Hello! Yes, that’s why I came here Also I just wanted to point out that I really enjoy this topic, however it was hard for me to focus on the video, I kept getting distracted. But here’s a little tip that’ll help more people enjoy your content! Maybe add more movement and interesting pictures and video examples. It makes it easier to watch, because it gives people something to look at and it helps them to pay attention.
I'm Wiccan, and I do use "smudging" techniques often, but not with white sage, just out of respect for the indigenous peoples. There's many different ways to smudge, and many different things you could use (like other kinds of sage)
Here in 2024 as this topic blows up once more on TikTok, with the general consensus being that it isn’t acceptable at all for this practice to be shared, which unsettled me; your statement “the creator does not discriminate” helps me understand what I couldn’t pinpoint with my own words. It should only be done responsibly, with intention, and with reverence. Thanks for sharing this knowledge!
Now that you have some research now you can appreciate the culture and respect it, do not be afraid to ask questions and learn more about how to respect a different culture than your own :)
It is not a closed practice. They can source white sage by growing it themselves or buying from a native-owned supplier. When non-indigenous people do it, it simply isn't and will never be cultural smudging, it is smoke cleansing. This whole closed practice issue has put a big dent in my grandmother's business of selling sage bundles she grows and dries herself. Yes, we are natives.
Thanks for addressing this! I’m Wiccan and we smudge often with sage, as well. Wicca, tends to be a bit eclectic (and I’m even more eclectic). So, I’ve come to realize that we probably borrowed that from American indigenous people (as opposed to the Celts). I have been concerned about cultural appropriation but, since what I have been taught seems to mirror indigenous practices, I guess I’m ok! I will honor you as the source.
I sooo appreciate this video. Your openness is refreshing and the message of balance you convey is what this world needs to hear more of. Thank you, thank you.
Thank you for being so open minded, accepting, knowledgeable, and kind. I'm sorry there are some hateful people speaking from a place of anger in the comments. Please continue being a lovely human!
The minor issue I have that this video didn't include is where the sage or any sacred plants used for smudging originally comes from. I bought this kit on Amazon to cleanse the negative energy from my space and to respect and appreciate the Indigenous culture, however the kit is probably not associated with them. I'm worried that these smudge sticks were unethically harvested and misused for this practice. The brand is called Sarimoire. Also thank you so much for sharing this video for me, it's very helpful
Thank you so much for pointing that out. We've tackled the topic on some of our previous videos. And I agree, smudge kits should be purchased from Indigenous owned businesses or Indigenous sellers whose sage and other sacred medicines are respectfully and sustainably harvested. ❤😊
@@MalloryRoseCo omg this is ridiculous. The earth & God doesn’t care where you get it . Stop trying to make ppl feel guilty . There is no right place to get it .
@@becky6568 pure white sage is becoming endangered because a bunch of people mass produce it. Plus it used to be illigal for indigenous people to even use it so yes it does actually matter.
I think it’s okay for non native americans because I don’t do it to be disrespectful, i dont think any race should have something for themself, we’re all just souls in different bodys and race doesnt matter. Every human should be able to do things we like. You dont know what race you were in your past life. “White people are cleaner” no if you think that way that makes you disgusting.
Thank you so much! My mother smudged my house 23 years ago. I was kinda embarrassed at the time because I didn’t know or believe her possible Indigenous connections. She was a broken soul and now here I am trying to connect through her rituals.
There’s a connection between Indians from India and Indigenous peoples of the Americas when it comes to smudging. Very similar rituals. Wish I had a deeper history of that connection.
I wondered this when I would go to plant medicine ceremonies but I was told by the shamans that as long as the intention is right it is fine. Thank you for this!
This was perfect timing for me. I appreciate learning more about the culture and the rituals that underpin the faith. Thanks for sharing this and bringing such clarity
I appreciate this video. I have been wanting to become more spiritual. I was worried just doing this in my home would bring negativity due to being non indigenous. I am happy to know with the right mindset and thankfulness I will be doing it right!
Thank you, Mallory, for addressing this very important question 🙏 Everything you say is in complete alignment with other conversations that I have had and resonates intuitively. 😊 I think it's so important for cultures to seek to authentically converse with one another to learn and to share the benefits of their practices. Chi-Miigwech!!!
Thank you for this video, it's exactly what I was looking for. I recently moved into a new house and was interested in smudging, however I want to do so in a way that I know is respectful and conscientious. I've been interested in including burning sage within my own spiritual practice sometimes, but have refrained out of uncertainty for cultural appropriation. Thank you for your wisdom moving forward.
many have told me that it is cultural appropriation as A Slavic woman to burn white sage as we have our own practices of smuding and using native herbs to Slavic countries. My reply was as long as we are respectful and reverent towards the culture/s who uses white sage but also be mindful of where where it comes from. Though I am of the belief that White Sage does not just belong to one person or culture. I personally would not call what I do smudging but rather Smoke Cleansing in my own personal ritual, I always thought that it is 2 different things and when done not in the same way as Native American Rituals, it would not take offence. I would really like your thoughts on the matter.
SpyC Coffee it is a hard topic as everyone has their own opinion on what should be shared and what shouldn't! Our teams opinion is as long as you are willing to learn and being respectful to the culture you are learning that it is okay - hopefully that helps!
I am from South America and totally agrre with this video.... finally somebody with common sense and that understad the natutre of unconditional love of mother earth, as there is no culture or people that can own a plant or own nature, mother earth is unconditional love, and we have to respect nature, the plants and the traditions.... now all the "Cultural appropiation" concept is just a woke narrative to create more division between people....Thanks for your video,
Thank you. I am so happy I found your channel. For a very long time I have wanted to learn about the indigenous culture. Watching your videos has helped with that
My mom had first bought white sage without doing research. We’re not using anymore as we’re not indigenous people and we’ll buy different types of sage next time after doing thorough research!
