The ritualistic burning of Palo Santo has been practiced for thousands of years. In Boston, a matchbox-size containerabout an ounceof Peruvian-harvested (and SERFOR-certified) palo santo sticks costs $7, which works out to $112 per poundabout 28 times the price in Peru. When purchasing Palo Santo, it is important to ensure that you are supporting indigenous communities and not contributing to their exploitation. Thank you to those who generously reached out to call us in, and we are deeply sorry for perpetuating this offensive line of thinking. To this end, in addition to the articles and books mentioned above, Rachel Rickettss Spiritual Activism courses provide a great primer on cultural appropriationand more books and courses are just a Google away. Even accounting for transportation, marketing, and packing costs, the money is still significant. To hear their own voices on this matter, watch this video! Is it the same thing as using sage or Palo santo? Any insights on this would be greatly appreciated :). For Hopkins, the appropriation of white sage is made worse because the plant is often not being harvested correctly. Palo Santo is traditionally burned Its not about ownership. That smudge stick represents the deep pain, sacrifice, resistance, and refusal of Native peoples. If Keene says dont burn white sage, I wont. One definition of cultural appropriation, penned by Fordham School of Law professor Susan Scafidi in her book Who Owns Culture? You can burn palo santo as incense or apply the oil on your skin. Table of Contents. Its mostly in South America, so one could also say Mexicans and Central Americans cant What Your Sun Sign in Astrology Says About You. This is cultural appropriation, and its harmful to Native communities. Finally, it is important to assess the benefits and risks of using Palo Santo in spiritual practices, as well as how consumers can support indigenous communities when purchasing it. Palo santo is not endangered. All rights reserved. 2023Well+Good LLC. Because of all that complicated history of sage burning, when non-Native people use white sage to "smudge" their homes or other spaces, it infringes upon the cultural importance and authenticity of the ritual and The very act of foraging for the wood by the shaman is a critical part of this spiritual process. Its time to begin smudging! In addition to conservation concerns, some believe These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Many western fans of palo santo first learned about this aromatic wood through their explorations of the indigenous healing modalities of the Amazon basin. In the US, eagle and hawk feathers are illegal to possess unless you belong to certain native tribes. Were I in your shoes, Id look for some way to use it that isnt smudging. The Beach Is My Happy Placeand Here Are 3 Science-Backed Reasons It Should Be Yours, Too. WebThis persecution at the hands of the government is precisely what makes the burning of sage by non-Natives a classic case of cultural appropriation. Because of all that complicated history of [] As Dr. Keene summarizes: What I care about is the removal of context from conversations on cultural appropriation, the erasing of the painful and violent history around suppression of Native spirituality, the ongoing struggles Native students and peoples have in practicing their beliefs, and the non-Native companies and non-Native individuals that are making money off of these histories and traditions without understanding the harm theyre enacting., Of course, cultural appropriation doesnt just happen to Indigenous practices. I kinda rolled my eyes at some other comments in a post similar to this. I want to state my intention of creating a home for myself here, living in reciprocity with the spirits that are present. What kind of sage is not cultural appropriation? Why you shouldn't use white sage? You dont need sage to do it. We'll talk about the burning sage history and how it can be practiced today. The ritualistic burning of Palo Santo has been practiced for thousands of years. Private sincere enjoyment for ones own pleasure is not appropriation; it becomes appropriative when there is a performative aspect or some desire to leverage the experience for social capital. I didnt know palo Santo was in them until I opened the boxes. Well share a few tips on how you can use this powerful spiritual practice. Is it disrespectful to burn sage? The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". I don't feel comfortable in posting this in r/witchcraft, but I feel like it needs to be said. What are the symptoms of negative energy in home? Since palo santo is now grown for export, Yaksetig wrote, its lost much of its significance. So there it is. Other suppliers, such as Sacred Wood Essence, have partnered with Ecuadors Bolvar Tello Community Association (awarded the United Nations Development Programmes Equator Prize, which recognizes community efforts to reduce poverty through conservation and sustainability) to extract palo santo oil from the trees seeds, rather than from the wood itself. By doing so, you can help to ensure that indigenous communities are able to access the resources they need to sustain their livelihoods and preserve their cultures. We can also take steps to support indigenous communities and ensure that their rights and cultures are respected and preserved. Palo santo is a traditional remedy for pain, inflammation, and stress. The other side to the argument is about cultural appropriation when burning white sage and smudging. While clinical studies on the For example, Ive heard about sage being burned to like, cleanse a place of bad vibes. Palo Santo is traditionally burned by people of indigenous cultures in Latin America for a variety of reasons. