The Spark That Lit The Fire
Rolling smudge sticks began as a simple hand-made gift for friends and family. Over time I realized most people were not able to purchase the same top quality sage I was accustomed to. This led to my researching retail smudge sticks.
I was surprised by my findings! I was disappointed to find most retail stores selling only white sage. The sage I choose to roll is Artemisia Tridentata, also known as 'Big Canyon' or Desert Sage. I personally believe this is the finest sage in North America and to be sweeter and less pungent than the white, with a slightly minty quality and aroma. You will have to decide for yourself.
Additionally, I discovered most sage being sold was old and poorly rolled. For example, many sellers bind the product with yarn and ribbon. In my (humble) opinion, these items affect the smell and the experience, thereby affecting the results. Most definitely test this for yourself and see if you agree.
An even more critical component that I found missing althogether is that most sellers do not include an explanation of how to burn the stick. By not providing this information to the end-user, I feel two obstacles are introduced to achieving intended results. First, proper credit is not being provided to the North American Indians. For these People, (and for us), the smudging process is a sacred and holy act. By not understanding the origins of these rituals, the importance and impact cannot be fully understood. And second, with no direction on how to perform a traditional blessing there is no pathway from which the user can incorporate into his or her own ritual. To maintain a degree of authenticity and respect, I feel the consumer needs to know how to thank the 'Powers of the Four Directions'.
The decision was then easily made: I'll sell my own sage, the way I think it should be sold.
I appreciate your trust in my ability to provide you high-quality, authentic, and respectful smudge sticks and hope you will find they add to your rituals the same peace and sense of whole they have always brought to mine.
I was surprised by my findings! I was disappointed to find most retail stores selling only white sage. The sage I choose to roll is Artemisia Tridentata, also known as 'Big Canyon' or Desert Sage. I personally believe this is the finest sage in North America and to be sweeter and less pungent than the white, with a slightly minty quality and aroma. You will have to decide for yourself.
Additionally, I discovered most sage being sold was old and poorly rolled. For example, many sellers bind the product with yarn and ribbon. In my (humble) opinion, these items affect the smell and the experience, thereby affecting the results. Most definitely test this for yourself and see if you agree.
An even more critical component that I found missing althogether is that most sellers do not include an explanation of how to burn the stick. By not providing this information to the end-user, I feel two obstacles are introduced to achieving intended results. First, proper credit is not being provided to the North American Indians. For these People, (and for us), the smudging process is a sacred and holy act. By not understanding the origins of these rituals, the importance and impact cannot be fully understood. And second, with no direction on how to perform a traditional blessing there is no pathway from which the user can incorporate into his or her own ritual. To maintain a degree of authenticity and respect, I feel the consumer needs to know how to thank the 'Powers of the Four Directions'.
The decision was then easily made: I'll sell my own sage, the way I think it should be sold.
I appreciate your trust in my ability to provide you high-quality, authentic, and respectful smudge sticks and hope you will find they add to your rituals the same peace and sense of whole they have always brought to mine.