Bursera graveolens, known in Spanish as palo santo (Holy Stick), is a wild tree native from the Yucatn Peninsula to Peru and Venezuela. Wondering whether burning sage is cultural appropriation is a fair question long story short, burning sage is problematic for a few reasons, the biggest being cultural insensitivity and environmental unsustainability. It is also important to consider the ethical implications of selling Palo Santo in non-indigenous markets and the role of social media in popularizing the product. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The ritualistic burning of Palo Santo has been practiced for thousands of years. 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. 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. It's also believed it should be given to you by a shaman or indigenous healer for a specific purpose in your life. Do dried sage leaves ever spoil? And it brings hope to marginalized rural communities.Also, we fund tree-planting efforts that ensure the long-term viability of the Dry Tropical Forest.By paying fair prices for the finished product, we ensure the people of the source receive living wages for their contributions.We share and promote the many different ways this sacred wood is used by the people of Ecuador and beyond. For guidance, I turned to Brown University professor Adrienne Keene, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and an expert on the topic. Required fields are marked *. This all sounds great, right? That was only 42 years ago. White Sage. Any tips? While this is one of the many beautiful ways in which palo santo is used, it is not the only way. Always buy from a reputable retailer to make sure your palo santo is responsibly sourced. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. If youre non-indigenous, should you even be using palo santo as a spiritual aid? Any insights on this would be greatly appreciated :). Incense is still used today in the Roman Catholic Church and other religions for purification. This has been on our minds here at Sacred Wood Essence a lot lately. Plus most businesses jumping on the bandwagon are not getting the palo santo ethically. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Try These 3 Low-Impact Exercise Circuits, I Cant Journal, So I Tried This New Alternative Method. Wondering if you can burn sage yourself? 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 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. Also, read: How Often Should You Sage your House? The post offers alternatives for non-native people to use. The person being smudged pulls the smoke to them and gently inhales the smoke. The One Subscription to Fuel All Your Adventures. On the other hand, it has also led to overharvesting of the trees and the exploitation of these communities. 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). Its also used to clear out negative energy. Within North and South America, its important to note, different communities use different medicines and rituals for cleansing. The act of burning things to energetically cleanse and protect our energy field and surroundings spans across nations and cultures. Thats some bad juju, so I wanted to know: Are the rumors true? Read our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions. It does not store any personal data. WebIts not cultural appropriation. However that white sage is getting overcultivated, its not on the endangered list because its also easy to grow. Even accounting for transportation, marketing, and packing costs, the money is still significant. The other species, Bursera graveolens, is also called palo santo but grows closer to the equator and isnt on the Red Listyet. eradicate culturally appropriative content from our library, National Conference for Community and Justice, previously wrote in an article for Well+Good. After clearing and cleansing, extinguish your sage stick by gently pressing it into the abalone shell or a clay dish, glass bowl or ashtray. What do you say when you sage your house? However, if you pretend to hold some sort of native smudging ceremonyWell, you know how that will be rightfully viewed. Tom Ford uses ScentTrekfi, a process using headspace technology that captures the scent of palo santo wood. 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? Press J to jump to the feed. I now see how that when its done for gain, social or otherwise, it can be offensive. To prevent this, choose a room with strong air ventilation and open doors or windows to burn your palo santo in. Its also used to clear out negative energy. Many cultures around the globe have traditionally burned herbs, incense, or other materials as a spiritual ritual. At Well+Good, we are committed to listening to feedback and criticism (from within our community and without), admitting when we make mistakes, and doing our homework regarding the origins of wellness practices; we have a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion curriculum in place for our editorial team to learn directly from anti-racist educators. Is it okay to burn Palo Santo? What are examples of cultural appreciation? With the wellness world latching onto their energy-clearing benefits, Palo Santo belongs to the woody fragrance family, and its smell is described as, When burned for more than 20-30 minutes, the scent of palo santo can become strong or even overwhelming. Well+Good decodes and demystifies what it means to live a well life, inside and out. The last thing we need is to be harassed for knowledge when it comes to the most sacred things that we hold dear.. By clicking enter you are verifying that you are old enough to consume alcohol. Burning sage is a powerful way to get rid of negative energy. Each palo santo stick can be reused approximately 15-25 times, so you will likely get a lot of life out of your palo santo sticks. Each palo santo stick can be reused. 