When most people think of sacred herbs used in ritual or cleansing, their minds jump to white sage or palo santo. For those who practice land-based spirituality in the Great Plains, Nebraska’s native prairie grasses offer a powerful, sustainable alternative. Two of the most spiritually resonant are Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), grasses that thrive on the Nebraska prairie and carry deep symbolic and energetic significance. These plants embody resilience, renewal, and connection to the land, which makes them excellent additions to modern pagan rituals.
Little Bluestem: Grounded Strength and Airy Movement
Little Bluestem is one of the defining features of Nebraska’s grasslands and proudly holds the title of the state grass. It stands as a symbol of strength, resilience, and balance, qualities that mirror the endurance of both the prairie and those who draw spiritual power from it.
In ritual practice, Little Bluestem shines as a tool for smoke cleansing, a respectful and eco-friendly alternative to overharvested herbs like white sage. Its dried stalks can be bundled or braided and burned to clear stagnant energy, purify sacred space, or prepare tools for ritual work. When burned, it produces a light, earthy aroma that connects practitioners to Nebraska soil and the spirits of the prairie.
Many pagans use the dried grass as a base for incense blends, mixing it with other local herbs such as goldenrod, cedar, or yarrow. In charm bags, it brings protection and grounding. In meditation, it enhances connection to the Earth and Air elements, anchoring the body while allowing the spirit to flow like the prairie wind.
Big Bluestem: Courage, Leadership, and Solar Energy
Big Bluestem, often called the “King of the Prairie,” grows taller and stronger than its smaller counterpart and embodies leadership, endurance, and vitality. Its towering stalks once fed bison herds across the plains, and its symbolism naturally ties to masculine and solar power, which expresses the energy of action, confidence, and will.
Big Bluestem works well in rituals that honor ancestors, celebrate Lughnasadh or Mabon, or invoke courage during times of transition. When burned, it produces a subtle, woody smoke that carries prayers upward and strengthens sacred boundaries. It can be woven into decorative bundles for protection charms or added to harvest-themed altars as a tribute to strength and perseverance.
Honoring the Spirit of the Prairie
Working with Little Bluestem and Big Bluestem in ritual is more than a substitution. It is a way to reclaim connection to local land and ecosystem. These native grasses are abundant, sustainable, and deeply intertwined with Nebraska’s natural identity. Choosing them in place of imported herbs respects both the environment and Indigenous practices by centering locally rooted plants for personal magic.
Harvest mindfully. Take only what you need, avoid protected areas, and ensure plants are healthy and abundant where you gather. Practice fire safety, and fully extinguish embers after smoke cleansing.
Whether you are cleansing your space, grounding your energy, or celebrating the turning of the seasons, these two prairie allies offer a direct line to the ancient rhythms of the Plains. With each spark of burning grass and each curl of cleansing smoke, you honor the magic of nature and the enduring spirit of Nebraska.
