Thank You Letter from an Inmate
Hey, How's the world treating you? Well, as long as you treat the world good!
Osha ~ Bear Root
Ligusticum porteri ~ Oshá
Description
It is the root of the osha plant which contains its incredible power. Large, dark brown and hairy, osha root convolutes and regrows in vast configurations. The energy of this North American herb is immediately apparent from its strong butterscotch-celery odor. The root is considered a talisman to many native peoples, and is carried as a good luck charm.
A Dog Dig'n Dream Pillows
Rowdy, has a bedtime routine that involves him climbing into a closet to get his dream pillows each night.
American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978
We are posting this because it is relevant to we what do and to the communities that we serve.
We hope you find it useful.
The PDFs below had to be broken into seveal peices because the original 330-page document was to large for me to upload all at one time.
Video Intro
Ceremonial Blend
Desert Sage ~ White Sage ~ Juniper ~ Sweetgrass
Our ceremonial blend is a mix of sacred North American herbs which includes Desert Sage (Artemisia tridentata), White Sage (Salvia apiana), Juniper (Juniperus scopulorum) and Sweetgrass (Hierochloë odorata).
We recommend placing a little of this mix on embers of your fire, hot rocks or a charcoal disk. You can also light a some in an incense bowl or Abalone shell and waft the smoke around your body, objects, pets or any space you wish to purify and bless.
History of Smudging with Sage
The use of plant and resin smoke possibly evolved out of the primordial campfires from distant caves. The ceremony of cleansing people,places and objects through smoke is continued today. Not only good for keeping pesky flying insects away certain plant smokes (smudges) could preserve food and hides. Some smudges could also impart protection from unseen spirits and thoughts. To apply the protective cleansing power of asmudge a leaf or resin was heated to make smoke that was brushed over the person or object often with a feather fan. Some plant smokes had specific healing properties while others more generic powers.
White Sage Sustainability
A while back, we wrote about the shortages of White Sage due to over-harvesting and drought conditions in California. White sage is a native of California and favors a hot, dry climate. Due to climate changes, over-harvesting, and water shortages in California, this plant is in great danger. On top of the ongoing problem of over-harvesting and drought conditions, fires in California last year damaged much of the land where the native plant traditionally grows. Though thesage is showing signs of a comeback, time and careis needed for regrowth and repair. Even then, the issues still stand regarding drought and over-harvesting of wild white sage.
Wildflower Sage Bundles Limited Edition
Genevieve came to us this morning to show us something very special. She made sage bundles from the fresh spring new growth sage, cedar and wildflowers while on an excursion up on the sacred lands of Taos Mountain. These bundles are extraordinary. Genevieve is new to us at Native Scents and we're so glad she found us. We are happy to see what we can do to support her and help these smudges find their homes. These bundles carry the energy of Spring in the high desert and are a perfect smudge to celebrate and invite the season of rebirth and renewal.
Plants of Power
Plants of Power: Native American Ceremony and the Use of Sacred Plants
by Alfred Savinelli
This book is a guide to the sacred plants traditionally used by Native Americans and other indigenous people. It is an excellent tool for those seeking to connect more fully with the mysterious world of plants, animals, and Spirit.
For thousands ofyears Native cultures have used plants to heal physical and spiritual ailments. Highlighted here are 14 significant plants, with information on their properties, growing conditions, and medicinal applications, along with descriptions of Native American ceremonies and rituals in which these plants play a central role.
California White Sage
In the mid 1970s, Arche Fire Lamedeer honored me with the task to prepare the Inipi (sweatlodge) with Mugwort for the floor, and to tend Fire.
While gathering sacred herbs for the Inipi, the plants “SPOKE" to me, telling me to pay attention. My plant teachers lead me to understand their gifts of wisdom. Mugwort, Yerba Santa, and Sage taught me the gifts they offer to the two-legged. The earth remembers, only man forgets. On vison quest, Hamblachi, the vision came to me to follow Bear Medicine, the wisdom of healing plants.
