A Note On Sage Smudging & Palo Santo
I grew up Smudging.
There was always a sage bundle in the middle of our coffee table ready to be lit when the energy felt “off” or someone with bad mojo left or one of us was feeling “crunchy” (our nickname for bitchy).
Well, times change. Smudging is now understood to be a closed practice in the Native American Community, cultural appropriation, taboo, etc. It’s hard to let go of something I grew up with, sure, but it’s harder to think that I am hurting a group of people. Once this was brought to my attention, I removed sage bundles from the kits in my shop. It took a bit to print new materials, labels, and all of that but I got it done and I am now proud to say that there are no sage bundles available at Empath Essentials and even the term “smudging” is slowly being phased out.
I have since learned that Palo Santo is also considered a closed practice in the Latino Community. I thought I was in the clear with this one because I was using ethically sourced Palo Santo where the trees were literally dying of natural causes and then waiting years before they were sourced. But, hey, now that I know - I know I need to do better. I am currently working on phasing out Palo Santo from the remaining 2 kits in my shop. Again, this takes a bit since I have to print new materials, labels, etc.
I am always learning and growing and I love that.
I’m going to miss traditional Sage Smudging and Palo Santo but you know my Energy Cleansing Sprays and Salves have evolved into beautiful alternatives!
Much Love,
Rachel