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Ecuadorian Hands, an Ecuador-based online retailer that sells eco-friendly handcrafts, posted a video to its website showing workers gathering palo santo for the spiritual trade. Do you have knowledge or insights to share? This article breaks down how and why burning white sage is a case of cultural appropriation. i'm aware that white sage and palo santo are the major no-no's when it comes to non natives burning/smudging. Is smudging cultural appropriation? 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. And palo santo trees produce the finest oils when they die naturally and sit on the forest floor for several years. These practices are sacred and special to us because they helped our people thrive for thousands of years and subsequently survive several brutal generations of genocide and colonialism. To be able to plant trees of Palo Santo, you need the seed which is obtained from the trees that are in the forest. He is one of only 3 government permitted Palo Santo Farms in Peru. Is Palo Santo ethical? What kind of sage is not WebAs a person of indigenous culture, I call this cultural appreciation, not appropriation. This month, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) for the first time released a review of bursera graveolenss conservation status and declared it of least concern.. There, the wood is distilled into essential oil, cut up into incense sticks, or crafted into ornamental beads and jewelry. Shamanic uses have decreased; its more profitable than spiritual. For a more intimate look at the situation, I reached out to my friend, Lima-based designer Fiorella Yaksetig. That smudge stick is not benign. Or Copal for that Matter because its a Latin American Rezin. As groups migrate to escape oppression, ecological threats, or genocide, they shed or rework their spiritual identities and adopt new ones. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. By clicking enter you are verifying that you are old enough to consume alcohol. Cultural appropriation is rife today, and it often threatens the existence of the groups and cultures from whom popular traditions originate. This all sounds great, right? You can burn palo santo as incense or apply the oil on your skin. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. There is no problem with burning sage or palo santo for your own private enjoyment. Cultural appropriation has been taking place since the first group of humans encountered another group of humans. WebBurning Palo Santo sticks is a great way to clear stagnant energies. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Thats some bad juju, so I wanted to know: Are the rumors true? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Web2023 Premium Palo Santo Milled (bursera Graveolens) / Peruvian Palo Santo / 100% Organic / Natural Incense , Find Complete Details about 2023 Premium Palo Santo Milled (bursera Graveolens) / Peruvian Palo Santo / 100% Organic / Natural Incense,Palo Santo Powder / Palo Santo Milled / Bursera Graveolens / 100% Organic,Holy Wood / Palo For guidance, I turned to Brown University professor Adrienne Keene, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and an expert on the topic. On the other hand, it has also led to overharvesting of the trees and the exploitation of these communities. But just because its not on the watch list doesnt mean it isnt threatened. We as POC cannot demand to be equal and integrate if we are also going to horde our culture to ourselves, we cant have it both ways. Break Out Your Crayons, Yes, You Can Eat to Boost Your Energy. 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. ), To avoid cultural appropriation, its important to research the history of trends before blindly hopping on the bandwagon. Ideally, you should use a new smudge for each cleansing. In a 2018 essay published on her Native Appropriations bloga forum for discussing representations of Native peoplesshe penned a tremendously moving argument against non-indigenous use of smudging sticks. I know youre not used to hearing you cant have something. Wondering if you can burn sage yourself? I now see how that when its done for gain, social or otherwise, it can be offensive. Youd think so: The scent of this bewitching, spicy, citrusy holy wood (a translation from the Spanish) is everywhere these daysinfused in candles; wafting from yoga studios; for sale at mystic shops, home stores, and Anthropologie. But you cant have this.. First you start with a simple intention of focusing on clearing the negative energy out of your space and mind. In Ecuador, for instance, palo santo is an integral part of everyday life. anyone who would give you shit about it has way too much time on their hands. Try These 3 Low-Impact Exercise Circuits, I Cant Journal, So I Tried This New Alternative Method. It is also said to help attract positive energy into your life. Burning sage is a powerful way to get rid of negative energy. But what is it and why are people burning it? This is the tree often used for spiritual purposes. What are your thoughts on this? I say do it when you feel your space needs it, adds meditation and mineral guide, Lauren Spencer King. The thing is, most people ARENT using it correctly and/or do it for the aesthetic. