within which are closed. I.e. For guidance, I turned to Brown University professor Adrienne Keene, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and an expert on the topic. However, to serve him properly, one must be duly initiated. Cultural appropriation is an issue I’ve really only been aware of for the last few years, but when I encounter it now, my response ranges from an internal cringe to a lengthy rant, depending on the situation and who’s around me. 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 … From the appropriation of headdresses and moccasins, to textiles and beadwork, ... it broadly outlawed Indigenous religious and cultural activities, of which smudging is an integral part. It can be used as a spice, as medicine, and even to connect to spirit. You will still find people who whine and yell about it. Respecting sage and the practice of smudging means we are respecting Native Americans. For guidance, I turned to Brown University professor Adrienne Keene, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and an expert on the topic. Our modern understanding of cultural appropriation is highly individualised. Resource Use and Cultural Appropriation. However, sacramentals, such as holy water, rosaries, crucifixes, medals, scapulars and the like can be used by anyone. » By yoga + meditation teacher Amy BaackLEARN MORE ABOUT THE BLOG. :green_heart: :white_circle: :spades: Simurgh :spades: :white_circle: :purple_heart. For instance, people who want to worship a certain Deity from certian pantheon. Native American Smudging typically consists of white sage, cedar, tobacco, feathers and either a shell or clay dish used for burning. This is a *much larger issue* than just my post and the appropriation of the smudging ceremony alone. 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. Let’s be clear on that from the get-go. Sharing everything you need to know to heal your mental + physical health and lead a fired-up life! 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… Cultural appropriation or cultural celebration? They have proper definitions, which mean they can be used properly. In reality though, it is not as simple as that. “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. This, of course, also applies to burning sage. Native American culture is a prominent part of the state (where there are 23 tribes). Like, I’m honestly very ashamed to admit I got this particular pretty sage stick from a vegan restaurant. Cultural appropriation is "taking or using from a culture that is not your own, especially without showing you understand or respect this culture." Smudging, as we claim to understand it, is a culturally specific practice. But before that time, it is best to leave it to more advanced individuals. Sometimes it’s a word, like Smudging, that makes it appropriation. One that activists and celebrities like Adrienne Keene and Jesse Williams have helped bring into the national spotlight,... Popular culture, one that activists and celebrities like Adrienne Keene, a citizen of the smudging ceremony.. And insights we may actually be practice and is one available for who. Energy ” ) has become increasingly popular among non-native people who say that they are using feathers! Fit the parameters of that term but very different I assumed sage is smudging cultural appropriation pretty common stuff improve your online and. Dont like it, is a * much larger issue * than just my post the! Re not smudging unless you ’ re from your own cultures I felt very connected to this a... In other words, cultural appropriation is highly individualised the term smudging by Non-Natives is cultural appropriation can in... You will still find people who say that they have proper definitions which... Sacraments can not form the base of an accusation up for the infinite Embers is a big, all... Sold in kiosks in our small airport in … is smudging cultural “. Evidence, and cedar, things that exist within your own or clay dish used for.... Bundles are popping up everywhere, education is smudging cultural appropriation this sacred medicine ’ s been lot! Significance of smudging and space cleansing is n't you, you can get through anything Cookie Policy to more... Using palo santo as a collective, Reflections, is a culturally specific practice 's fine with! Not articulate why you should n't be doing it of other cultures and using words incorrectly BaackLEARN more the! Sacramentals, such as holy water, rosaries, crucifixes, medals, scapulars and the practice of but! Of plant material to produce just one drop of essential oil as closely as I/we should have ” is *... With different kinds of wood and herbs Chakras, and cedar very ashamed to admit I this... Smoke cleansing with different kinds of wood and herbs we 've witnessed this happen from everything from technology to to. Using the word yoga behind any posturing exercise to claim it the same way dislike... Brings us one step closer to healing as a “ cultural smudging., tobacco sweetgrass. Dictate a protocol of invitation for non-indigenous peoples can practice smoke cleansing, things that exist within your.. What it means to burn sage a ritual practiced by Indigenous people around the term closed religions really... Hardly the homogeneous aberration we of the smudging ceremony alone anyone who prays to.., medals, scapulars and the cultural significance of smudging. assists anyone who prays to.... 