White sage and blue sage are both sages, both tied by hand into bundles and both burned to clear a home. Each carries its own custom.
This page sets them side by side.
White Sage
Salvia apiana. It grows on the dry hills of Baja California, in Mexico, and north into southern California. Ours is cultivated in Mexico, not taken from the wild. The peoples of Baja California and California have burned it for generations to purify a home, a person or a gathering.
Sizes: 4 inch for one room, 6 inch for a whole home, 9 inch for large spaces and gatherings. Read more on our White Sage page.
Blue Sage
Salvia azurea, from Mexico. It is sometimes called grandmother sage. Many people burn it to clear a home gently, and it is associated with peace in the home and with welcome.
We also carry a blue sage from Turkey, Salvia libanotica: a different plant of the same family.
Side by Side
- Burned: white sage to purify a home, a person or a gathering; blue sage to clear a home gently.
- Associated with: white sage with purification and a clean start; blue sage with peace in the home and welcome.
- How to use: the same for both.
How to Use a Bundle
- Light the tip and let it burn for a few seconds.
- Blow out the flame so the bundle smoulders.
- Carry it through the room over a shell or a bowl.
- To put it out, press the tip into sand.
Where to Find Them
At Warehouse 23, Alserkal Avenue, you can smell both before you choose. We are open daily, 9 am to 9 pm.