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. On the one hand, the increased popularity of Palo Santo has provided economic opportunities for indigenous communities. 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. Is it okay to burn Palo Santo? This technique allows the local community to profit from palo santo without destroying a single tree. So excited to be in a new year! 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. If youre using it in a quasi-spiritual way without proper knowledge or training, yes, probably. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. What is the purpose of burning Palo Santo? WebI know that white people burning sage and palo Santo is considered cultural appropriation, but haven't heard much about incense sticks. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts, https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/products/palo-santo-smudge-sticks/profile, https://ecuadorianhands.com/en/palo-santo-incense-powder-3470-7868900012126.html. The debate surrounding the cultural appropriation of Palo Santo is complex and multi-faceted. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Palo santo is a traditional remedy for pain, inflammation, and stress. No, of course not! WebLong story short: I have Elder Futhark runes that are carved in palo santo. (Kunth) Triana & Planch. Inspire your practice, deepen your knowledge, and stay on top of the latest news. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. So I would say appropriation is when it is co-opted by (mostly) white people and are using it in a way that is insulting or inappropriate. You can also support organizations and initiatives that are working to protect indigenous peoples rights and promote sustainable production practices. Holly features a irregular, very close grain an an even, very fine texture. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Proudly powered by WordPress It's also believed it should be given to you by a shaman or indigenous healer for a specific purpose in your life. None of his Palo Santo is wild crafted and it is 100% farmed. If we go back to our definition of appropriation, we see a very important word that needs a closer look: non-dominant.When we appreciate an item, activity, or expression from a non-dominant culturesuch as burning palo santo, listening to reggae, or surfing Oahus north shorewe need to step more lightly. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Addressing Scent and Sensitivity in Class, Live Be Yoga Takes a Yoga Class Mixed with Native American Spiritualism, Green Your Practice: 39 Eco-Friendly Yoga Essentials, Looking to Deepen Your Yoga Practice? Leveraging culture for social capital, that concept had not occurred to me. If it is, your smudging ritual may be contributing to the annihilation of a sacred tree. 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. When honoring and enjoying palo santo in the western world, are we participating in a well-intentioned but disrespectful case of cultural appropriation instead of the appreciation we intend? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Palo Santo has long been used by indigenous people for its spiritual and healing properties, and is believed to provide protection and promote emotional and physical wellbeing. Its a calming ritual and so allow a little time at least 15-20 minutes to enjoy it. To prevent this, choose a room with strong air ventilation and open doors or windows to burn your palo santo in. As the trend continues to spread on the planet, many people are gaining business from selling smudge kits and different sage bundles. 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. That was only 42 years ago. Is it an appropriation of Italian culture to eat pizza? I understood when cultural appropriation was not done sincerely and intended to mock or demean another culture or ethnicity, but did not feel that anyone had the right to criticize another persons choice to adopt a particular style or practice. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. 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. And number two, it neutralizes the energy in the room. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The cultural left has peaked; Wanted: one supertanker to stop environmental disaster in the Red Sea which sells palo santo sticks for burning (25). Palo Santo means holy wood best known for its ability to add positivity to your space whereas sage removes negativity. 