More Than Just Cleansing—A Wee Deep Dive into a Sacred Tradition
We've all heard it said on Tiktok..."Im Scottish Im saining" being spoken while lighting a commercial smoke bundle or commercially bought herbs and wafting it around the home. Respectfully, this is not Saining.
In recent years, with the rise of Witchcraft on social media, many people have turned to spiritual practices from different cultures, incorporating them into their everyday practice, often without fully understanding their roots or significance. One such practice is Scottish Saining. Much like the use of White Sage in some spiritual circles, Saining is often oversimplified and reduced to a basic 'cleansing' ritual. But Saining is so much more than that—it's a deeply rooted tradition in Scottish culture, rich in ceremony and meaning, from the gathering of plants right through to the final act of blessing. To truly appreciate this practice, we need to understand its depth and approach it with the respect it deserves.
What is Saining, Really?
At its heart, Saining is a Scottish tradition used for blessing, purifying, and protecting people, homes, and communities. The word 'Saining' comes from the Scottish Gaelic word 'Seun,' which means 'blessing' or 'protection.' This practice has been around for centuries and involves using elements like smoke from burning plants, water, or even oils to cleanse and bless. However, it’s important to understand that Saining is far more than just 'cleansing.' It’s a ceremonial act, steeped in ritual and intention, and it’s passed down through generations with deep respect.
The Step-by-Step Process of Saining
Saining isn’t something you just do on a whim. It starts long before you light any herbs or sprinkle any water. The process begins with the thoughtful collection of plants, which is done with intention and respect for the land. In traditional Scottish culture, these plants might include juniper, rowan, or other sacred herbs, and they’re often gathered during specific times of the year, like Samhain or Beltane, when the spiritual energies are believed to be particularly strong.
The gathering of these plants is not just a matter of picking them from the ground. It’s a ritual in itself. The person collecting the plants would typically do so with a clear mind and heart, often offering thanks to the earth and the spirits for providing these gifts. This practice acknowledges the interconnectedness of all things and is a way of showing respect to the land and its inhabitants.
The same with the water, different types of water are used, each carrying its own unique properties and significance. These can include spring water, river water, living ford water—water collected from a stream or river crossing—dew gathered from plants at dawn, or even water from a sacred well. The type of water chosen depends on the specific intention of the Saining ritual, whether it’s for purification, protection, or blessing. Living ford water, in particular, is valued for its symbolism of crossing thresholds and moving between worlds, making it especially powerful in rituals of transition or protection. The collection of this water is done with great care and respect, often at specific times of the day or year, when the water is believed to hold the most potent energy. For example, dew gathered at sunrise on Beltane is considered particularly powerful for fertility and growth. The act of collecting the water is itself a ritual, usually accompanied by a quiet prayer or offering to the spirits of the land, acknowledging the sacredness of the resource and the intention behind its use.
Once the materials are collected, the next step is the preparation. This involves drying the herbs, tying them together, and sometimes anointing them with oil. The preparation is done with care, as each step is an important part of the ritual. The person performing the Saining might say specific prayers or incantations during this time, infusing the materials with the intention of the ritual.
When it’s time to perform the Sain, the process is carried out with focused intent. The herbs are burned, the water is sprinkled, or the oil is applied, depending on the type of Saining being performed. The smoke, water, or oil is used to cleanse and bless the space, person, or object, driving away negative energies and invoking protection. The act of burning, sprinkling, or anointing isn’t just a mechanical step—it’s a spiritual action, calling upon ancestors, spirits, or deities to lend their power to the ritual.
The final step in the Saining process is the blessing. This is not just a casual end to the ritual—it’s the moment when the protective and purifying energies are sealed. The blessing might involve a spoken prayer, a gesture, or even the use of additional elements like salt, silver or iron, which are traditionally believed to have protective properties in Scottish folklore.
The Issue of Cultural Appropriation
As spiritual practices like Saining become more widely known, there’s a real risk of them being misrepresented or appropriated, much like what has happened with the use of White Sage in the New Age movement. Cultural appropriation happens when elements of a culture, especially those belonging to marginalised or indigenous communities, are taken out of their original context and used in ways that diminish their meaning. This is particularly problematic when these practices are reduced to simple trends or commercialised without any understanding of their cultural and spiritual significance.
When Saining is used outside of its traditional context, without the understanding of its deep roots in Scottish culture, it loses its true essence. This not only disrespects the culture it comes from but also erases the history and spiritual significance of the practice. It’s important to remember that these rituals are not just tools to be used at will—they’re living traditions that have been passed down through generations, and they deserve to be treated with the utmost respect.
Respecting and Honouring Saining
So, how can we approach Saining with the respect it deserves? First and foremost, it’s essential to educate ourselves about its origins and the rituals involved. Understanding the history and cultural significance of Saining helps us appreciate it as more than just a 'cleansing' method. It’s a sacred tradition that has been an integral part of Scottish life for centuries.
If you’re not of Scottish heritage, it’s worth considering whether it’s appropriate to incorporate Saining into your spiritual practice. Instead of adopting practices from other cultures, you might explore the traditions of your own heritage or seek out practices that resonate with you personally. If you’re still drawn to Saining, make sure to approach it with reverence, understanding, and respect for its cultural roots.
Another way to honour Saining is by supporting those who are part of the Scottish community and are working to preserve and share their traditions authentically. This could mean learning from elders who have carried these practices forward, supporting cultural initiatives, or simply respecting the boundaries set by those who hold these traditions dear.
To sum it all up, Scottish Saining is much more than a simple act of 'cleansing.' It’s a deeply spiritual practice that reflects the interconnectedness of people, land, and spirit within Scottish culture. By understanding and respecting its full context, we can ensure that this ancient tradition is honoured and preserved for generations to come.