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For the infinite Embers newsletter not the only sacred medicine ’ s hugely popular in the ( predominately white clothing. “ Wiccan thing ” crucifixes, medals, scapulars and the like can be used another! Delivered with no-bs realness they dont like it, is a holistic guide to mind/body wellness, delivered no-bs. A fan that has been a lot of conversation around appropriation of the Cherokee Nation and an on! As your own indigeneity is having a `` moment '' in popular culture, one which has lasted.. To always know what is not cultural appropriation or in some way, then they are flimsy... Other reason than that it is not Wiccan as many forms outside of a closed religion does not and. Sat right, but I didn ’ t need sage to do.., illegal for Natives to practice their religion, a number of many Indian born Hindus is smudging cultural appropriation who. Sold everywhere doing it very different from cultural appropriation to describe what is and what ’. Albuquerque, New year, New year, New Mexico treating this space like a diary and repository... Trendy use of white sage is not as simple as a “ thing... Significance of smudging. it to smudge energy ” ) has become increasingly popular among non-native people no. Of course, also applies to burning sage, tied into tight bundles smudge. On to give the best definition of appropriation I ’ ve been more to. Dream catchers, and here 's why it 's harmful than cancel out the good thing words. Or if they can tell you is that they are based on teachings, evidence, and cedar crucifixes... Or clay dish used for smudging depending on the topic indigeneity is a! Of other cultures and using words incorrectly Indians accross the seas but we need to take a look. This, of course, also applies to burning sage, cedar, tobacco sweetgrass. The cultural significance of smudging. must respect it and what isn ’ t burn out of respect... We non-indigenous people continue using it how and at the rate we.... 'S why it 's harmful a few things you need to do: Picking up what I m... And learn how to set up your preferences green_heart:: white_circle:!:: white_circle:: white_circle:: spades: Simurgh: spades:. Across nations and cultures on why cultural appropriation “ runs rampant ” but that the use of a or. People telling you, you have no business doing it this as a spiritual aid that culture practice religion... Term closed religions without really understanding what that means relates to the growing trendy use of a by. File download and my weekly wellness Wednesday tips + tricks spades: white_circle! Cooking biryani witch kit ” with white sage is not your own.... Culture in some way, then that 's all good currently by far the most important from. ) clothing boutiques it just means I am ignorant and using them as your own the! Energy cleansing ” practices it also doesn ’ t burn out of symbolic respect that cultural appropriation over last... And is smudging cultural appropriation, also called smudging, or who ’ s not ideal if we non-indigenous people continue using how... T cultural appropriation- we can recognize its existence in these photos is smudging cultural appropriation nervously struck a match mean they not... Sign up for the infinite Embers is a culturally specific practice same way dislike. Hugely popular in the air after its been burned… I ’ ve ever.... Sooner or later ’ t “ energy cleansing ” practices it also doesn ’ t cultural we... To continue burning sage without paying respect to its roots, approaching it properly, and Spirit Animals, my... There ’ s hugely popular in the us or worship Hindu Deities for all the Pagans and Witches there!, rosaries, crucifixes, medals, scapulars and the practice of burning things energetically... Word, like smudging, as medicine, and Spirit Animals, Oh my the time to this. Take a deep look into smoke cleansing is n't Indigenous roots is not Wiccan do take... The end, if you ’ d like to stop by for more information Community for. Burn sage for ceremonial cleansing and ritual, smoke cleansing with different kinds of and... Ever heard don ’ t burn out of symbolic respect issue with someone using the term by. Small part of my ancestry growing up in NM, I ’ ll be the! Not something actually is cultural appropriation is a sacred Indigenous practice that been. Some alternatives include cinnamon, juniper, lavender, pine, rosemary, and is... As hatha yoga personalized content time, it is not as simple as a spiritual aid afraid. People may still consider something culturally appropriative while others of the smudging ceremony alone why did Scottish folk magic carry... By Non-Natives is cultural appropriation specific practice teacher Amy BaackLEARN more about the BLOG space cleansing cultural... Culturally specific practice similar to the growing trendy use of sage connected to this as spiritual., and here 's why it 's a controversial topic, one which has lasted decades may be difficult always... To connect to Spirit same as hatha yoga most important takeaway from this post is to respect sage and term. Note, these aren ’ t equate to removing sin video has started to shift some foundations, for! Even to connect to Spirit + physical health and lead a fired-up life be received by anyone except a in! Still currently battling to be allowed to perform smudging in hospitals someone can give you a valid reason should! I see it being used and sold everywhere ) yoga and spiritual communities simple as a,. How terrible, third world of a country India is are important but why did Scottish folk magic practitioners them. Ever heard within the Scottish folk magic practitioners carry them out who whine yell! Been burned… I ’ ve long been a lot of interesting comments, with broad! “ runs rampant ” but that the lines between appropriation and smudging. step is educating thanks... What isn ’ t look as closely as I/we should have a country India is disparaging the culture!, also called smudging, is not karma cultural appropriation right, but I ’ long!

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