A lot of you may have seen White Sage bundles pop into new age-y metaphysical shops, crystal shops, or even your neighborhood apothecary in Hoboken and Jersey City. But where does this herb come from and what does it all mean? If you’re curious, we’ve got you covered. Learn all about sage (+ how to safely use it) below, plus where to find some in Hoboken + Jersey City.
The Background Info
Sage dates back thousands and thousands of years, coming from the Latin word Salveo, which means “to heal” or “to save.” It has been used medicinally by ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks for anything from fertility to immortality. In the Middle Ages, it was even used to mask the taste of rotting meat, and as a way to keep people from dying after ingesting said meat.
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What it’s Used For
The most common magical way we use Sage now, aside from as a cooking ingredient, comes from indigenous Americans. Many spiritual practitioners will use it for smoke clearing, or “smudging” as referred to by Native Americans in a ritualistic practice.
This practice involves lighting a bundle of Sage (a small bouquet of the herb) and blowing it out so that the embers create smoke. The smoke is then said to absorb and clear away negative energies by suffocating them.
How to Use it
To use smoke clearing, you can burn Sage around your home, around your front door, to cleanse your crystals or any other item in your home, and even yourself! Letting the smoke wash over you is a great way to perk up and banish negative energies.
If you are sensitive to smoke, Sage spray is also available. It uses the essence of the herb and water (sometimes other botanicals as well) so that you can inherit the same magical properties without dealing with heavy inhalation (although it is perfectly safe).
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Sage is said to be masculine in nature, of the Air element, and of the planet Jupiter. It exists as an herb of wisdom and protection. The tastes smells, and vibrations of this herb help to defend its user, which is why it is so commonly used by modern-day practitioners. Think of using the herb as a way to give your home, items, and even yourself, a sort of magical, protective shower.
Sage is an excellent tool, but it does have a heavy (and familiar) scent. When using, be careful to use sparingly and safely to avoid fumigating your whole home (embers also tend to drop off and could pose a fire hazard). Otherwise, the herb is quite easy to use and highly effective.
Where to Buy Sage in Hoboken + Jersey City
Aspen Marketplace | 226 Washington Street, Hoboken
Love Locked |353 Grove Street, Jersey City
Lucky Honeybee |487 Palisade Avenue, Jersey City
Nurturing Life Acupuncture + Wellness | 106 4th Street, Ho boken
Psychic & Astrology Shop |201 Washington Street, Hoboken
Raine + River Apothecary | 299 Grove Street, Jersey City
The Co. | 632 Washington Street, Hoboken
Washington General Store | 509 Washington Street, Hoboken
Wicked Scents | 163 2nd Street, Hoboken
Tropicalia: A New Resort Wear Store Opening in Bayonne on 2/22
Spring break and summers down the shore are fast approaching, which means it’s time to start thinking about what swimwear to sport on the water. While a lot of women may look at bikini shopping as the seventh layer of hell, a small but mighty store in Bayonne is looking to change that mindset. Tropicalia Resort Wear, located at 174 ½ Broadway Avenue in Bayonne, is opening on February 22nd and will be selling resort wear as well as allowing private shopping experiences to make shoppers more comfortable while finding their next favorite beach outfit. Read on to learn about Tropicalia Resort Wear and why the owner chose to open her store in Bayonne, New Jersey.
A Woman-Owned Business In Bayonne
The owner of Tropicalia, Jessie Laracuente, launched the brand in May of 2020. Swimwear has been a staple in Jessie’s life. She is Puerto Rican and grew up surrounded by water and living most of her days in a swimsuit. While she collected many different styles of swimsuits, Jessie felt there was something missing in those styles and wanted to create a brand to fill those gaps for women of all shapes and sizes.
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She is an active-duty military member currently serving in the Army. In 2021, she made her move to the East Coast. The military relocated Jessie from Los Angeles, CA, to Staten Island, NY, and during her move, she fell in love with Bayonne. It’s what made her decide to put down roots here and open a storefront for her growing business.
“I had visited New York twice before and knew I wanted to be in the city but not directly in it,” Jessie told The Hoboken Girl. “I discovered Bayonne, and it was love at first sight. I was drawn to its close-knit community, accessibility to the Light Rail, New York City, and other attractions. Now, as Bayonne continues to grow and expand, I’m excited to introduce my brand to the area.”
Since moving to New Jersey, Jessie has been growing her business within Hudson County by participating in local markets like the Main Street Pops Market. She says she’s looking forward to further introducing her brand to the Jersey City and Hoboken areas.
The Tropicalia Experience
Tropicalia Resort Wear officially opens to the public on Saturday, February 22nd at 174 ½ Broadway Avenue in Bayonne. Jessie welcomes shoppers with a big smile, surrounded by a rainbow of swimsuits lining the walls. The items for sale are luxury resort wear and swimsuits from premium Colombian brands. Jessie tells HG her collection is for women looking for a high-quality, stylish piece that makes them feel confident, elegant, but still on trend.
The bikinis, one-pieces, and cover-ups on display come in all sizes and colors, making it simple to find a piece to make one feel confident near the pool or beach.
On top of curating a colorful collection of swimwear and resort wear, Tropicalia will have solo shopping experiences available by appointment. “I know how stressful swimwear shopping can be,” Jessie shared with HG. “I want to create a space where my customers feel comfortable and confident.”
For those looking to schedule a private shopping session, email [email protected]. Prospective customers can also fill out the contact form on Tropicalia’s website. Depending on availability, guests can shop for as long or as little as they please. There is no spending requirement, so shoppers can browse at their leisure.
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“This personalized approach ensures they have the time and privacy to find exactly what they’re looking for,” Jessie said.
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