An interesting weekend -- magical herbalism workshop-- an intersection of Dianic Wiccan and Old (European) Family Trad recipes and cosmologies.
It turns out that in addition to concerns about cultural appropriation and the use of White Sage (
Salvia apiana) by non Native Americans, there is a second concern: some California habitats where it grows natively are endangered and/or protected, and the plant itself is
threatened, according to Crop Watch and on the "to watch" list of
United Plant Savers.
I rarely burn white sage, though I do have a small stash in my magical cabinet, an old oak chest I inherited through my mom from a great aunt.
Our teacher suggested a traditional European blend instead of white sage for purification purposes: 2 parts cinnamon, 2 parts clove, 1 part sandalwood.
Unfortunately, it turns out that sandalwood (whether Indian, Australian, Hawaiian, or Caribbean) is endangered!
So, I guess I'll let her know about the problems with using sandalwood. Perhaps she'll be able to suggest another alternative. And in the meantime, I'll consult Scott Cunningham's
Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs for some sandalwood substitutes that will work with cinnamon and cloves, and then check online until I find one that isn't threatened or endangered.
I wonder what hyssop or rosemary might smell like, when combined with cinnamon and cloves, and burned....
Haloscan:
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Blogger:
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