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Native American Sage Mythology

Sage is one of the most important Native American ceremonial plants, used by many tribes as an incense and purifying herb. Sweetgrass symbolizes protection and healing in many Native cultures, and is considered to drive out evil influences and ward off bad luck. Sage is burned as a spiritual cleanser before many traditional ceremonies, and is also one of the herbs frequently included in medicine bundles and amulets.

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Sage is also used as a clan symbol in some Native American cultures. Tribes with Sage Clans include the Hopi, whose Sage Clan is named Siwapi or Siwapi-Wungwa, and the Pueblo tribes of New Mexico.

Native American Legends About Sage

Smudging:
    Story from an Ojibwe elder about the meaning of burning tobacco, sage, sweetgrass, and cedar.
*The Maiden Who Loved A Star:
    Tejas legend about the origin of the purple sage.

Recommended Books of Sage Stories from Native American Myth and Legend
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Sage Smoke:
    Collection of Shoshone and Bannock folklore.
Plants of Power: Native American Ceremony and the Use of Sacred Plants:
    Interesting book about the importance of Indian sage and other native plants to traditional Native American spirituality.
Native Plant Stories:
    Excellent collection of Native American stories about plant spirits, by Abenaki storyteller Joseph Bruchac.
Native American Medicinal Plants:
    Comprehensive book on the names and traditional uses of herbs throughout Native North America.



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