The Wisdom Herb: Sage Spiritual Meaning and Magic


The Magic of Sage

Sage is an herb favored in magical and spiritual practice — and for good reason. The plant has a plethora of powerful magical applications. Among the myriad of energies Sage embodies, it is associated with protection, purification, immortality, and mourning, as well as wisdom and the granting of wishes.

Sage and Mental Clarity

Sage most notably corresponds with wisdom and mental clarity. This attribute is further expressed by the fact that Sage is represented by the element of Air and has Jupiter as its planetary association, both of which deal with matters of the mind and thought.

Is Sage Good for Memory?

Even back in the 1500s, Sage was believed to improve brain function. Herbalist John Gerard in Herball, a book on botany, referred to Sage as “singularly good for the head and brain, it quickeneth the senses and memory.”

A sage plant with water droplets under a specialized filter.

How to Take Sage for Memory

Simply sniffing a sage leaf has been shown to improve mental clarity. Similarly, ingesting sage also yields benefits for mental processes.*

*(See FDA Disclaimer)

Protecting the Mind With Sage Magic

Place some sage at the base of a blue candle and burn the candle to dispel melancholy and mental malaise. A little sage left to dry on your altar space can help clear the mind and ready it for magical workings.

Sage Prevents Nightmares

Sage also offers its power to protect the mind from negative energies, making it especially effective in driving off nightmares when placed under the pillow.

Sage and the Passage of Life

Sage is also associated with mourning and the passage of life. Burning sage at funerals and in the home after the passage of a loved one can help with the healing and overcoming of grief. A mojo bag with Sage in it can also help towards this end.

A sage plant growing near other herbs in a garden.

Attracting Wealth with Sage

Sage can be used in the procurement of abundance and prosperity. A mojo bag with a bit of sage does wonders towards this end.

Wishmaking with Sage

Have a wish that you would like to see fulfilled? Write your wish on a sage leaf and tuck the leaf under your pillow. If you have dreams about that wish for the next three days, it is said that the wish will come true.

Sprigs of sage resting on a white cloth with red stripes.

The Immortal Power of Sage

It’s not surprising that Sage is associated with immortality, considering all of the curative and healing abilities it contains. A famous Italian proverb states, “Why should a man die who has sage in his garden?” There is an Old English superstition that if you eat Sage every day in May, you will live forever.

“The Salve”

Sage’s scientific name, Salvia, comes from the Latin salveo, which means “to heal” or “to save,” and its close resemblance to the word “salve” is no coincidence.

Sage Healing Properties

Eating Sage can contribute to many health benefits that may help you live longer, such as improved immunity, defense against chronic disease, and prevention of diabetes.*

Close-up of purple sage flowers.

FDA Disclaimer

The contents of this website are for informational purposes only and do not render medical or psychological advice, opinion, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided through this website should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a medical or psychological problem, you should consult your appropriate health care provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Links on this website are provided only as an informational resource, and it should not be implied that we recommend, endorse or approve of any of the content at the linked sites, nor are we responsible for their availability, accuracy, or content.


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