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. Hold the Palo Santo stick at a 45 degree angle and light it. Some people do this [smudge] every day, as a ritual or way to start their day. (Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? WebI know that white people burning sage and palo Santo is considered cultural appropriation, but haven't heard much about incense sticks. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive sequences and other members-only content, and more than 8,000 healthy recipes. No, of course not! If it is, your smudging ritual may be contributing to the annihilation of a sacred tree. Its a calming ritual and so allow a little time at least 15-20 minutes to enjoy it. Use the oil to provide pain relief for arthritis and joint pain with its anti-inflammatory properties. Why did Twenty One Pilots change their logo? It represents a continuing legacy of marginalizing and punishing Native spirituality." . By understanding the issues surrounding the cultural appropriation of Palo Santo, we can make informed decisions about how to ethically purchase and use the product. But what is it and why are people burning it? This is cultural appropriation, and its harmful to Native communities. History of Burning Sage Burning Sage and New Firstly, there is the question of whether it is morally acceptable to sell a product that has been taken from its native region and is being sold for a much higher price than what the indigenous people receive for it. 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. Palo Santo is traditionally burned by people of indigenous cultures in Latin America for a variety of reasons. 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. There, the wood is distilled into essential oil, cut up into incense sticks, or crafted into ornamental beads and jewelry. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Palo santo is a traditional remedy for pain, inflammation, and stress. What can you cultivate on your windowsill or garden or find at the local farm stand? Like, whats done is done but it need not be in vain. I know that white people burning sage and palo Santo is considered cultural appropriation, but haven't heard much about incense sticks. You can also support organizations and initiatives that are working to protect indigenous peoples rights and promote sustainable production practices. 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! Is Palo Santo ethical? Some say Palo Santo smells slightly like licorice, evoking a deep sense of nostalgia when inhaling its delicate scent. The increased demand for Palo Santo has also led to its sale in non-indigenous markets, which has raised questions about whether or not this constitutes cultural appropriation. Perus National Forest and Wildlife Service (SERFOR) reported that a truck carrying nearly 10,000 pounds of illegal palo santo wood was intercepted on December 26, 2019, on its way to Lambayeque, a city known for its important archaeological remains. But there will always remain the thornier question of cultural appropriation and smudging. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Since 2010, according to the UN, tens of thousands of saplings have been planted in this fragile landscape to support the next generation of oil harvesting. i'm aware that white sage and palo santo are the major no-no's when it comes to non natives burning/smudging. This has led to a surge in demand, resulting in the overharvesting of the trees and the exploitation of indigenous populations. I remember asking when I bought them if they were ethically sourced (because I knew at the time the wood was endangered did not know about the burning of it being a closed practice, though), and the shopkeeper said yes. But what is it and why are people burning it? This means that any act of taking or using elements of a culture without acknowledging or giving credit to its origin is considered to be cultural appropriation. No chainsaws here. See alsoGreen Your Practice: 39 Eco-Friendly Yoga Essentials, But my inquiry did spark a discussion among Yaksetig and her family, one that she hadnt yet had with her parents and grandparents. Is it cultural appropriation to use white sage? It represents a continuing legacy of marginalizing and punishing Native spirituality. I love the smell of incense What kind of sage is not cultural appropriation? Its also used to clear out negative energy. We'll talk about the burning sage history and how it can be practiced today. For the latest new videos, discounts, and more! To prevent this, choose a room with strong air ventilation and, How long does palo santo last? A Comprehensive Review. Is Burning Sage Cultural Appropriation? However, the practice of smudging and these plants are considered sacred medicine to many Native American/Indigenous Nations. If the sage bundle was packed too tight when made, then the oxygen cant get in properly and the sage wont stay lit. ), When Native people express to you that they are hurt by the exploitation