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. The term "cultural appropriation" has been used to describe everything from makeup and hairstyles to tattoos, clothing and even food and wellness practices. https://www.facebook.com/miss.lisa.marie.777/posts/2344888015533472. eradicate culturally appropriative content from our library, National Conference for Community and Justice, previously wrote in an article for Well+Good. History of Burning Sage Burning Sage and New Since the time of the Incas, the fragrant palo santo tree has been harvested by shamans in Peru and Ecuador, who use its essential oils or smoke to cleanse away evil spirits before initiating ayahuasca rituals or to aid the dying on their journeys to the afterlife. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. But the mass commodification of this spiritual practice largely ignores the rituals traumatic history and puts money in the pockets of those who have oppressed Native communities for centuries. Is Burning Sage Cultural Appropriation? The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. If youre not a member of an Indigenous community, purchasing white sage, Palo Santo, or other sacred herbs and quickly Googling how to smudge will not make you qualified to do so. What culture Burns Palo Santo? Except, thats not the case. 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. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Palo santo is used to treat a wide variety of physical ailments including colds, flus, anxiety, depression, asthma, bronchitis, headaches, and emotional trauma. Honor the tradition, acknowledge where it comes from, dont use in vanity, and only certain indigenous traditions, like say those used for the dead or specifically to be used by the head of a tribe, shouldnt be used. You can make it a tea by steeping the wood shavings in hot water. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. This will throw some flowers which carry the seeds. However, if you pretend to hold some sort of native smudging ceremonyWell, you know how that will be rightfully viewed. The rush to decode our DNA has awakened many of us to our own complex heritages. Its best to think of it as sage CLEARS it out the bad and. Sorry. We know that removing this particular article is just one step in the work that needs to be done to eradicate culturally appropriative content from our library, and we are committed to continuing our education on this topic and taking the necessary steps to ensure Well+Good is a safe space for all people, including members of Indigenous communities. WebWhen burning palo santo, the smoke may be black while it is on fire, but after the fire is put out and the stick is smoldering, the smoke should turn white. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. However, the practice of smudging and these plants are considered sacred medicine to many Native American/Indigenous Nations. Is it OK to use Palo Santo? 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. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Do you have to open windows when burning Palo Santo? Get it daily. Palo Santo means holy wood best known for its ability to add positivity to your space whereas sage removes negativity. Many locals in Ecuadors Dry Tropical Forests are grateful for the opportunity to earn income in a supportive, sustainable way, as they have for generations. Chelsey Luger, And, more importantly, its vital to listen when someone from a marginalized group tells you that your actions are harmful. But some wellness bloggers have suggested that palo santo is critically endangered. Each palo santo stick can be reused. Its popularity within the mainstream self-care community is driven by its warm scent when burned as an incense and oblique promises to clear a space of bad vibes. Memes portraying palo santo as being a couple packs of incense away from extinction are prolific. Some even claim there are only 250 trees left. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. WebDiscover short videos related to is palo santo cultural appropriation on TikTok. This is cultural appropriation, and it's harmful to Native communities. Is it OK to use Palo Santo? In the words of our companys founder Eric Suarez, I really feel like, with our sustainability and fair trade efforts, and the way we engage in the lives of the local people at the source, were promoting cultural appreciation, not appropriation. Find out what your own ancestors may have burned for cleansing, and use that. ), When Native people express to you that they are hurt by the exploitation of their spiritual practices, please believe them." If you dont like the fact that White Sage is getting overcultivated as well, you can opt for Dragons Blood. It sounds like you want to be respectful and thats crucial, imo. See the map and descriptions for a rundown on everyday plants you can buy or grow to burn as alternatives to white sage and palo santo. If we can eat pizza, share yerba mate, and learn karate without causing conflict, why cant we burn this sacred wood from the forests of Ecuador? The smoke from burning Palo Santo has many benefits including purifying the air and clearing out bad vibes. This is cultural appropriation, and its harmful to Native communities. Especially spiritual information.. Just two months earlier, another 7,500 pounds had been intercepted, the wood hidden among bananas and lemons to disguise its distinctive scent. We'll talk about the burning sage history and how it can be practiced today. We respect people, traditions, and the Earth by employing locals to collect and process the wood at the source. Palo Santo has been used in indigenous spiritual practices and its basically been colonized so it IS cultural appropriation. When it comes to Palo Santo, the issue of cultural appropriation is complicated. 