Sage is burned in this way to drive off evil spirits, feelings, or influences, as well as to keep bad spirits from entering the area where a ceremony takes place. The floor of the sweatlodge is covered with Sage, and participants rub the leaves on their bodies while in the sweat. Sage is also commonly spread on the ground in a lodge or on an alter where the Peace Pipe touches Mother earth. Secret Sage purifies objects wrapped in it. Sage wreaths are also placed around the head and wrists of Sundancers.
Medicine bags hold ancient cures for the modern world.
E ach leather pouch contains seven medicine charms and a silver feather. The 1st people of turtle Island believed that all things have a spirit, or life force and that all these forces are interconnected. Each place has a unique spirit which influences all life around it. To use medicine is to use the forces of nature to influence and guide your path in life. Every animal and plant has a set of influences, just as the stars are thought to influence our lives.