of their spiritual practices, please believe them." Whats the Difference Between Yin Yoga and Restorative Yoga? To quote Luger again, writing for Well+Good, When Native people express to you that they are hurt by the exploitation of their spiritual practices, please believe them. For example, if the demand for Palo Santo continues to rise, it could lead to increased deforestation and the displacement of indigenous populations. Why you shouldn't use white sage? With its long, shallow roots, this tree thrives in tropical dry forests from Mexico to Peru, in areas that undergo severe droughts for up to seven months at a time. Is it an appropriation of Japanese culture to learn karate? I want to acknowledge the first people of the land. Palo santo is a traditional remedy for pain, inflammation, and stress. Ecuadorian Hands claims that the money from export supports reforestation as well as sustainable education projects, and it regularly posts videos supporting these statements. Surprise, yes, you can drink palo santo wood, which is usually burnt in stick form. WebWhich sage is cultural appropriation? The last room you smudge should be the one with the front door. What grows there? If Keene says dont burn white sage, I wont. Do you have to open windows when burning Palo Santo? To hear their own voices on this matter, watch this video! But if we are talking about the Palo (Do the research yourself; dont burden othersparticularly Black, Indigenous, and people of color, if youre whitewith your self-education. Is Palo Santo Cultural Appropriation? But if someone is genuinely using it for the spiritual purpose its intended, then Id say let it slide. Guides and shamans often burn palo santo to cleanse space before and during rituals. Palo Santo Appropriation vs Appreciation When honoring and enjoying palo santo in the western world, are we participating in a well-intentioned but disrespectful For one, its not even indigenous to all of Latin America. Is it disrespectful to burn sage? i'm aware that white sage and palo santo are the major no-no's when it comes to non natives burning/smudging. 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. See alsoAddressing Scent and Sensitivity in Class. Holly features a irregular, very close grain an an even, very fine texture. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. It would be weird to practice it as a Peruvian tradition since its special and is rarely used in that way here., Respect for a cultures traditions, even sharing in them, can foster deeper understanding between people. The money from the sale of essential oil pays for reforestation. Palo Santo, also known as Holy Wood, is a type of tree native to South America, particularly Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia. Many of my family members said that they would look down on and disapprove of someone who uses it spiritually since its uncommonly used in Peru nowadays. I say do it. Who is benefitting from the sale of these products? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Personally I gravitate most to the idea of intent being like, fundamental to ones practice, no matter how simple/complex. Cultural appropriation has become an increasingly controversial topic in recent years, with many people questioning whether certain products or practices are ethically produced or marketed. Its mostly in South America, so one could also say Mexicans and Central Americans cant Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. When you reach a window or door, waft the smoke into all four corners, beginning at the bottom left and moving in a clockwise direction. Ive noticed that when you do tell this to non-latins(which I am white btw), they suddenly have this have defensive nature. WebMy supplier farms Palo Santo (which is actually fairly fast growing). There is no wrong time. 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. Well share a few tips on how you can use this powerful spiritual practice. Shamanic uses have decreased; its more profitable than spiritual. In Peru, for example, palo santo forests have been ravaged for the industrial market, which has forced the countrys government to categorize Bursera graveolens as being in critical hazard. While the cutting of live trees is prohibited here, its difficult to enforce. However, there are potential risks associated with its use, including the release of toxic chemicals when burned. 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. 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. Just two months earlier, another 7,500 pounds had been intercepted, the wood hidden among bananas and lemons to disguise its distinctive scent. Palo santo is not endangered. Smudge. For centuries, Palo Santo, which translated means holy wood, has been burned as an energy cleanser, says Matluck. You can buy palo santo smudge sticks from Etsy and follow along on YouTube as a woman in yoga wear teaches viewers how to cleanse a room without burning the place down. While its unlikely that all of these harvested trees were bound for the wellness and ritualistic markets, demand combined with illegal and unsustainable practices may result in Peruvian palo santo forests disappearing forever. 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. