White Sage & Black Sage Large Smudge Wand

8+ inches long

Unit size: 1 smudge wand

A smudge stick or smudge wand is a bundle of herbs, usually with a base of Sage, bound and tied with a string.  As practiced by generations of Native Americans, the pointed end of the smudge stick, while held over a bowl of sand, is ignited.  Blowing on the glowing surface will provide the fragrant "smoke" which is used for banishing (cleansing your sacred space), offering up "prayers", or to cast a circle with the smoke.  You may also "smudge" people and things, which has the affect of purifying and blessing them.  These various spiritual uses, and many others, are known generally as "smudging".

These White Sage & Black Sage Large Smudge Wands are made of California White Sage and Mugwort (Black Sage), and are around 8-9 inches long.

White sage has long been revered for its medicinal uses, and it is viewed as possessing many virtues believed to aid in maintaining general well being. It is perhaps better known though for the spiritual practices that revolve around it, particularly the spiritual art of smudging. In this practice, white sage is usually the preferred herb used to bundle up into a long stick or wand. One end is then lit to smolder slowly, as the smudging stick is then used in ceremonial offering, or in rituals of cleansing, purification, and protection. This tradition, born of Native American beliefs, is said to keep away evil spirits and negative energies, and has been adapted to the practices of many neopagan traditions. Within these practices, the uses often extend to seeking prosperity, fertility and longevity, and are sometimes used in rituals of money drawing, banishing, or consecration.  These White Sage leaf clusters are great for cleansing your circle of earth-bound influences and spirits in neo-pagan rituals. You can easily make your own smudge sticks with this sage. Simply bundle some sage together with your hands, and then tie some string around it to hold it in place.

Traditionally White Sage has been said to aid in decreasing sweating and salivation. It is also said to aid in ailments of the nose and throat and lungs by decreasing the mucus secretions of the sinuses. It is sometimes also used in a cold tea as a tonic for stomach ailments, or in look warm tea for soothing away the pain of a sore throat. The leaves of white sage have also been said to be of great use for treating heavy menstruation, though it should be noted that this can sometimes decrease lactation.

The aroma of White Sage is strong, smokey, pungent, and south-western.

Mugwort has been commonly used with Sandalwood to create an incense mixture to help one when scrying.  It is also helpful in divination.

Known as common wormwood, Artemisia Vulgaris, felon herb, chrysanthemum weed, wild wormwood, Old Uncle Henry, Sailor`s Tobacco, Old Man, and St John`s Plant, Mugwort is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, and has become an invasive weed in North America. Its leaves have have long been used as a flavoring agent to season fat, meat, or fish, and is perhaps most famously known for seasoning Goose in Germanic traditions. In Japan and Korea it is also known for being used to color festive rice cakes, and is a common seasoning within Korean soups and pancakes. It should be noted that Mugwort can be a hallucinogenic, but when cooked those properties are neutralized. In the mid-ages Mugwort was part of a herbal mix called Gruit, which was used to flavor beer before the widespread use of hops, likely resulting in hallucination as well as inebriation! In ancient and medieval times Mugwort was also used for its magical properties, where it was seen as a protective herb that could dispel fatigue and protect a traveler from evil spirits and wild animals. Indeed, it was included in the 10th century "Nine Herb Charm" that is said to ward off poison and illness. It is also supiced to be a potent aid in lucid dreaming, astral travel, and otherwise increasing the intensity of dreams, as well as the ability to control and remember them. In Ayurveda medicine in India, Mugwort is also used for cardiac complaints, feelings of unease, and general malaise. Within Chinese medicine, it is pulverized and aged into a form called Moxa. In this form it has shown a great deal of aid in positioning fetuses that are in breech positioning. Moxa and acupuncture has also been shown to slow fetal heart rates while increasing fetal movement. Moxa has also been shown however to possibly cause uterine contractions.

The aroma of Mugwort is green, herby and fresh.

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