Here’s what happened when Gabourey Sidibe asked the internet for advice on saging while filming ‘American Horror Story’

 Gabourey Sidibe reveals “American Horror Story” isn’t working with a consultant witch during filming of the next season.

Filming for the next season of “American Horror Story,” which returns fans of the Ryan Murphy franchise to the infamous New Orleans-based witches from “Coven,” has begun, and Gabourey Sidibe, who will reprise her role as the fledgling witch who dabbles in voodoo, Queenie, is worried about more than memorizing lines.

On Thursday, July 23, the 43-year-old actress took to Threads to seek advice on upping her spiritual warfare, particularly how to properly use sage.

“Delima: I’d like to sage myself when I’m done filming AHS so that nothing follows me from set” she began. 

“But like….what if my mommas around? Am I saging her too? Also what happens? I sage, I open a window, the spirits fly out and go……..Where? To Heaven? Hell? Halloween Town?” she continued. “The more questions I ask, the more questions I have!”

The inquiry has launched a lively discussion in the replies about what spiritual protection actually looks like. Instead of focusing solely on how to use sage properly and ethically, many responses, including those from verified professionals and high-profile spiritual practitioners, have steered the conversation away from specific rituals or practices and towards intention.  

“My recommendation is actually not to use Sage. Mostly because it’s for indigenous use only & it’s not being ethically harvested. You don’t want something harvested with the wrong spirit to try & cleanse yours,” celebrity spiritual consultant Ebony Jasmine Harris began in her reply. 

“Instead, use rosemary, mint, and lavender. You can also add in cedarwood. Florida Water for your head, hands, heart, & feet,” she continued adding, “A quick incantation if you feel like it but keep it simple and natural. ‘Any negativity must get tf from round me.’”

Bri Luna, better known as The Hoodwitch, suggested Sidibe may want to think beyond what happens after filming and instead incorporate spiritual protection throughout the production.

“Girl, you’re in New Orleans. You need to be cleansing and blessing yourself daily,” she began. “I’d even leave some little offerings before filming depending on location. Put you some holy water and Florida Water in a sprayer. Sea salt bath, put some cascarilla on yourself and leaving those clothes you wear on set before you leave everyday. Before you step foot on set and before you leave, say something like: ‘Anything that isn’t mine stays here.’”

Another user by the name of Megan Elizabeth added, “Gently telling you, and if you know this feel free to ignore me, that white sage is part of a closed practice for those of native decent. However, there are plenty of other herbs you can use such as regular cooking sage, mugwort, rosemary or bay leaves. You can also do sound cleansing. No matter how you choose to do it it’s all about intent, meaning that you won’t be without spirits such as your beloved mother after doing so. Just ridding yourself of anything negative or harmful.” 

Meanwhile, The Witches Boutique responded on the lighter side with: “Just tell them, Y’all don’t have to go to Heaven… but you can’t come home with me.”

While many responses outlined ways to set intention, several also wondered why Sidbe would even need to rely on the internet for this inquiry when filming something with such heavy subject matter.

When another user instructed her to consult with the witch or spiritual advisor, they are surely consulting with on set, Sidibe admitted in a response, “No, that would be too good of an idea. We do not have Consultant Witches on set, but that would be great.”

Given that “American Horror Story: Coven” revolves around rival witches and a powerful Black voodoo priestess (Angela Bassett), in a city deeply associated with spiritual traditions, some fans were surprised to learn there wasn’t a spiritual consultant involved. Other productions dealing with similarly heavy supernatural subject matter have incorporated spiritual practices behind the scenes, including Lee Daniels’ film “The Deliverance,” whose cast and crew have spoken publicly about the spiritual practices they employed during filming.

“I love this question and, more importantly, the answers. Because I really worry about actors that have scenes involving things they (may not) practice,” another user noted. 

Whether Sidibe petitions the show to call in a subject matter expert, ultimately turns to rosemary, Florida Water, a simple prayer, or none of the above, one thing is also clear: she won’t be lacking in spiritual backup now. There are plenty of self-described witches, practitioners, and spiritually minded fans volunteering their services and assuring the actress she’s already more than covered.