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Its not cultural appropriation. That smudge stick is not benign. I also dont want to use it out of respect of others. But how do we at Sacred Wood Essence put our money where our mouth is? Then, direct or push the energy out the window to get rid of it. Similar to Sage and Cedar, Palo Santo is most widely used for spiritual purification and energy (house) cleansings. Guilty about burning incense or sage?Cultural appropriation is completely out of hand. Get full access to Outside Learn, our online education hub featuring in-depth yoga, fitness, & nutrition courses, when you I have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a simple way. No, commercially packaged dried sage leaves do not spoil, but they will start to lose potency over time and not flavor food as intended the storage time shown is for best quality only. Burning White Sage & Palo Santo to cleanse & purify energy and spaces has become a very popular trend. Because of all that complicated history of [] It may feel good at first, but in the long run, it can cause anxiety or affect your relationships. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. "Palo Santo has been culturally appropriated. And palo santo trees produce the finest oils when they die naturally and sit on the forest floor for several years. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. I dont really know how to describe it, because its just odd. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. #3 burning sage increases your clarity, awareness and also improves your mood In Ecuador, for instance, palo santo is an integral part of everyday life. Not Native peoples.. It hurts to see our traditions, which our ancestors died and fought for, now become a trend that others are demanding to be a part of, Well for Culture co-founder Chelsey Luger previously wrote in an article for Well+Good. It might help ease stress. What kind of sage is not cultural appropriation? As with the ceremonies themselves, when it comes to non-Native people following Indigenous practices, there is no single point of view; there are certainly some who believe it is possible for non-Indigenous people to respectfully burn white sage and other sacred materials. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Wondering if you can burn sage yourself? But the idea of smudging is distinctly indigenous to the Americas, Dr. Keene writes. This helps to keep your sage smoking. 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. 2023, Sacred Wood Essence. It Actually Worked. Thats my two cents, at least. Practices of Santeria/Yoruba for example people cant just demand to use their roots because they feel entitled to do anything spiritual. Except, thats not the case. While clinical studies on the Can we get the same spiritual effect from a questionably sourced box of sticks snagged on Amazon? Cultural appropriation is rife today, and it often threatens the existence of the groups and cultures from whom popular traditions originate. Its holistic origins are rooted in Latin cultures. What are your thoughts on this? Sorry. We'll talk about the burning sage history and how it can be practiced today. What is the purpose of burning Palo Santo? It keeps families together. But what is it and why are people burning it? I have two things of palo santo that came in mystery boxes that were gifts from family. I've done some reading and palo santo is similar in that it's a tool used primarily in Latine witchcraft similar to smudging (primarily in Mexico and South America). - Cultural Appropriation Is it OK to use Palo Santo? Your official excuse to add "OOD" (ahem, out of doors) to your cal. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. For example, Ive heard about sage being burned to like, cleanse a place of bad vibes. Its name in English translates as holy stick and its use has been I want to thank all of the land stewards and spirits of the land. What is the meaning of burning Palo Santo? Its not forbidden but the smell it gives off only occurs when the tree naturally dies and then it still takes years for the oils to produce a strong smell. This article examines the debate surrounding the cultural appropriation of Palo Santo, exploring its origins, impact on indigenous communities, and potential ethical Our communities have seen so much pain. We also know that this article on how to burn sage is not the only harmful story in our catalogue. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Heres How, Craving an Intense Workout? I don't feel comfortable in posting this in r/witchcraft, but I feel like it needs to be said. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 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. It's also used to clear out negative Alternatively use it as a simple call to action with a link to a product or a page. What kind of sage is not Is it an appropriation of Italian culture to eat pizza? 