I found out about this topic on TiKTok. I had no idea what to do, since I do sage our house and also ourselves. It brings me so much peace. However after I found out it could be looked at negatively since I’m non native 😭 I felt so bad..then I came across this video and it resonates with me so much.
I always learn so much from your videos. Thank you for explaining the intentional use of smudging and the importance of sacred medicine. It was, as always, very clear and presice 🙏
Thanks for this inspiring video. I wish to smudge and will once I order my kit. in a a couple of weeks. I am a bit behind but, I will get there. Thanks again Mallory.😀
Thank you for this! I got white sage for the first time today and after learning all the history behind it, I kind of got nervous I made the wrong choice. My fathers side is native but it didn’t feel right burning it until I watched this video.
The one thing I may have added to this video is expressing the importance of buying and selling sacred medicine. That it should be grown on your own or traded for but not bought. (Especially from stores or large online companies). The whole process of growing, harvesting and bundling should be done with good thoughts and intentions. The whole act of it is sacred in it self
"Cultural appropriation" has been used as a tool to divide people. At it's core, it is about respect for others. We live in a world where people have made use of and shared God's resources. If we allows ourselves to get sucked into the destructive spirit that is embodies with the use of "cultural appropriation, then nobody can wear clothing of any other culture, or eat food of any other culture, or enjoy music of any other culture, etc. Do yuu see where this hatred leads/ This video was refreshing in hearing that healing rituals of one culture are welcome to other cultures and all that is asked in return is respect.
What are your thoughts on "smoke cleansing" which essentially mirrors smudging but removes a lot of the ideologies that you're talking about here? I think people do it with good intentions because they don't want to intrude on native culture, but it feels inadvertently harmful because it's sort of erasing native culture rather than celebrating it. I'm white, so I wanted to ask your opinion instead of assuming.
Wow, what a great, insightful question. We believe that as long as someone genuinely is knowledgeable, respectful, and honours the Indigenous culture, there should be no harm done. We assume most non-Indigenous people “cleanse” due to the cultural ties “smudging” has. I can see how you think this would be erasing our culture. Because the act of cleansing, at its root, comes from an Indigenous teaching, it’s almost impossible in a way to inadvertently erase Native culture. We hope that anyone who does any form of cleansing and smudging to know where the act came from at its very root. Thank you for this great question.
I would love to do smudging! My mother has always used Sage and Burned it all the time when there was a death in the family or something going on to get rid of the negtive energy...she didnt use a feather tho because we are non indiangeous and im sure she didnt feel right doing that without really understanding everything about it! I love Sage its soo amazing! I want to learn properly how to do smudging
And you can! Feel free to ask any questions, we also have tons of videos here on our UA-cam Channel with step by step instructions as well as a blog over at our website tribaltradeco.com :) Thanks for sharing with us!
Thank you for clarification. We just read The Sharing Circle: Stories about First Nations Culture by Theresa Meuse , IllustratorArthur Stevens & were discussing smudging. Your video helped me understand further & gave me new terminology (I do not have tobacco). It is time to smudge our house. Thank you!!!
Thought you explained this very well. The big takeaway from this is to be respectful of the customs of different cultures, and to acknowledge the history and how it has helped evolve those cultures through to the present day. Great video.
What about smoke cleansing? It's apparently different and has been used in Europe and such. It's not to be used for spirits but for only cleansing space of negativity or help with healing. This has been used in different places. I wanna do this to cleanse my crystals and space
You can use smudging to cleanse a space or negative energies, you just need to set your intentions correctly to do so! Here is a video about how to smudge your house ua-cam.com/video/pkjDTf4qwTE/v-deo.html and heres another video to learn what to say when smudging ua-cam.com/video/z_L0eI2kSC8/v-deo.html
i think it's great that you have this belief, however not all tribes believe the same things, and that's when there's an issue. to you it's okay for them to use the culture as long as they do so in a respectful manner, and being that it's your culture, it's your right to feel that way. but for other tribes, these are sometimes closed practices even to those who are well intentioned. they aren't meant for people outside the tribe to do. that's why it's so complicated to talk about. one tribe can't speak for hundreds of other tribes, and if one group finds it offensive, does that mean they should go ignored because another tribe thinks differently? idk. i don't necessarily disagree with your video, i think you made great points in how to respectfully utilize another culture without appropriating it, and you're very kind and understanding (it's also your culture, so you've as much a right to decide what is okay to be shared as the people who disagree, especially when your elders taught you these beliefs) yet, i feel like respectfully using another's culture should only be with open practices, not closed ones. my ancestors never used sage for their healing practices, so this isn't something i can say is right or wrong, being that it's not my culture. i will say that even if i believed it was okay to share my own healing practices, im part of a collective and my decision to share will not just affect me, but my tribe as a whole, so i wouldn't do so. also this by no means is an attack on you lol i completely respect and admire your beliefs. i just want other people to know that not all tribes believe the same things and the answers they get from other native americans are just as valid. cultural is just a really complicated issue honestly 😅
I'm curious as to whether I can use white sage, because I am 50% native American and an eclectic Wiccan. I tried doing research but I couldn't find a direct response as to what I was asking. It was "no" if you're not Native American, but there was no fine line as to what is considered Native American. I'm just curious and looking for guidance.
This is such a useful topic to talk about, Mallory. We have lots of doubts when adopting ways of another cultures. Appreciate you telling how to do it right. Never knew that tobacco was sacred in indigenous culture. I choose to respectfully take all that is good in a culture and do it the right way after understanding why and how it is done. Hope I am doing it right!!
