Description
SAGE LEAF, RUBBED – when discussing the magical properties of sage, we are referring fine garden sage, not white sage. Regular garden sage is for wisdom and guidance in making decisions. White sage was not always available to all regions and regular garden sage was burned to cleanse and purify a space. Said to help with courage and strength, as well as to weaken the ego of another.
Sage was revered by the Romans because it was thought to have healing properties and was used in rituals honoring Jove. The Latin word salvere, which means “to heal,” “to preserve,” or “to redeem,” is related to the name of the Salvia genus. In European mythology, sage was a symbol of knowledge, longevity, and even immortality. Why should a man die when he has Sage in his garden? goes the old Italian saying.
Sage is burned to increase insight and luck. It’s a great way to fortify your emotions and maybe even get over your loss. In magical practice, Sage is thought to provide safety and help make dreams come true. It’s a staple ingredient in countless European and American kitchen witchcraft rituals.
Sage has been utilized for spiritual purposes, such as protecting against evil, enhancing female fertility, and curing snake bites, for thousands of years.
Burning herbs like sage to create a perfumed smoke is a common activity around the world, yet the ceremonies and symbolism surrounding this act vary greatly from one culture to the next. Smudging is a ceremonial ritual among Native Americans which usually uses white sage – a very different plant than garden sage which was often burned in European magickal practices.
As a plant, garden sage is linked to both the astrological sign of Gemini and the planet Jupiter.