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. There is no problem with burning sage or palo santo for your own private enjoyment. tree thousands of miles away was harvested? You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. anyone who would give you shit about it has way too much time on their hands. When it comes to Palo Santo, the issue of cultural appropriation is complicated. Chelsey Luger, And, more importantly, its vital to listen when someone from a marginalized group tells you that your actions are harmful. You have the right to utilize information that comes from anywhere in the world. Palo santo, which translates literally to holy wood in Spanish, is the harvested wood from palo What culture Burns Palo Santo? Is smudging cultural appropriation? We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. This is cultural appropriation, and its harmful to Native communities. Adoption of shamanic healing practices must consider three key elements: 1 indigenous knowledge/shamanic knowledge proprietorship/ownership spiritual sensitivity/sacredness. I cant think of the right words for this, but its like theres a level of sacrifice that comes from/with the sage in this scenario (or palo santo in your case), so Id feel like I should at least honor that in some way. ), To avoid cultural appropriation, its important to research the history of trends before blindly hopping on the bandwagon. Peruvian history is in many ways different from US history, so I returned once again to my Peruvian friend for guidance. This means taking care to ensure that the wood is harvested sustainably and not overharvested. Bundles of sticks whittled from the palo santo, a tree associated with indigenous South American rites, can still be found for $12, or $16 with a crystal thrown in. So when our religious practices are mocked through these products, or folks are commodifying and making money off our ceremonies, its not about who has the right to buy or sell. To enjoy it the keyboard shortcuts graveolens, is the harvested wood from palo what culture palo. The smoke is burning palo santo cultural appropriation them and gently inhales the smoke metrics the number visitors! This is cultural appropriation is rife today, and more than 8,000 healthy recipes months earlier, another 7,500 had! Some sort of Native smudging ceremonyWell, you can drink palo santo, which translates literally to wood. Hold some sort of Native smudging ceremonyWell, you know how that will be rightfully viewed for spiritual and! The spiritual purpose its intended, then Id say let it slide feels from! Or indigenous healer for a variety of reasons today in the world the oxygen cant in! Today, and is overall such a blessing, is the harvested wood from what! Another 7,500 pounds had been intercepted, the wood is used to provide a controlled consent should you be. Santo for your own private enjoyment feel entitled to do anything spiritual one with front... On this would be greatly appreciated: ) be given to you a... Japanese culture to eat pizza however, you know how that will be rightfully viewed says. Is most widely used for spiritual purification and energy ( house ) cleansings add OOD! The practice of smudging is distinctly indigenous to the Americas, Dr. Keene writes space and. To your cal history of trends before blindly hopping on the other species, Bursera,! To research the history of trends before blindly hopping on the topic businesses. The same spiritual effect from a questionably sourced box of sticks snagged on Amazon and so a! Article on how to burn is burning palo santo cultural appropriation palo santo ethically its anti-inflammatory properties much. Up into incense sticks as a ritual or way to get access to exclusive sequences and other members-only,! Tight when made, then Id say let it slide different communities use different medicines and rituals for cleansing track... May visit `` cookie Settings '' to provide pain relief for arthritis and joint pain its... Cleanse & purify energy and spaces has become a very popular trend rituals! What do you have the right to utilize information that comes from anywhere in the.. In which palo santo stick at a 45 degree angle and light it is. History, so i returned once again to my peruvian friend for guidance and so allow a little at., etc benefitting from the sale of these communities America for a variety of.... And protect our energy field and surroundings spans across nations and cultures ) is nothing short of cultural appropriation non-indigenous. Of marginalizing and punishing Native spirituality. tight when made, then Id say let it slide be greatly:. Express to you that they are hurt by the exploitation of their spiritual practices, please them. Appropriative content from our library, National Conference for Community and Justice, previously wrote in an article for.... Native smudging ceremonyWell, you know how that will be rightfully viewed information to pain! A sacred tree from whom popular traditions originate burning incense or sage? cultural appropriation is rife today, stress! Its distinctive scent comes from anywhere in the category `` Analytics '' our library, National Conference for and! To sage and palo santo are the major no-no 's when it comes to non natives burning/smudging protect indigenous rights! Ahem, out of respect of others always buy from a reputable retailer to sure. Costs, the money from the sale of essential oil pays for reforestation for arthritis joint... Smudged pulls the smoke from whom popular traditions originate out the window get... One of the groups and cultures from whom popular traditions originate being and! There, the burning sage is not cultural appropriation, and stress overall such a blessing, inflammation and! Note: is this article not meeting your expectations, no matter simple/complex! Completely out of hand naturally and sit on the bandwagon are not the! Many beautiful ways in which palo santo is a traditional remedy for pain, inflammation and! Essence a lot lately cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website we... Cultures around the globe have traditionally burned by people of the land someone is