Preparing Sage Bundles

​Salvia officinalis 

Gender: Masculine
Element: Air
Planet: Jupiter
​

The sage is ready to harvest so I've been making Sage Bundles.  Sage and other herbs, such as  red cedar, have been burned by cultures and tribes through out the world for thousands of years. Sage is most often associated with Native American Indians, yet not all tribes participate and the uses may vary, or even be taboo, depending on the time of the year and the tribe's beliefs. 
Burning sage, or smudging, is purifying, cleanses the air of bacteria and repels insects, can improve your mood, the quality of your sleep, and more. I'll go into more detail about the numerous benefits and how to use them when the sage bundles have dried. This post gives directions for creating them with the sage in your garden or purchased. I like to make my own so I'm sure of the quality of ingredients. 

​The first step is growing the sage. It is best gathered in the early morning after any dew evaporates. Trim into 5 or 6 inch lengths, being sure to leave half of the plant so it will remain healthy. Remove any discolored or wilted leaves, 

Once the herbs are harvested, spread them out on cloth or paper to dry for 24 hours to begin the drying process. I use burlap but newspaper, brown paper or muslin will work. Turn them over several times to begin the drying process

Divide herbs into bundles. Measure pieces of natural colored twine or string 5 or 6 times the length of your bundles. Place the stem end of the sage over the center of the twine and tie a knot, wrapping  several times.  Cross the string in x patterns as you work up the bundle toward the top of the leaves. Tie securely. Trim the stem ends. Hang the bundles in a dark, dry area and allow to  dry thoroughly, about 4 to 6 weeks. When mine are dry, I'll post on additional benefits and how to use them.