Hi Lynn. Condolences, we are so sorry for your loss. But to answer your question, yes. One of the best time to smudge is after big happenings. I hope all goes well, take care always
Thank you for sharing, it's a big topic to get into. I would hope that if the worry is the misrepresentation of smudging and the explotation of Indigenous people that a) people recognize indigenous people as the source / authority on the practice and maybe non-indigenous people call their practice smoke cleansing instead of smudging? b) that white sage is made available to Indigenous people themselves and that they are not excluded from participating in their very own cultural practices do to capitalism exploting sage resources. Perhaps if we make sure to buy sage from indigenous sources?
wow! thank you for this in-depth convo and it's such an important topic. Do you feel like it's important that people actually believe that the plants have spirits and power in order to smudge, i.e. is there a specific belief system that is most respectful for non-indigenous people to hold in order to carry smudge or other sacred plants with respect and humility?
Believing in the healing powers of the sacred medicines can really make a difference. And as long as people smudge with clear intentions and treat the sacred medicines with respect, it's absolutely okay to smudge.
Hello i love your videos! I'm trying to get into smudging, cleansing and manifestation. Recently while doing my research i came across what they call the smudge spray where in they boil sages and medicinal plants they also play song rituals while it's boiling and transfer it to spray bottles. Just want to know if it has the same effect as burning sage/herbs? Thank you!! ♥️
This is it. I have only been told "white people cannot use sage" by non indigenous people. The indigenous communities who have shared their knowledge with me have never professed ownership over these plants, only that respect and communication with the plant and respectful harvesting and use is key
I have a question regarding the abalone shell. I recently learned of smudging from a neighbor and decided to look up information about it and the abalone shell which they used. A couple sources strongly advise against using a shell (especially that of the abalone), as they are consider sacred to The White Painted Woman. Is this just a case of differing beliefs between cultures?
Hi Alice, that is amazing that you have been doing your research! It is a case of differing beliefs between cultures! There are SO many Indigenous cultures and they all have their own beliefs and traditions :) Here is more information on the diversity ua-cam.com/video/fEpSDR-diao/v-deo.html
Pleaseeee, I need help, I want something that can be used instead of sage as It is not part of my culture and I wouldn't want to be inconsiderate of other people's culture, is there anything I can use instead of sage ?
We make it a habit practicing smudging using: sage, sweetgrass, tobacco, and cedar. Each of them have different uses, to know which among these sacred medicines you should use, you can watch this video right here studio.ua-cam.com/users/videoo3IO94OsPDE/edit. Hope this helps!
Hi Mallory, I really appreciate your input and advice on these topics. I think I've shared with you before that it cultural appropriation is something that I really want to avoid and sometimes it's hard to know what to do. Some of the thoughts that run through my head is... How much research is enough? What if I make a mistake? I know how important culture can be to individuals and I would hate to be disrespectful. Thanks again! I always have something to think about after watching your content.
I'm so glad to hear that, Dr. Brad. You don't really need to know everything about the culture, you just need to learn and listen to your instincts. If something feels like it is blatantly taking advantage of another person’s culture, it probably is appropriation. But, you can know for sure by understanding the history of Native people and their most sacred practices and traditions.
What about harvesting sage for the purpose of smoke cleansing if you're non native? I have a friend who is wicca who goes into the California mountains to gather it. Thank you.
Smudge people, they've been doing it on this planet for ages,indigenous my ass ,Celtic people, Vikings all did that .Its not exclusive to one community.
I have always wanted to try smudging and even have a sage stick. I've been hesitant because I'm sensitive to smoke amd smells and wondered if the smell or smoke lingers?
I've been told off many times by other spiritual people (non indigenous) that it's disrespectful to use it because it became illegal for indigenous people to use it and now it's being harvested incorrectly and irresponsibly.
Thank you for sharing! There are places who do not harvest it responsibly or respectfully and you can always research and ask how they get their medicines to make the best decision on who you are receiving it from! I am sorry people are telling you off and I hope our video helped you Earth Angel
I can't tell you how many of your videos ive shared or how many times I've shared this video to people. Particularly white (caucasian) decent. Telling people the rules of things that they ultimately known nothing about. like chill... there is alot to learn. take your time and choose your words. listen. seek new information. love your videos and you are far better at speaking than I am haha
If someone has a pick-and-mix approach to spirituality, doesn't that inherently make it less authentic and therefore less respectful / sincere? One smudges as security blanket if they don't believe in the wider body of belief? I don't mean this as a shot across the bow, however I can't not mention it: Don't you have a profit motive to take this middle-ground approach?
me being non indigenous i always respected the their culture and in school most of my friends were infact indigenous, has i got older i started to smug myself and my space and i always did my research, and i always believed in the creator, how ever i have bin told to recently stop, and was not a positive request for me to stop, saying has my people colonizsed norther america and commited genocide for 500 years what gives me the right to practice this or learn more about earth medicine, and im just doing harm to your people not helping them, and its just stealing your ways, and said if i really want to help stop learning more about your people or smugging since it is highly sacared to your people....
