Names: Mugwort (from AS moughte-wort or "moth-plant"), felon weed, sailor's tobacco, Artemis herb, Muggons, Naughty Man, Old Man, Old Uncle Henry.
Medicinal uses: Leaf tea diuretic, induces sweating. Regulates erratic menstruation, brings on delayed periods, expels afterbirth, helps with menopausal symptoms. Promotes appetite and bile production, tonic for digestion. Tonic for nerves; mild sedative. Used for bronchitis, colds, colic, kidney ailments, fevers. Bath additive for rheumatism and tired legs. Juice relieves itching of poison oak. Disinfectant and antiseptic. Used for moxibustion.
Household uses: Powder for a moth repellent. Lay branches between onion and carrot rows to deter them.
Traditional Magical Uses: In the Middle Ages, mugwort was connected with St. John the Baptist, who was said to have worn a belt of the herb during his time in the wilderness. St. John's Herb, as the plant became known, had the power to drive out demons, and sprays of the herbs were worn around the head on St. John's Eve as a protection against possession by evil forces. In China, bunches of mugwort were hung in the home during the Dragon Festival to keep away evil spirits. The Ainus of Japan burn bunches to exorcise spirits of disease, who are thought to hate the odor. Planted along roadsides by the Romans, who put sprigs in their shoes to prevent aching feet on long journeys. Carry to ward against wild beasts, poison, and stroke. Prevents elves and other evil things from entering houses. Said to cure madness and aid in astral projection.
A pillow stuffed with mugwort and slept upon will produce prophetic dreams. Mugwort is burned during scrying rituals, and a mugwort-and-honey infusion is drunk before divination. The infusion is also used to wash crystal balls and magic mirrors, and mugwort leaves are placed around the base of the ball, or beneath it, to aid in psychic workings. Pick just before sunrise on the waxing moon, preferably from a plant that leans north. A Roman invocation to be used when picking mugwort is: Tollam te artemisia, ne lassus sim in via.
Shamanic Magical Use: This is the plant of Midgard, burned at the start of a ritual. One starts and ends with Mugwort, as one starts and ends with Midgard. Its shamanic purpose is purification. We tend to think of purification, in these days of advanced medical antisepsis, as being sterile. To us, "pure" has come to mean "without life". When we use something whose basic power is purification, we expect, on some level, for it to clean everything and leave it a blank slate. However, that's not what magical purification actually does.
Perhaps a better term for it would be "sanctification". Purifying magics create that aura of sacred space, which is so clear when you're in it but so elusive to describe. In order to create that energy, they do push out other sorts of energy, including the busy, well-worn, "messy" energy of the everyday. After the purification energy fades, the other stuff may drift back, or it might not, so it can have a cleaning effect in some cases.
Mugwort is the herb that is most often burned as recels, the Old English word for incense; pronounced ray-kels. The act of burning it is referred to as recaning, which can be pronounced various ways, but the most graceful seems to be reek-en-ing; the verb recan is cognate to our work "reek". Celtic-tradition people use the term saining. It's an alternative to the Native American-derived term "smudging", and it can be bound in lashed bundles and burned in the same way as white sagebrush. It also has a clearing effect on the mind, and a heightening of the extra senses, so it is a good thing to start any working that is going to involve an altered or trance state at some point.
Mugwort is used primarily as a visionary herb. Mugwort amplifies psychic vision and may induce prophetic dreams. An herb of the Goddess as Crone, Mugwort encourages wisdom and observation. When paired with a divinatory method of your choice, Mugwort is an excellent helper for confronting difficult truths.
Mugwort appears in recipes for flying ointments, psychic teas, and divinatory incenses. Different people report vastly different experiences with using Mugwort. Thanks to internet drug culture, Mugwort became known as a “legal high,” prompting the state of Louisiana to ban possession and sale in 2005.
Mugwort is not really a hallucinogen, but a way to stimulate lucid dreaming, astral travel, and visualization. The effects of Mugwort are more pronounced during sleep or trance states. But Mugwort does have real psychoactive effects. If you are very sensitive to thujone, remember that it can be absorbed transdermally (through the skin). I once found this out the hard way, when packaging up a pound of Mugwort for the shop.
