Herb of the Week: Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)

Gender: Feminine

Planet: Venus

Element: Earth

Deities: Artemis, Diana, Neith, Yemaya, Isis, and Ogun

Magical Uses: Consecration, Prophetic and Lucid Dreams, Healing, Astral Projecton, Consecration of crystal balls and other visionary and/or magical tools.

This herb is one of the best known and certainly one of the most important in every magical practitioner’s herb cabinet. Some common names include Sailor’s Tobacco, Felon Herb, St. John’s Plant, and the Witch’s Herb.

Mugwort was also considered one of the sacred herbs of the Druids. So sacred was mugwort, that according to legend, without this herb, Druids would cease to be if it was no longer available to them.

This herb is ruled by both Venus and Neptune and is connected to the astrological signs Taurus, Libra, Capricorn and Virgo. Mugwort is considered a visionary herb.

Beyond its healing properties, mugwort when drunk as a tea or used in incense blends, is reputed to have the ability to open up the senses, particularly those of intuition. The Celtic Peoples of Scotland and Ireland believe that mugwort has the ability to teach us all about the other plants and herbs around us.

If mugwort grows around your home, consider it to be a very protective herb. A bunch of mugwort hung in one’s magical or working space can ward off any negative energies. This could include wandering spirits, and unsavory people as well. It is a great substitute for censing or smudging in place of Sage, in particular, White Sage (Salvia apiana). If using mugwort or any other herb that you ignite, be sure to have a bowl, plate, shell, or other fireproof receptacle to catch any herbs that may fall onto floors, animals, or people.

You can chew a pinch, or approximately 1leaf before meditation or going to bed, or brew a bit of the herb as tea. An infusion of mugwort can be used to aspurge or cleanse a space, magical tools oneself. Mugwort is particularly helpful as a wash in children’s rooms.

Mugwort can be placed in a muslin bag and used as a sleep pillow. Place it under your pillow or at your bedside or headboard. Placed in a medicine bag and carried on one’s person it can help keep travelers safe.

Traditionally, mugwort can be smoked. For those with respiratory issues, however, smoking anything can potentially cause problems. Also, this herb should be avoided by those who are pregnant or nursing.

(Photo by Michel Langeveld via Wikimedia Commons)