My cultures sacred medicine is anti depressents. my mum use to spray febreze when i would walk upstairs while she was smoking ciggaretts and watching surviver. I was born in..... i dont even want to say it , I"m embaressed (Brithish Columbia) As i white guy i always thought that first nations were awsome and that the culture was so cool even when i was growing up in tsawwassen. I didnt understand why their was a rezervation and it segragated us. I have a white fragility, honestly I think i want to be native or maybe a feel native because i was born here, but I'm not. I don't know what to think, I bought a T-shirt in China Town , Vancouver and it has a totem poll on it and says canada and I thought the shirt was awsome, but i can't wear it beacuse im scared of hurting people feelings, even know I Love and Respect the art. I'm just not going to wear shirts that have any symbols on them anymore. I went to a protest for the wutsuwatin and their was a fire so i went the circle but a white person said that non indiginous people were not aloud in the inner circle , so i just keep making mistakes and i dont want to get my feelings hurt. I deleted all my social media a day ago because all my friends just constantly were posting about native things. It just makes me feel like theres something going that i want to be apart of but its not ment for me. Thanks for the video tho atleased it helped me a bit and i dont even burn sage
Hi and thanks for your comment. Nothing to be ashamed of being born in BC, it's a beautiful place. We're happy to hear you like learning about indigenous culture. If you're non indigenous, you could think of becoming an ally and reading the call to action list. See if there's something on it that you can help with. There's nothing wrong with wearing shirts with totem poles if you're non indigenous, so have no worries there. But a great way to be a part is to take action by trying to help with one of the calls to action or another idea is to call a local native friendship centre near you and ask of how you can be of any assistance :) We hope that helps! :)
if you’re non native and smudge with white sage how do you thank the natives? what offerings or gifts or something do u give them what do i do to show my appreciation?
You should be thanking the creator with tobacco :) and if you want to support Indigenous peoples always get your medicines and other native products from Indigenous companies :)
@@MalloryRoseCo i will support as much as i can but how do i leave the tabacco for them? so no one else but then takes it? who do i call for exacrly? how do i prepare it and leave it for them?
Do you want to smudge but you are not sure if it’s okay to do so?
What do you say to thank the creator after smudging (other than offering tobacco)?
@@divistella4803 you can say thank you :)
Hello! Yes, that’s why I came here
Also
I just wanted to point out that I really enjoy this topic, however it was hard for me to focus on the video, I kept getting distracted. But here’s a little tip that’ll help more people enjoy your content! Maybe add more movement and interesting pictures and video examples. It makes it easier to watch, because it gives people something to look at and it helps them to pay attention.
@@divistella4803 I was taught to say Aho, (I’m Potawatomi)
yes i do but i dont want to do it disrespectfully, can i still smoke cleanse my home with a stick and still do it respectfully
I had a feeling the answer would be “yes” as long as it was done in the right spirit & with much respect.
Exactly! Thank you so much for sharing your insight! ❤
this is what ive told people in groups after knowing this and they still say its appropriation
I'm Wiccan, and I do use "smudging" techniques often, but not with white sage, just out of respect for the indigenous peoples. There's many different ways to smudge, and many different things you could use (like other kinds of sage)
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts!
Here in 2024 as this topic blows up once more on TikTok, with the general consensus being that it isn’t acceptable at all for this practice to be shared, which unsettled me; your statement “the creator does not discriminate” helps me understand what I couldn’t pinpoint with my own words. It should only be done responsibly, with intention, and with reverence. Thanks for sharing this knowledge!
Yes, this was my sentiment as well, I’m glad she clarified this.
I didn’t do my research and found out AFTER buying it😩
Same i dont know what to do now
But now you do so?
@@berry3881 no i buried it
@@RoroBaby bury it out if you want
Now that you have some research now you can appreciate the culture and respect it, do not be afraid to ask questions and learn more about how to respect a different culture than your own :)
It is not a closed practice. They can source white sage by growing it themselves or buying from a native-owned supplier. When non-indigenous people do it, it simply isn't and will never be cultural smudging, it is smoke cleansing. This whole closed practice issue has put a big dent in my grandmother's business of selling sage bundles she grows and dries herself. Yes, we are natives.
Thank you for sharing that :)
Amen!
Thanks for addressing this! I’m Wiccan and we smudge often with sage, as well. Wicca, tends to be a bit eclectic (and I’m even more eclectic). So, I’ve come to realize that we probably borrowed that from American indigenous people (as opposed to the Celts). I have been concerned about cultural appropriation but, since what I have been taught seems to mirror indigenous practices, I guess I’m ok! I will honor you as the source.
Thank you so much for our kind words, Kimberly. I really appreciate it. ❤
I can relate with this as well! I heard a warning about the usage of white Sage, and I'm glad I researched it.
I'm native American and I don't have a problem with others smudging
Awesome! Neither do we 😀
@@MalloryRoseCo I love your channel
I sooo appreciate this video. Your openness is refreshing and the message of balance you convey is what this world needs to hear more of. Thank you, thank you.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Isabelle. I really appreciate it. ❤
Thank you for being so open minded, accepting, knowledgeable, and kind. I'm sorry there are some hateful people speaking from a place of anger in the comments. Please continue being a lovely human!
Thank you so much for your kind words. Different people have different perspectives. And I respect theirs. And I will, thank you! 😊❤
The minor issue I have that this video didn't include is where the sage or any sacred plants used for smudging originally comes from. I bought this kit on Amazon to cleanse the negative energy from my space and to respect and appreciate the Indigenous culture, however the kit is probably not associated with them. I'm worried that these smudge sticks were unethically harvested and misused for this practice. The brand is called Sarimoire.
Also thank you so much for sharing this video for me, it's very helpful
Thank you so much for pointing that out. We've tackled the topic on some of our previous videos. And I agree, smudge kits should be purchased from Indigenous owned businesses or Indigenous sellers whose sage and other sacred medicines are respectfully and sustainably harvested. ❤😊
@@MalloryRoseCo omg this is ridiculous. The earth & God doesn’t care where you get it . Stop trying to make ppl feel guilty . There is no right place to get it .
Incense works just as well for purifying so maybe try that instead
@@becky6568 pure white sage is becoming endangered because a bunch of people mass produce it. Plus it used to be illigal for indigenous people to even use it so yes it does actually matter.
@@lunawolfheart336 I’ll use what I like .