Witches may buy Mugwort dried (in occult and herb shops) or occasionally, fresh (in gourmet grocery stores). Alcoholic tinctures and essential oils are also available. Mugwort grows wild in many places. Be sure to get a positive ID—Mugwort looks a lot like Ragweed, a most un-magickal plant.
Mugwort has a hay-like, herbal smell reminiscent of dried Sage and Chrysanthemum. When smoked, it has a tolerable aroma, but Mugwort tea is quite bitter to most people.
Correspondences of Mugwort
Statue of Artemis
Mugwort is a member of the genus Artemisia, a group of plants named for the Greek Goddess of the moon. If that’s not evidence enough for a Lunar attribution, I don’t know what is. Mugwort also excels in the Lunar realm of divination and dreams. But occasionally someone makes an argument for Venus, the ruler of many healing herbs.
This plain-looking, low-growing plant corresponds to the element of Earth.
Spells and Formulas with Mugwort
Mugwort in blossom
Hang a bundle near the front door to prevent evil from entering. Hung near the bed, Mugwort is said to aid in astral projection.
Sleeping on a pillow or sachet stuffed with Mugwort (with Jasmine, Rose and/or Lavender) brings clear and memorable dreams.
Burn Mugwort over charcoal as a divinatory and purifying incense. Mugwort is sometimes tied into bundles to make smudges. (It repels insects, too!)
Mugwort may be prepared as an herb tea to aid in divination and scrying. A teaspoon of the dried leaves is steeped in one cup of hot water. Add honey and lemon, or combine with other herbs, if desired.
From Scott Cunningham: “The infusion is also used to wash crystal balls and magic mirrors, and mugwort leaves are placed around the base of the ball (or beneath it) to aid in psychic workings.”
Kindle magickal fires with Mugwort branches and stems.
Mugwort may be incorporated into protective spells and charms. Gather Mugwort sprigs on St. John’s Eve (June 23) for protection throughout the year.
Purification Ritual for Scrying Tools
When you first make or purchase your tool, a ritual purification should be done:
(This is for most scrying tools, except the candle.)
Make a tea by simmering some Mugwort in water. Strain and cool.
Set up an altar and draw a circle of protection.
Carefully wash the scrying instrument in the mugwort water, saying:
“I wash you clean of all influences of your former life. Be now an instrument of the sight. Help me to see what is needed that I may aid myself as well as others. So mote it be.”
Dry the tool. Pass it through the candle flame and the incense, saying: “Charge this tool with energy and inspiration, that it may be a source of knowledge.”
Place the tool on the center of a black cloth which will be used for a covering. Place your hands over the tool and say: “Bless and consecrate this tool for the purposes of higher Magick. May it always be used for good and never for evil. May it serve me well, as long as my heart is pure and my aims are righteous. In the names of ___God_____ and ____Goddess____ I do consecrate you.”
Wrap the tool in the black cloth. Keep it covered until it is to be used.
Relax. When the time is right, take up the circle.
The tool is now a ritual tool and should be treated as such. Take care of it and do not let it open to the profane. Usually the tool is wrapped in the cloth or covered to keep the light and other influences out.
The proceeding ritual may be reinforced when you feel it is necessary. It may also be used when there has been a disturbing reading to clean up any residue that may remain.
Fairy Brew
“The complete book of incense, Oils, and Brews.”
by: Scott Cunningham
Ingrediants:
3 parts rose petals
2 parts yarrow
1 part cinnomom
3 parts rose petals
1 part cinnamon
1 part nutmeg
1 part bay
1 part mugwort
Assemble your herbs, grind them manually, and put about a handful into a pot; Strain. Drink a cup before seeking your encounter and return what you do not use to the Earth
To bring informative and helpful dreams.
Items You Will Need:
Purple candle
Piece of Amethyst Piece of paper or picture Mugwort Small muslin or silk bag/piece of cloth with ribbon Spell:
Place stone, mugwort, and slip of paper on which is written the issue you want answers to in the bag or cloth. When done with the spell, put the bag under your pillow. (You don’t need to use all of these if you don’t have them, and you can just put a slip of paper under your pillow instead of the bag.)
