The Lakota Indians call the Black Hills of South Dakota "Sacred Hills". Paha Sapa literally means Hills of Black. This land is where their families lived, fought, and died. Taken from the Lakota, much of this land is now protected as Black Hills National Forest. The Lakota People were removed to several reservations in other parts of South Dakota, including: Pine Ridge, Rosebud, Crow Creek Indian Reservation, Lower Brule, Standing Rock, and Yankton.
While visiting our son, Keith obtained a special permit to pick sage in the Black Hills. Sage is used in a purification ritual called "smudging", where it is burned, either alone, or in combination with other herbs. Indian people smudge their drums, their homes, and themselves to release negative energy. Sage smoke is believed to call in healing spirits and the Creator. Smudging is a type of blessing ceremony.
Keith Little Badger picking Prairie Sage in the Black Hills of South Dakota
Keith hunting for Warrior Sage in Black Hills, SD
Paha Sapa Sage
Each bundle measures approximately 18-20 inches in length. You burn the small leaves and the stems of prairie sage. It has a mellow smell, and is used in sweat lodge, pipe and other ceremonies.
This sage has tiny leaves, soft as a rabbit's ear. Each bundle measures approximately 6-8 inches in length. It grows best in crevices in the mountains and in direct sunlight. We climbed like goats to pick this sage, but its smell is well worth the effort.
Call Today: 1-256-538-0246 (8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m Central Time Weekdays to speak to live person) Can always leave message on weekends and we will call back ASAP
This Web Site was Created and Maintainted by Cheryl Talking Bird Last Update: October 5, 2011