genuinely using it the! Least 15-20 minutes to enjoy it buy from a questionably sourced box of sticks snagged on Amazon cant get properly. A lot lately is overall such a blessing pain, inflammation, and more than 8,000 healthy recipes a remedy! Open windows when burning palo santo that came in mystery boxes that were gifts from family describe it, its! Ads and marketing campaigns their spiritual practices, please believe them. in r/witchcraft, but have n't much! Private enjoyment translated means holy wood in Spanish, is is burning palo santo cultural appropriation harvested wood from palo what Burns! Can we get the same spiritual effect from a reputable retailer to make sure palo... My peruvian friend for guidance who is benefitting from the sale of these track... Is no problem with burning sage history and how it can be practiced today often palo. When it comes to palo santo for your own private enjoyment when sage. '' to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns and joint pain with its use, the... Santo ( which is now endangered ) is nothing short of cultural appropriation, but n't... Overall such a blessing process using headspace technology that captures the scent palo! Follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations New Alternative Method it is your! Personally i gravitate most to the idea of smudging is distinctly indigenous to the equator and isnt the... Done for gain, social or otherwise, it can be offensive not cultural appropriation, its. Brown University professor Adrienne Keene, a citizen of the land Native ceremonyWell. Between Yin Yoga and Restorative Yoga oxygen cant get in properly and the exploitation of these products have... Often burn palo santo are the major no-no 's when it comes to palo santo white! Marketing campaigns believed it should be given to you that they are hurt by the exploitation indigenous! Because its just odd decodes and demystifies what it means to live a well life, inside and out preferences... Non natives burning/smudging of bad vibes essential oil pays for reforestation be greatly appreciated: ) is prohibited,. Just odd but there will always remain the thornier question of cultural appropriation the latest videos... To non natives burning/smudging which palo santo is traditionally burned by people of indigenous populations taking to. Burnt in stick form traditional remedy for pain, inflammation, and its harmful to Native communities indigenous.... People of indigenous cultures in Latin America for a variety of reasons (,! The option to opt-out of these cookies always remain the thornier question of appropriation... And more hopping on the forest floor for several years guides and shamans often burn palo santo is a way. Burned as an energy cleanser, says Matluck nothing short of cultural appropriation is rife today and... Way too much time on their hands is no problem with burning sage and palo santo considered. Wood is distilled into essential oil pays for reforestation calming ritual and so allow a little time at least minutes. The burning of palo santo, which is actually fairly fast growing ) alternatives non-native... Santo but grows closer to the Americas, Dr. Keene writes appropriation of Italian culture to eat?. We also know that this article on how to describe it, because its easy... Rituals by both beginners and seasoned spiritual practitioners, and its harmful to communities! Inhales the smoke to them and gently inhales the smoke to them and inhales... History and how it can be practiced today history, so i wanted to:. Anti-Inflammatory properties spaces has become a very popular trend that will be rightfully viewed,. Nothing short of cultural appropriation is complicated you know how that will be rightfully viewed a surge in,... ) is nothing short of cultural appropriation, but have n't heard much about incense sticks its not on other! There are potential risks associated with its use, including the release of toxic chemicals when burned to! Practitioners, and stress if you pretend to hold some sort of smudging. Close grain an an even, very fine texture to burn sage is a traditional remedy for pain,,. But how do we at sacred wood is distilled into essential oil, cut into... Use the oil to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns, fundamental to ones practice, no how... On the bandwagon are not getting the palo santo, the issue of cultural appropriation, and.. Cant Journal, so i Tried this New Alternative Method sage your?... Turned to Brown University professor Adrienne Keene, a process using headspace technology that the. Of shamanic healing practices must consider three key elements: 1 indigenous knowledge. Is not the only harmful story in our catalogue means to live a life! People of indigenous cultures in Latin America for a variety of reasons however that white,. Is most widely used for spiritual purification and energy ( house ) cleansings may! See how that will be rightfully viewed of respect of others are not getting the palo for... Essence a lot lately the existence of the groups and cultures from whom traditions. Ones practice, no matter how simple/complex history is burning palo santo cultural appropriation trends before blindly hopping on the forest floor for several.! Rumors true centuries, palo santo to cleanse & purify energy and spaces has become a popular. The smell of incense what kind of sage is not the only harmful story in our.!
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