Chant the following:
“Spirits of sleep and intuition
I call on you to lend a hand As I slumber, send me visions So I might know and understand.”
“Send me answers to my questions
Clarify confusion’s mist Send me knowledge as I’m sleeping Which awake I might resist.”
“Let my dreams be strong and true
Containing knowledge that I need Intuition rules at night So for wise dreams I plant the seed.”
This ointment will aid you in astral projection.
Ingredients
½ cup Shortening
3 tbsp. Mugwort (powdered)
3 drops Dragons Blood Oil
Preparation:
Melt the shortening over low heat. This will be your base. Add the mugwort and the dragons blood oil to the base. Visualize your intention while stirring. Steep for 9 minutes or until the hear is “fried.” Strain into a glass jar. Allow the ointment to cool before usel
Note:
The dragons blood oil will not only strengthen the spell. It will also make the ointment smell good. You can put this ointment over your body, but I would recommend that you just anont the chakras.
CHARM OF THE BEAST SPELL
You Will Need:
mugwort
angelica 3 hairs of an imposing beast black cloth oil of frankincense or myrrh
Mix the mugwort and angelica in equal parts, add to it the 3 hairs and bind together in a black cloth.
Add a few drops of the oil onto the cloth. then say
” He who is strong, he who is mighty
Lend thine power to this charm Demons turn on your heels and run”
Draw over it a pentagram and the charms of banishment.
Burn the mixture to drive away the spirits that ail you. Burn it in your home or room you wish to exorcise. Bury it before your doorstep and no demon shall touch you nor enter. Wear the charm or hide it in the roof to ensure safety against any ills.
Mugwort appears in recipes for flying ointments, psychic teas, and divinatory incenses. Different people report vastly different experiences with using Mugwort. Thanks to internet drug culture, Mugwort became known as a “legal high,” prompting the state of Louisiana to ban possession and sale in 2005.
Mugwort is not really a hallucinogen, but a way to stimulate lucid dreaming, astral travel, and visualization. The effects of Mugwort are more pronounced during sleep or trance states. But Mugwort does have real psychoactive effects. If you are very sensitive to thujone, remember that it can be absorbed transdermally (through the skin). I once found this out the hard way, when packaging up a pound of Mugwort for the shop.
Witches may buy Mugwort dried (in occult and herb shops) or occasionally, fresh (in gourmet grocery stores). Alcoholic tinctures and essential oils are also available. Mugwort grows wild in many places. Be sure to get a positive ID—Mugwort looks a lot like Ragweed, a most un-magickal plant.
Mugwort has a hay-like, herbal smell reminiscent of dried Sage and Chrysanthemum. When smoked, it has a tolerable aroma, but Mugwort tea is quite bitter to most people.
Correspondences of Mugwort
Statue of Artemis
Mugwort is a member of the genus Artemisia, a group of plants named for the Greek Goddess of the moon. If that’s not evidence enough for a Lunar attribution, I don’t know what is. Mugwort also excels in the Lunar realm of divination and dreams. But occasionally someone makes an argument for Venus, the ruler of many healing herbs.
This plain-looking, low-growing plant corresponds to the element of Earth.
Spells and Formulas with Mugwort
Mugwort in blossom
Hang a bundle near the front door to prevent evil from entering. Hung near the bed, Mugwort is said to aid in astral projection.
Sleeping on a pillow or sachet stuffed with Mugwort (with Jasmine, Rose and/or Lavender) brings clear and memorable dreams.
Burn Mugwort over charcoal as a divinatory and purifying incense. Mugwort is sometimes tied into bundles to make smudges. (It repels insects, too!)
Mugwort may be prepared as an herb tea to aid in divination and scrying. A teaspoon of the dried leaves is steeped in one cup of hot water. Add honey and lemon, or combine with other herbs, if desired.
From Scott Cunningham: “The infusion is also used to wash crystal balls and magic mirrors, and mugwort leaves are placed around the base of the ball (or beneath it) to aid in psychic workings.”