I think it’s okay for non native americans because I don’t do it to be disrespectful, i dont think any race should have something for themself, we’re all just souls in different bodys and race doesnt matter. Every human should be able to do things we like. You dont know what race you were in your past life. “White people are cleaner” no if you think that way that makes you disgusting.
Respect is a huge part Nej Tak, thanks for sharing :)
Thank you so much! My mother smudged my house 23 years ago. I was kinda embarrassed at the time because I didn’t know or believe her possible Indigenous connections. She was a broken soul and now here I am trying to connect through her rituals.
You are so welcome Katherine, and it's a beautiful thing to reconnect thrgouth her rituals ❤️❤️
Thank you for bringing up this topic. I have thought that at times as well, love the benefit of sharing our cultures and practices with each other!
Cultures are meant to be shared but at the same time be treated with respect. Thank you so much for sharing you insights, Jessica! ❤
There’s a connection between Indians from India and Indigenous peoples of the Americas when it comes to smudging. Very similar rituals. Wish I had a deeper history of that connection.
I wondered this when I would go to plant medicine ceremonies but I was told by the shamans that as long as the intention is right it is fine. Thank you for this!
You're 100% correct. It's all about the intentions and what you use the medicines for. Thanks so much for watching!
This was perfect timing for me. I appreciate learning more about the culture and the rituals that underpin the faith. Thanks for sharing this and bringing such clarity
You're welcome, Kimberly! Always a pleasure to help. Thanks so much for watching!
I appreciate this video. I have been wanting to become more spiritual. I was worried just doing this in my home would bring negativity due to being non indigenous. I am happy to know with the right mindset and thankfulness I will be doing it right!
So gad we could give you some clarity Julia :)
Thank you, Mallory, for addressing this very important question 🙏 Everything you say is in complete alignment with other conversations that I have had and resonates intuitively. 😊 I think it's so important for cultures to seek to authentically converse with one another to learn and to share the benefits of their practices. Chi-Miigwech!!!
Thank you so much for your kind words, Eileen. I really appreciate it. ❤
Thank you for this video, it's exactly what I was looking for. I recently moved into a new house and was interested in smudging, however I want to do so in a way that I know is respectful and conscientious. I've been interested in including burning sage within my own spiritual practice sometimes, but have refrained out of uncertainty for cultural appropriation. Thank you for your wisdom moving forward.
many have told me that it is cultural appropriation as A Slavic woman to burn white sage as we have our own practices of smuding and using native herbs to Slavic countries. My reply was as long as we are respectful and reverent towards the culture/s who uses white sage but also be mindful of where where it comes from. Though I am of the belief that White Sage does not just belong to one person or culture. I personally would not call what I do smudging but rather Smoke Cleansing in my own personal ritual, I always thought that it is 2 different things and when done not in the same way as Native American Rituals, it would not take offence.
I would really like your thoughts on the matter.
SpyC Coffee it is a hard topic as everyone has their own opinion on what should be shared and what shouldn't! Our teams opinion is as long as you are willing to learn and being respectful to the culture you are learning that it is okay - hopefully that helps!
I am from South America and totally agrre with this video.... finally somebody with common sense and that understad the natutre of unconditional love of mother earth, as there is no culture or people that can own a plant or own nature, mother earth is unconditional love, and we have to respect nature, the plants and the traditions.... now all the "Cultural appropiation" concept is just a woke narrative to create more division between people....Thanks for your video,
You're so welcome! Thanks for your comment and support!
Blue matrix exactly, can’t wait for people to say ENOUGH! to the tyrannical woke mob.
This is such a great question to bring up Mallory! Thanks so much for sharing your insights! Super interesting perspective! :)
You're welcome, Marina! Thanks for watching!
Really interesting perspective! Always important to talk about these issues.
Absolutely! Thanks so much for dropping by, Trent!
Thank you. I am so happy I found your channel. For a very long time I have wanted to learn about the indigenous culture. Watching your videos has helped with that
I'm so glad to hear that! Thank you so much for your support!
I've truly never thought of this, but this is so important to speak on. Thank you for sharing
You're welcome, Eden! Thanks so much for watching!
My mom had first bought white sage without doing research. We’re not using anymore as we’re not indigenous people and we’ll buy different types of sage next time after doing thorough research!
I found out about this topic on TiKTok. I had no idea what to do, since I do sage our house and also ourselves. It brings me so much peace. However after I found out it could be looked at negatively since I’m non native 😭 I felt so bad..then I came across this video and it resonates with me so much.
we are so glad this video has helped you - if you want to learn more about smudging check out our other videos
You can also use incense that works just as well
I always learn so much from your videos. Thank you for explaining the intentional use of smudging and the importance of sacred medicine. It was, as always, very clear and presice 🙏
So glad you learned something new. Thank you so much for watching!
Thanks for this inspiring video. I wish to smudge and will once I order my kit. in a a couple of weeks. I am a bit behind but, I will get there. Thanks again Mallory.😀
Thank you for this! I got white sage for the first time today and after learning all the history behind it, I kind of got nervous I made the wrong choice. My fathers side is native but it didn’t feel right burning it until I watched this video.
Glad it helped! 🧡
I like and appreciate what you are doing with your vids.
I'm so happy to hear that, Russel. Thank you so much! 🧡🙏🏽
I never thought about this. Thank you for sharing this important question!
You're welcome, Lisa! Thanks so much for watching!
The one thing I may have added to this video is expressing the importance of buying and selling sacred medicine. That it should be grown on your own or traded for but not bought. (Especially from stores or large online companies).
The whole process of growing, harvesting and bundling should be done with good thoughts and intentions. The whole act of it is sacred in it self
Definitely, Autumn! It would feel that much more special knowing you grew and nurtured the sacred medicines.
