Mugwort

Description

Mugwort is one of my favorite magical herbs. Witches have used mugwort for centuries magically and medicinally for a multitude of reasons. 

What is Mugwort?

Mugwort, species Artemisia vulgaris, is a flowering perennial herb with a long history in the medical and magical realms. Notice anything special about the genus name Artemisia? Artemis-ia. Artemisia is a popular Greek name for girls and means “Gift of Artemis”, tying this powerful herb to the Wild Goddess of the Hunt herself. Sometimes deemed the “woman’s herb,” it has been used to aid in menstruation and promote smooth childbirth. It’s also known as a nervine and is utilized in soothing anxiety and depression and is often said to be used as a sedative. Mugwort grows wild throughout Europe, Asia and North America and has been used for culinary, magical and medicinal purposes for centuries.

How you use mugwort in your personal practice is entirely up to you! However, if you need ideas, here are some mugwort uses for magic:

•  The most popular magical property of mugwort is dream work.  Drink mugwort tea before bed and you’ll receive vivid and sometimes prophetic dreams. In addition to mugwort being a dreaming herb, it is also effective for the following: opening the third eye/psychic abilities, attracting and ridding ghosts, divination, protection and cleansing. (Not if pregnant/or breastfeeding) If you want to try a different method, try this: make a mugwort dream pillow. This is as simple as cutting two equal squares of fabric (can be new from the store or from an old t-shirt, etc.). Turn the fabric insides out then sew almost all the way around, leaving an inch or two at one corner open. Then flip it right-side out. Fill with dry mugwort herb matter. Adding lavender, rose, jasmine or mint is an aromatic addition. Sew the opening closed.  If you hang it near your bed, it’s thought to aid in astral projection or astral travel. The effects of Mugwort are deemed more pronounced during sleep or trance-like states.
• Hanging a bundle of Mugwort near your front door is thought to prevent evil from entering.
• One of the most potent mugwort magic uses is to burn it in a bundle to attract spirits. This is a particularly favorite method for paranormal investigators and mediums alike. Burn the bundle and use it to smoke-cleanse yourself before spirit work. Then when you’re done with spirit contact, cleanse yourself again and step over the burning bundle (carefully!) This ensures no spirits follow you home. Mugwort has long been associated with spirit contact.
• Mugwort is not just an herb for psychic abilities and piercing the spiritual veil, it is also protective when used with intention. Add mugwort to a small sachet or muslin bag and hold it between your hands. Visualize the bag acting as a protective amulet. Then charge the bag in the moonlight and keep it on your person to protect against negativity.
• Mugwort may be prepared as an herbal tea to assist in divination and scrying. To prepare it, you would take a teaspoon of the dried leaves and steep them in one cup of hot water. You would then add honey and lemon or combine with other herbs, if desired.
•  Make a magical mugwort hand wash to use for divination purposes. Set a small pot of water on the stove and add 2 to 3 tablespoons of mugwort. Let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes then remove from heat. Allow to cool. Prior to a divination session (particularly helpful when reading cards or pendulum work), wash your hands in the mugwort magic infusion to increase the energy flow.
  

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With over twenty-five years under my belt making medicine and teaching about herbs,  to family and friends, I was urged to share my knowledge and products.   I’ve come up with a few of my favorites medicinal herbs that address common ailments.  I’m thrilled to share the bounty of wild medicinals and edibles with you! I have tinctures, syrups, poultices and salves…. if there is something particular, let’s talk.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Always consult your Dr. before begin the use of any herbs or herbal remedies.** While I have provided suggestions on how to use Mugwort, please keep in mind results may vary per individual and always use caution when trying a new herb. Enjoy my Mugwort recommendations, and perhaps explore your own ways to incorporate it into your daily and magickal lives!