Kindle magickal fires with Mugwort branches and stems.
Mugwort may be incorporated into protective spells and charms. Gather Mugwort sprigs on St. John’s Eve (June 23) for protection throughout the year.
Purification Ritual for Scrying Tools
When you first make or purchase your tool, a ritual purification should be done:
(This is for most scrying tools, except the candle.)
Make a tea by simmering some Mugwort in water. Strain and cool.
Set up an altar and draw a circle of protection.
Carefully wash the scrying instrument in the mugwort water, saying:
“I wash you clean of all influences of your former life. Be now an instrument of the sight. Help me to see what is needed that I may aid myself as well as others. So mote it be.”
Dry the tool. Pass it through the candle flame and the incense, saying: “Charge this tool with energy and inspiration, that it may be a source of knowledge.”
Place the tool on the center of a black cloth which will be used for a covering. Place your hands over the tool and say: “Bless and consecrate this tool for the purposes of higher Magick. May it always be used for good and never for evil. May it serve me well, as long as my heart is pure and my aims are righteous. In the names of ___God_____ and ____Goddess____ I do consecrate you.”
Wrap the tool in the black cloth. Keep it covered until it is to be used.
Relax. When the time is right, take up the circle.
The tool is now a ritual tool and should be treated as such. Take care of it and do not let it open to the profane. Usually the tool is wrapped in the cloth or covered to keep the light and other influences out.
The proceeding ritual may be reinforced when you feel it is necessary. It may also be used when there has been a disturbing reading to clean up any residue that may remain.
Fairy Brew
“The complete book of incense, Oils, and Brews.”
by: Scott Cunningham
Ingrediants:
3 parts rose petals
2 parts yarrow
1 part cinnomom
3 parts rose petals
1 part cinnamon
1 part nutmeg
1 part bay
1 part mugwort
Assemble your herbs, grind them manually, and put about a handful into a pot; Strain. Drink a cup before seeking your encounter and return what you do not use to the Earth
To bring informative and helpful dreams.
Items You Will Need:
Purple candle
Piece of Amethyst Piece of paper or picture Mugwort Small muslin or silk bag/piece of cloth with ribbon Spell:
Place stone, mugwort, and slip of paper on which is written the issue you want answers to in the bag or cloth. When done with the spell, put the bag under your pillow. (You don’t need to use all of these if you don’t have them, and you can just put a slip of paper under your pillow instead of the bag.)
Chant the following:
“Spirits of sleep and intuition
I call on you to lend a hand As I slumber, send me visions So I might know and understand.”
“Send me answers to my questions
Clarify confusion’s mist Send me knowledge as I’m sleeping Which awake I might resist.”
“Let my dreams be strong and true
Containing knowledge that I need Intuition rules at night So for wise dreams I plant the seed.”
This ointment will aid you in astral projection.
Ingredients
½ cup Shortening
3 tbsp. Mugwort (powdered)
3 drops Dragons Blood Oil
Preparation:
Melt the shortening over low heat. This will be your base. Add the mugwort and the dragons blood oil to the base. Visualize your intention while stirring. Steep for 9 minutes or until the hear is “fried.” Strain into a glass jar. Allow the ointment to cool before usel
Note:
The dragons blood oil will not only strengthen the spell. It will also make the ointment smell good. You can put this ointment over your body, but I would recommend that you just anont the chakras.
CHARM OF THE BEAST SPELL
You Will Need:
mugwort
angelica 3 hairs of an imposing beast black cloth oil of frankincense or myrrh
Mix the mugwort and angelica in equal parts, add to it the 3 hairs and bind together in a black cloth.
Add a few drops of the oil onto the cloth. then say
” He who is strong, he who is mighty
Lend thine power to this charm Demons turn on your heels and run”
Draw over it a pentagram and the charms of banishment.
Burn the mixture to drive away the spirits that ail you. Burn it in your home or room you wish to exorcise. Bury it before your doorstep and no demon shall touch you nor enter. Wear the charm or hide it in the roof to ensure safety against any ills.