Thank you for posting this informative video. I just finished one in which the lady said white people should. Mv
Aweomse video regarding the history of smudging and the traditions around it. My mom would appreciate these haha
That's awesome! Thanks for watching!
I am Native and I smudge each morning with a or as a prayer of gratitude. I do it to cleanse myself from self-pity.
Is there a link to a transcript of this video? I found it very informative and I thank you for your presentation. Beautifully and respectfully done.
Hi Michael! We have a smudging guide on our website that is a beautiful print out!
Very valid points Mallory. Thank you for sharing your insight on this.
Thank you so much for your support. I really appreciate it. ❤
"Cultural appropriation" has been used as a tool to divide people. At it's core, it is about respect for others. We live in a world where people have made use of and shared God's resources. If we allows ourselves to get sucked into the destructive spirit that is embodies with the use of "cultural appropriation, then nobody can wear clothing of any other culture, or eat food of any other culture, or enjoy music of any other culture, etc. Do yuu see where this hatred leads/
This video was refreshing in hearing that healing rituals of one culture are welcome to other cultures and all that is asked in return is respect.
Thank you for sharing Carl. We are so glad you enjoyed our video!
Honestly I didn't even think about this until you brought it up but now that you did, I'm so glad I know now. Thank you for sharing!
That sounds awesome, Amanda! Thanks so much for watching!
What are your thoughts on "smoke cleansing" which essentially mirrors smudging but removes a lot of the ideologies that you're talking about here? I think people do it with good intentions because they don't want to intrude on native culture, but it feels inadvertently harmful because it's sort of erasing native culture rather than celebrating it. I'm white, so I wanted to ask your opinion instead of assuming.
Wow, what a great, insightful question. We believe that as long as someone genuinely is knowledgeable, respectful, and honours the Indigenous culture, there should be no harm done. We assume most non-Indigenous people “cleanse” due to the cultural ties “smudging” has. I can see how you think this would be erasing our culture.
Because the act of cleansing, at its root, comes from an Indigenous teaching, it’s almost impossible in a way to inadvertently erase Native culture. We hope that anyone who does any form of cleansing and smudging to know where the act came from at its very root. Thank you for this great question.
Very informative. I like the idea of setting clear intentions for your smudge. The mindset I believe plays a big role. Great video!
It sure does! Thank you so much for watching, Matt!
Picked up many tips here on culture appropriation. Thanks for sharing this.
You're welcome! Thanks for watching!
Those were definitely some great points you made Mallory.
Thank you so much, Aaron!
I would love to do smudging! My mother has always used Sage and Burned it all the time when there was a death in the family or something going on to get rid of the negtive energy...she didnt use a feather tho because we are non indiangeous and im sure she didnt feel right doing that without really understanding everything about it! I love Sage its soo amazing! I want to learn properly how to do smudging
And you can! Feel free to ask any questions, we also have tons of videos here on our UA-cam Channel with step by step instructions as well as a blog over at our website tribaltradeco.com :) Thanks for sharing with us!
@@MalloryRoseCo thank youu😀 im definitely going to buy my mother and i a kit to do and show my daughters smudging as well 🥰
Thank you, you have such a beautiful spirit may the great spirit the all be with you always.
Thank you for clarification. We just read The Sharing Circle: Stories about First Nations Culture by Theresa Meuse , IllustratorArthur Stevens & were discussing smudging. Your video helped me understand further & gave me new terminology (I do not have tobacco). It is time to smudge our house. Thank you!!!
I'm so glad to hear that! Thank you so much for watching!
This was really interesting - thank you for clarifying and providing this important info.
No problem, Kelly! Thanks so much for watching!
Wow, this is a great topic. I never smudge before so thank you I'm looking forwards to receiving your guide.
That sounds awesome! Thanks so much for watching! ❤
Thank you for this
I'm so happy I have found this channel. Great video. God bless 🙂
Thank you so much!
Ÿ
Thought you explained this very well. The big takeaway from this is to be respectful of the customs of different cultures, and to acknowledge the history and how it has helped evolve those cultures through to the present day. Great video.
Exactly! Thank you so much for watching! ❤
@@MalloryRoseCo, you're welcome.
What about smoke cleansing? It's apparently different and has been used in Europe and such. It's not to be used for spirits but for only cleansing space of negativity or help with healing. This has been used in different places. I wanna do this to cleanse my crystals and space
You can use smudging to cleanse a space or negative energies, you just need to set your intentions correctly to do so! Here is a video about how to smudge your house ua-cam.com/video/pkjDTf4qwTE/v-deo.html and heres another video to learn what to say when smudging ua-cam.com/video/z_L0eI2kSC8/v-deo.html
Your topics are quite unique wherein it goes to the heart of what's cultural and being with it.
Thank you so much! ❤
Thank you for this video Mallory!
You're welcome, Elizabeth! Thanks for watching ❤
Wow this is perfect because I'm actually talking about cultural appropriation in class right now! Thank you for your knowledge :)
Ohhh that sounds awesome! You're welcome!
Thank you for clarifying ❤️
You are very welcome!
