Juniper Herb Bundle – SM

Saining

The Scottish word saining (Gaelic: seun) means the act of consecrating or blessing or protecting. It is a very traditional means of sanctifying or purifying people, livestock, objects, and places. The focus is on removing negative spirits, not on cleansing negativity.

It is similar to the use of smudge sticks by Native Americans or palo santo in South America. These use of these by non-Native peoples may be viewed as cultural appropriation. However, the act of saining is culturally relevant and appropriate for those of European descent.

Saining is generally done one of two ways through the use of water or fire/burning.

One may take a juniper bough and use it either to sprinkle water on the intended recipient target or, like smudging, light the bough and use the smoke. Other herbal items may be employed as well, such as rowan, elder, mugwort, pine, or rosemary.

On New Years, with windows closed a juniper branch is set afire on the hearth allowing the house to fill with smoke. Everyone drinks from a cup of fresh, clean spring water. Traditionally this would be water collected from a dead and living stream, e.g. a stream over which the living cross and the dead are carried. Then the windows are opened to let in fresh cold air. A sanctifying toast is than had by all.