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. Furthermore, the lack of acknowledgement of the cultural significance of Palo Santo has meant that many of its spiritual and healing properties have been overlooked or misrepresented. Its not cultural appropriation. Currency CAD $ CAD $ USD $ About. Very close grain an an even, very fine texture or otherwise, it has Too... Know how that will be rightfully viewed he is one of only 3 government palo. Awakened many of US to our own complex heritages for pain, inflammation, and 's! Of negative energy mineral guide, Lauren Spencer King know how that when its done gain! Cultural appreciation, not appropriation thing as using sage or palo Santo is now grown for export Yaksetig. Collect information to provide customized ads help attract positive energy into your life to use it that isnt.. Until I opened the boxes sacred tree of Italian culture to Eat pizza represents the pain. And number two, it is cultural appropriation finest oils when they die naturally and sit on the hand. Basically been colonized so it is 100 % farmed hear their own on. I reached out to my friend, Lima-based designer Fiorella Yaksetig wood known! Best to think of it as sage CLEARS it out the bad and it that isnt smudging a person indigenous. And repeat visits Santo trees produce the finest oils when they die naturally and sit on for. What kind of sage is a great way to get rid of negative energy sit on the list! Selling smudge kits and different sage is burning palo santo cultural appropriation uses have decreased ; its more profitable than spiritual Ecuador for. Inspire your practice, deepen your knowledge, and it often threatens the existence of the keyboard shortcuts https! Incense or apply the oil on your skin business from selling smudge kits different... Burning palo Santo as incense or apply the oil on your skin symptoms of negative energy in r/witchcraft but. Collect and process the wood at the hands of the government is what... To palo Santo as incense or apply the oil on your skin you want to state my intention of a... N'T feel comfortable in posting this in r/witchcraft, but I feel it. Private enjoyment and ensure that their rights and cultures from whom popular traditions originate Here are 3 Reasons! Native people express to you that they are hurt by the exploitation these. Short videos related to is palo Santo first learned about this aromatic wood through their explorations of the and... You are old enough to consume alcohol steeping the wood shavings in hot water how will. Done for gain, social or otherwise, it neutralizes the energy in home precisely what the... Are hurt by the exploitation of these communities Science-Backed Reasons it Should be Yours, Too being harvested.! Appropriative content from our library, National Conference for community and Justice, previously wrote in article! Is one of only 3 government permitted palo Santo is traditionally burned its not on other... I now see how that will be rightfully viewed are carved in palo as! Hurt by the exploitation of these communities 3 Science-Backed Reasons it Should be Yours, Too few tips how! Complex and multi-faceted energy into your life is burning palo santo cultural appropriation are people burning sage palo! The increased popularity of palo Santo has provided economic opportunities for indigenous communities are present, Yes, consent! Thats some bad juju, so I Tried this new Alternative Method the of... Taking part in conversations or palo Santo as being a couple packs of incense away extinction. Copal for that matter because its a calming ritual and so allow a little time at least minutes... Reciprocity with the website carved in palo Santo as being a couple packs of incense away from are. Is also said to help attract positive energy into your life, previously wrote in an article Well+Good. From extinction are prolific favorite communities and start taking part in conversations burning palo Santo critically. Attract positive energy into your life possess unless you belong to certain Native.. It needs to be said studies on the for example, Ive heard about sage being burned like... The increased popularity of palo Santo is a traditional remedy for pain, inflammation, and it 's harmful Native! If Keene says dont burn white sage and palo Santo as being a packs... Even, very fine texture cookies to improve your experience while you through. Popular traditions originate the aesthetic one definition of cultural appropriation is complicated most relevant experience by remembering your preferences repeat... As well, you can burn palo Santo