What a great topic of conversation. Thank you for sharing your insight and perspective ❤️
You're welcome, Dr. Naza! Thanks so much for watching! 😊❤
this was very creative video, love the way how u explaind darling and I was thinking if we can become friends and support each other on You tube
So glad to hear that! Thanks so much for watching! And we sure can!
i think it's great that you have this belief, however not all tribes believe the same things, and that's when there's an issue. to you it's okay for them to use the culture as long as they do so in a respectful manner, and being that it's your culture, it's your right to feel that way. but for other tribes, these are sometimes closed practices even to those who are well intentioned. they aren't meant for people outside the tribe to do. that's why it's so complicated to talk about. one tribe can't speak for hundreds of other tribes, and if one group finds it offensive, does that mean they should go ignored because another tribe thinks differently? idk. i don't necessarily disagree with your video, i think you made great points in how to respectfully utilize another culture without appropriating it, and you're very kind and understanding (it's also your culture, so you've as much a right to decide what is okay to be shared as the people who disagree, especially when your elders taught you these beliefs) yet, i feel like respectfully using another's culture should only be with open practices, not closed ones. my ancestors never used sage for their healing practices, so this isn't something i can say is right or wrong, being that it's not my culture. i will say that even if i believed it was okay to share my own healing practices, im part of a collective and my decision to share will not just affect me, but my tribe as a whole, so i wouldn't do so.
also this by no means is an attack on you lol i completely respect and admire your beliefs. i just want other people to know that not all tribes believe the same things and the answers they get from other native americans are just as valid. cultural is just a really complicated issue honestly 😅
This is a really interesting perspective! I've actually been wondering about this so it was interesting to hear your thoughts
Thank you so much for watching, Amanda!
I'm curious as to whether I can use white sage, because I am 50% native American and an eclectic Wiccan. I tried doing research but I couldn't find a direct response as to what I was asking. It was "no" if you're not Native American, but there was no fine line as to what is considered Native American. I'm just curious and looking for guidance.
Sounds like it's really helped! Thanks so much for your expertise!
You're welcome! Thanks so much for watching!
This is such a useful topic to talk about, Mallory. We have lots of doubts when adopting ways of another cultures. Appreciate you telling how to do it right. Never knew that tobacco was sacred in indigenous culture. I choose to respectfully take all that is good in a culture and do it the right way after understanding why and how it is done. Hope I am doing it right!!
You're doing awesome, Shishir! Understanding and learning is the key. Thank you so much for dropping by.
This is such an interesting topic. Thank you for sharing it with us!
You're welcome, Tommy. Thanks for watching!
My step mother killed herself in my backyard and my Dad died in the house. I want to clean the home of this energy is it okay to smudge?
Hi Lynn. Condolences, we are so sorry for your loss. But to answer your question, yes. One of the best time to smudge is after big happenings. I hope all goes well, take care always
I hope you’re okay 🫶
Thank you for sharing, it's a big topic to get into.
I would hope that if the worry is the misrepresentation of smudging and the explotation of Indigenous people that
a) people recognize indigenous people as the source / authority on the practice and maybe non-indigenous people call their practice smoke cleansing instead of smudging?
b) that white sage is made available to Indigenous people themselves and that they are not excluded from participating in their very own cultural practices do to capitalism exploting sage resources. Perhaps if we make sure to buy sage from indigenous sources?
wow! thank you for this in-depth convo and it's such an important topic. Do you feel like it's important that people actually believe that the plants have spirits and power in order to smudge, i.e. is there a specific belief system that is most respectful for non-indigenous people to hold in order to carry smudge or other sacred plants with respect and humility?
Believing in the healing powers of the sacred medicines can really make a difference. And as long as people smudge with clear intentions and treat the sacred medicines with respect, it's absolutely okay to smudge.
Thank you for this, I'm sure my mom would have appreciated it. 😊✨
That's so nice of you. We think so too :)
Hello i love your videos! I'm trying to get into smudging, cleansing and manifestation. Recently while doing my research i came across what they call the smudge spray where in they boil sages and medicinal plants they also play song rituals while it's boiling and transfer it to spray bottles. Just want to know if it has the same effect as burning sage/herbs? Thank you!! ♥️
Thank you so much for your kind words! Unfortunately, I'm not sure of the effects the smudge spray has since I haven't used one before.
This is it. I have only been told "white people cannot use sage" by non indigenous people. The indigenous communities who have shared their knowledge with me have never professed ownership over these plants, only that respect and communication with the plant and respectful harvesting and use is key
I loved this! Eye opener
So glad to hear that! Thanks so much for watching!
Thank you for sharing your opinion on this! I was wondering this a few weeks ago! :)
Thank you so much for watching, Ivonne! 😊
A great explanation from their point of view! thank you for providing this significant information :)
You're welcome! Thank you so much for watching!
Thank you for the advise ! I use sage all the time
That's awesome! You're welcome! 😊
Amazing video answered so many questions I had. One I had that didn’t get answered tho is what’s the rule of thumb on growing sage?
Hey Matty, we're actually doing a video on that soon!
Great video! Thank you for sharing this. Very interesting video :)
Thank you for watching, George!
Thank you for posting this interesting video, we both learned something from this. Bex & Carlos xx
That's awesome! Thanks for watching!
I have a question regarding the abalone shell. I recently learned of smudging from a neighbor and decided to look up information about it and the abalone shell which they used. A couple sources strongly advise against using a shell (especially that of the abalone), as they are consider sacred to The White Painted Woman. Is this just a case of differing beliefs between cultures?
Hi Alice, that is amazing that you have been doing your research! It is a case of differing beliefs between cultures! There are SO many Indigenous cultures and they all have their own beliefs and traditions :) Here is more information on the diversity ua-cam.com/video/fEpSDR-diao/v-deo.html
interesting ideas, i always thought ideas passing from culture to culture was part of evolution.
I agree. My elders always taught me that our teachings are consistent with inclusion, diversity, and open-mindedness. 😊
Pleaseeee, I need help, I want something that can be used instead of sage as It is not part of my culture and I wouldn't want to be inconsiderate of other people's culture, is there anything I can use instead of sage ?
We make it a habit practicing smudging using: sage, sweetgrass, tobacco, and cedar. Each of them have different uses, to know which among these sacred medicines you should use, you can watch this video right here studio.ua-cam.com/users/videoo3IO94OsPDE/edit. Hope this helps!
