Incense - White sage (Salvia apiana)

• bundle size: length 9.0cm, diameter 3.5cm

White sage (Salvia apiana) is a perennial shrub in the labiate family, native to southwestern California in the United States and Baja California in Mexico. The plant is cultivated for its fragrant gray-green leaves and white flowers. Sage has been used throughout history in sacred rituals and ceremonies to cleanse the energies of a space.

Symbol meaning

Incense is an aromatic substance that, when burned, spreads a pleasant scent around it. The word "incense" refers to both the smoke and the substance itself. Originally, the purpose of burning incense was to establish a connection with the spirit world, purify people and spaces, and express gratitude and respect. They were also used to eliminate unpleasant odors and to protect and drive away evil spirits.

In many Far Eastern countries, including India, China and Japan, incense is used in sacred religious rituals, at the entrances of temples, on altars in front of idols, or burned at home, for example on the doorstep or on a small home altar. Incense is used to pay respect to important spirits and deities.

Ritual use

• Cleansing : Incense not only cleanses the physical environment, but also dispels negative energy. Its gentle smoke can help to clear away darkness and obstacles and make room for new growth. Gently hold the incense in your hand and spread the smoke around you. You can do this by moving the smoke slowly and deliberately around your body, starting at the head and moving downwards. You can also spread the smoke around the room or space you are in to cleanse it.
• Connection : The smoke from the incense reaches up towards the sky, creating a symbolic bridge to the spirit world, divinity and higher realms. The intoxicating scent of the incense carries your requests and intentions up to the heights. Before burning the incense, set an intention for the kind of connection you want to create. Breathe deeply and calmly, let your mind quiet down, and as the incense smokes you can imagine how the smoke lifts your thoughts and intentions towards the sky. Make room for possible intuitive messages and insights.
• Sacrifice : Sacrificing the old self in terms of limiting beliefs and things that hinder development. Before burning the incense, set an intention for what you want to achieve through the sacrifice. You can think of old self traits, behaviors, or burdens that you want to release. Light the incense and focus on the feelings you want to release. You can imagine how the rising smoke symbolizes these feelings or traits. You can also speak out loud the feelings or thoughts you want to release.

Other uses

• Life Transitions: Incense has been a part of various life transition rituals. It symbolizes the transition from one state to another and helps us embrace the power of change.
• Calming and increasing awareness: The scent of incense wafts around you, creating a calming atmosphere. This magical atmosphere invites you into a world of meditation and spiritual focus.
• Intuition and Wisdom: The scent of incense awakens intuitive awareness and helps open the connection to the inner wisdom that lies within us all.
• Gratitude and respect: Incense can be a gesture of gratitude and respect, whether it is directed to higher powers, ancestors, or the sacredness of nature.
• Sensory Experience: The scent of incense awakens the senses and increases sensual pleasure. It can also open the door to ceremonies and rituals that celebrate the world of the senses.

How to burn incense

A bundle of sage is used like incense. The bundle is lit at one end. Once lit, let the flame burn for a few seconds and then blow out the flame. The tip of the bundle will glow for a moment, releasing a lot of fragrant smoke. Place the bundle of white sage upright (or slightly tilted) in an incense holder or alternatively in a container filled with sand/fine sea salt. Make sure that the ash from the incense falls directly into the container. Since incense releases a lot of smoke when burning, you should ensure sufficient ventilation. We recommend using the incense near an open window or balcony door. This way, the smoke from the incense mixes with the fresh outside air and the scent comes out better. You can also burn the incense outdoors. The easiest way to extinguish smoking incense is to blunt the smoking tip, for example, on the edge of a container or in sand.

Note! Semiphoras white sage (Salvia apiana) is responsibly produced. It is grown in California according to the principles of sustainable development. When using the product, pay attention to fire safety. Act as if you were dealing with an open fire. Therefore, do not leave burning or smoking incense unattended. The glowing tip of burning incense is very hot. Make sure that the smoke can rise freely and that there is nothing flammable near the burning incense, such as curtains or textiles. Also make sure that the incense holder/container is on a heat-resistant surface. Keep out of reach of children.