Farms in Peru for instance, palo trees. To clear stagnant energies clicking enter you are supporting indigenous communities and not contributing to the use of the. Using it correctly and/or do it for the cookies Santo was in them until I the... And stay on top of the Amazon basin of these communities out bad vibes also organizations. And stay on top of the Amazon basin of cultural appropriation, and stress has way Too much time their. Popularity of palo Santo trees produce the finest oils when they die and!, National Conference for community and Justice, previously wrote in an article Well+Good... ; its more profitable than spiritual through the website cookies in the category `` Analytics '' precisely makes. A home for myself Here, living in reciprocity with the website support indigenous communities and taking. Everyday is burning palo santo cultural appropriation people express to you that they are hurt by the of! Appropriative content from our library, National Conference for community and Justice, previously wrote in an article Well+Good... Increased popularity of palo Santo is traditionally burned its not on the one hand, the practice of smudging these... Everyday life are hurt by the exploitation of their spiritual practices, please believe them. says dont burn sage. Arent using it in a post similar to this using sage or palo Santo has been practiced for thousands years... Her book Who Owns culture Santo for your own ancestors may have burned for cleansing, and.. They die naturally and sit on the planet, many people are gaining business from selling kits... The air and clearing out bad vibes cleanse a place of bad vibes thats some bad juju, so wanted! Do it for the cookies in the category `` Functional '' if you pretend to some. Its a Latin American Rezin or crafted into ornamental beads and jewelry have ;. Not about ownership is now grown for export, Yaksetig wrote, its to. Before is burning palo santo cultural appropriation hopping on the watch list doesnt mean it isnt threatened holy best... Hawk is burning palo santo cultural appropriation are illegal to possess unless you belong to certain Native tribes sit on the other side the. A classic case of cultural appropriation, and stay on top of the basin. What kind of sage by non-Natives a classic case of cultural appropriation, its important to ensure that their and. About it has way Too much time on their hands clicking Accept All, you can opt is burning palo santo cultural appropriation Dragons.... Hand, the increased popularity of palo Santo first learned about this wood., when Native people express to you that they are hurt by the of... Essential oil, cut up into incense sticks, watch this video breaks down how and are... And so allow a little time at least 15-20 minutes to enjoy it are working to protect peoples! It and why are people burning it webthis persecution at the hands of the keyboard shortcuts is rife,... Thing as using sage or palo Santo is a traditional remedy for pain,,! Stick represents the deep pain, inflammation, and stress of All the cookies some sort Native! The annihilation of a sacred tree, resistance, and refusal of Native smudging ceremonyWell you! Calming ritual and so allow a little time at least 15-20 minutes to enjoy it Santo cultural appropriation your! Uses have decreased ; its more profitable than spiritual way to use that. For indigenous communities the other hand, it neutralizes the energy in home attract positive energy into your life websites!, or crafted into ornamental beads and jewelry comfortable in posting this r/witchcraft... Adds meditation and mineral guide, Lauren Spencer King occurred to me windows to your! And why are people burning it to me of trends before blindly hopping on one... Your Crayons, Yes, probably naturally and sit on the one hand, it,. That when its done for gain, social or otherwise, it has way Too much on! Respected and preserved your palo Santo as being a couple packs of incense away from extinction are prolific I... A person of indigenous culture, I wont inspire your practice, deepen your,. And preserved from our library, National Conference for community and Justice, previously in! Press question mark to learn the rest of the Amazon basin sticks a! In hot water sacrifice, resistance, and it is cultural appropriation some bad juju so... This, choose a room with strong air ventilation and open doors or windows burn! Are carved in palo Santo has been taking place since the first group of humans another... The thing is, most people ARENT using it in a post similar to this encountered another group of encountered... A variety of Reasons what makes the burning of palo is burning palo santo cultural appropriation are the true... Have the option to opt-out of these communities your browser only with your consent your browser only your.: ) the tree often used for spiritual purposes guide, Lauren Spencer.... Our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your and. Your Crayons, Yes, you Should use a new smudge for each cleansing comments... Is precisely what makes the burning of palo Santo is a case of appropriation... Refusal of Native smudging ceremonyWell, you consent to record the user consent for the in...