@@MalloryRoseCo thank you, I will check that video out 🤍
Hi Mallory, I really appreciate your input and advice on these topics. I think I've shared with you before that it cultural appropriation is something that I really want to avoid and sometimes it's hard to know what to do. Some of the thoughts that run through my head is... How much research is enough? What if I make a mistake? I know how important culture can be to individuals and I would hate to be disrespectful. Thanks again! I always have something to think about after watching your content.
I'm so glad to hear that, Dr. Brad. You don't really need to know everything about the culture, you just need to learn and listen to your instincts. If something feels like it is blatantly taking advantage of another person’s culture, it probably is appropriation. But, you can know for sure by understanding the history of Native people and their most sacred practices and traditions.
What about harvesting sage for the purpose of smoke cleansing if you're non native? I have a friend who is wicca who goes into the California mountains to gather it. Thank you.
Smudge people, they've been doing it on this planet for ages,indigenous my ass ,Celtic people, Vikings all did that .Its not exclusive to one community.
We hear you! It's interesting to find similar practises among us all
I have always wanted to try smudging and even have a sage stick. I've been hesitant because I'm sensitive to smoke amd smells and wondered if the smell or smoke lingers?
The smell does linger. 😊
I've been told off many times by other spiritual people (non indigenous) that it's disrespectful to use it because it became illegal for indigenous people to use it and now it's being harvested incorrectly and irresponsibly.
Thank you for sharing! There are places who do not harvest it responsibly or respectfully and you can always research and ask how they get their medicines to make the best decision on who you are receiving it from! I am sorry people are telling you off and I hope our video helped you Earth Angel
I can't tell you how many of your videos ive shared or how many times I've shared this video to people. Particularly white (caucasian) decent. Telling people the rules of things that they ultimately known nothing about. like chill... there is alot to learn. take your time and choose your words. listen. seek new information.
love your videos and you are far better at speaking than I am haha
Thank you so much for your support, Ashley! ❤
If someone has a pick-and-mix approach to spirituality, doesn't that inherently make it less authentic and therefore less respectful / sincere? One smudges as security blanket if they don't believe in the wider body of belief? I don't mean this as a shot across the bow, however I can't not mention it: Don't you have a profit motive to take this middle-ground approach?
me being non indigenous i always respected the their culture and in school most of my friends were infact indigenous, has i got older i started to smug myself and my space and i always did my research, and i always believed in the creator, how ever i have bin told to recently stop, and was not a positive request for me to stop, saying has my people colonizsed norther america and commited genocide for 500 years what gives me the right to practice this or learn more about earth medicine, and im just doing harm to your people not helping them, and its just stealing your ways, and said if i really want to help stop learning more about your people or smugging since it is highly sacared to your people....
We believe that smudging is for all. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise :)
Can you do a video about going on a vision quest? Thank you. God bless 🙂
That's a great topic! Thanks so much for the suggestion. We'll get into it. 😊
Great points!
Thank you Dr. Jon!
My cultures sacred medicine is anti depressents. my mum use to spray febreze when i would walk upstairs while she was smoking ciggaretts and watching surviver. I was born in..... i dont even want to say it , I"m embaressed (Brithish Columbia) As i white guy i always thought that first nations were awsome and that the culture was so cool even when i was growing up in tsawwassen. I didnt understand why their was a rezervation and it segragated us. I have a white fragility, honestly I think i want to be native or maybe a feel native because i was born here, but I'm not. I don't know what to think, I bought a T-shirt in China Town , Vancouver and it has a totem poll on it and says canada and I thought the shirt was awsome, but i can't wear it beacuse im scared of hurting people feelings, even know I Love and Respect the art. I'm just not going to wear shirts that have any symbols on them anymore. I went to a protest for the wutsuwatin and their was a fire so i went the circle but a white person said that non indiginous people were not aloud in the inner circle , so i just keep making mistakes and i dont want to get my feelings hurt. I deleted all my social media a day ago because all my friends just constantly were posting
about native things. It just makes me feel like theres something going that i want to be apart of but its not ment for me. Thanks for the video tho atleased it helped me a bit and i dont even burn sage
Hi and thanks for your comment. Nothing to be ashamed of being born in BC, it's a beautiful place. We're happy to hear you like learning about indigenous culture. If you're non indigenous, you could think of becoming an ally and reading the call to action list. See if there's something on it that you can help with. There's nothing wrong with wearing shirts with totem poles if you're non indigenous, so have no worries there. But a great way to be a part is to take action by trying to help with one of the calls to action or another idea is to call a local native friendship centre near you and ask of how you can be of any assistance :) We hope that helps! :)
This makes so much sense!
Right? 😀 Thank you so much for watching!
if you’re non native and smudge with white sage how do you thank the natives? what offerings or gifts or something do u give them what do i do to show my appreciation?
You should be thanking the creator with tobacco :) and if you want to support Indigenous peoples always get your medicines and other native products from Indigenous companies :)
@@MalloryRoseCo i will support as much as i can but how do i leave the tabacco for them? so no one else but then takes it? who do i call for exacrly? how do i prepare it and leave it for them?
@@MalloryRoseCois there anything else you can use in case you have a tobacco allergy
Thank you for this :)
You're welcome!
Super Interesting topic when you are a big smudger. ❤😀
It sure is. Thanks for watching, Xane! ❤
What if I'm not full indigenous?
She’s explaining you don’t have to be indigenous at all as long you smudge with respect and learn about what you’re doing
always be respectful to the culture you are learning :)
Is this the same for Palo Santo Wood?
Also for frankincense
I'm very curious about this!
Hope we shed some light on the topic. 😊
Thank you
You're welcome, Tracey!