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Sage ritual to learn something new at work

Sage owes its Latin name, salvia, to the word salvere, and since ancient times it has been linked with wisdom and good judgement: in English, a sage is also a wise person. Learning something new at work, such as a tool, a language or a new way of doing things, can feel daunting at first because it seems huge. This ritual helps you choose a single skill, turn it into small steps and keep a green, fragrant reminder of your intention in sight.

By the Cardaluna editorial team · Updated

In short: Sage owes its Latin name, salvia, to the word salvere, and since ancient times it has been linked with wisdom and good judgement: in English, a sage is also a wise person. You need 5 simple items and 5 steps. When: During a waxing moon, the phase of growth, or when starting a course, a quarter or a new project.

When to do it

During a waxing moon, the phase of growth, or when starting a course, a quarter or a new project. Do it on a day when your mind feels clear.

What you need

  • A fresh sprig of sage or a small potted sage plant
  • A narrow glass of water
  • A notebook and a pen
  • Your diary or phone calendar
  • A few minutes of free time

Step by step

  1. Put the sprig of sage in the glass of water (or place the pot) on your desk. Gently rub a leaf between your fingers and breathe in its scent.
  2. Write in the notebook one single skill you want to learn and how it will help you at work. Be specific: "spreadsheets", "public speaking", "English for meetings".
  3. Break that skill into five small steps, none longer than half an hour: watch a tutorial, practise an exercise, ask someone who knows.
  4. Book the first step in your diary for this week and say out loud: "I learn step by step, at my own pace".
  5. Take the first step today, even if it only lasts ten minutes, and note in the notebook what you learned.

Safety first

These rituals are symbolic. Do not ingest herbs or oils, ventilate the room when burning incense or herbs, and never perform a ritual to harm or control anyone.

To finish

Change the sage's water every two days and, each time you do, check your list of steps. When you complete all five, celebrate and choose the next skill. The sprig is decorative: don't eat it unless it is culinary sage, and keep the pot out of reach of pets that chew plants. To organise your study time, pair it with the hourglass ritual.