| The hexagonal packaging for Hem's Sage Incense | | | | sticks are charcoal and by association I assume them |
| has the word "Salvia" on an opposing side to the | | | | to be dipped in oils rather than made from finely |
| word "Sage". Do they mean to imply that this stick | | | | ground natural ingredients. As such, that "Hem |
| is based on Salvia apiana which is also known as | | | | Scent" I mentioned is a slightly oily, mildly bitter |
| "White Sage", "Sacred Sage" and depending on who | | | | undertone that I find gets in the way of the top |
| you ask, "Bee Sage" or is it just based on the Salvia | | | | notes all too often. |
| genus in general? | | | | So in this stick you have a clear, bright and very |
| The distinction is important because white sage plays | | | | pleasant version of white sage competing with that |
| a tremendous role in Native American rituals as well | | | | oily, bitter note. I think it may be possible to learn |
| as various Wiccan and Pagan spells and rituals for | | | | to ignore or tune out that scent after a while, but I |
| cleansing everything from space to Athames, crystals | | | | find it to be too distracting. I have a stick of it |
| and more. The cleansing properties of white sage | | | | burning while I write this review and the scent is |
| are well documented in hundreds of works and I am | | | | pleasant and very sage-like most of the time. Every |
| not about to argue with the wisdom of the ages. | | | | now and then though it is almost as if a richer |
| So with that in mind, and a trip to the Native | | | | deposit of the fragrance oil burns and that distracting |
| American festival in Fort Walton Florida where plenty | | | | note springs to the forefront. |
| of white sage was burned still fresh in my memory, | | | | I would say that this is a good approximation of |
| lets see what Hem has to offer with this stick. | | | | white sage, but if you want to truly enjoy the crisp, |
| First, if you purchase this and expect it to smell just | | | | clean and high note scent of white sage you would |
| like a sage bundle or "smudge stick" burning, you will | | | | be better served to buy an actual white sage bundle |
| be disappointed. On the other hand, the scent is | | | | from any one of a dozen reputable vendors. |
| pleasant and clear without too much of that "Hem | | | | Especially if you are going to use sage for any sort |
| Scent" that I have written about in the past. I | | | | of ritual work. If you are a fan of Hem incense in |
| confess to not knowing a great deal about Hem's | | | | general though, and many people are, then I think |
| manufacturing process, but I do know that their | | | | that you will be pleased with this stick overall. |