An Overview of Mugwort

Mugwort is a perennial that’s indigenous to Europe and Eastern Asia. Its genus is Artemisia, and there are at least twelve different species that occur in various regions. Because it’s so widely spread, its appearance and size differs, with leaves ranging from pale or dark green through to silver and bearing small flowers in shades of red, yellow, and white. The most commonly used species in Europe is Artemisia vulgaris.

Cultivated and wild plants now occur across the globe as early settlers introduced and grew seeds. The European name ‘mugwort’ is said to derive from the Old Norse word muggi for ‘marsh’ or the Old English word mycg for ‘midge.’ Old High German used the word wurz for ‘root’ which is likely a translation of the Old English Word wyrt for ‘root’ or ‘plant.’

It was widely used as an insect repellent and an insecticide by early Europeans, and also as a remedy for muscle fatigue and insomnia. Roman soldiers commonly put mugwort in their sandals to prevent aching muscles and cramps.

Besides that, mugwort was highly revered as a magickal and protective herb that was also used to free people from evil possession during exorcism rituals. It has many medicinal properties, and patients were treated with teas, washes (for skin irritations and bruising), inhalation, and poultices. Medicinal extracts were drawn from the leaves, flowers, and roots of wild-growing plants. Young leaves and buds were also used (and still are) to flavor foods and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Today, mugwort is still widely used in natural remedies. However, most practitioners buy essential oils, extracts, roots, and leaves from reputable sources or grow their own plants.

How we use Mugwort Today

Many natural healers use mugwort to treat gastric problems and insomnia, promote blood circulation. It’s also used for mild fever, as a mild sedative, and for menstrual problems. If you’re not familiar with the side effects of herbal medicine, though, you should avoid making your own remedies. Mugwort can be toxic in high doses, and it can also negatively impact kidney and liver function. People with underlying conditions and pregnant and lactating women must avoid mugwort and never give it to children and pets

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Mugwort is an excellent insecticide. You can plant it in your garden, hang bunches in your doorways and lay them on windowsills, burn incense or essential oils, or you can buy mugwort candles. While you’re doing that, you won’t only be repelling insects; you’ll also be giving your home an extra layer of protection against negative energies and evil spirits.

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, though, avoid planting mugwort in your garden because its pollen is highly allergenic; don’t put it in dream pillows or hang dried or fresh bunches of flowers in your house either.

Most witches today use mugwort for its hallucinogenic properties. Here’s how:

Make a dream pillow stuffed with mugwort and lavender to encourage peaceful sleep and clear dreams.

Have a cup of mugwort tea before divination work to enhance psychic abilities.

Burn mugwort incense during divination work.

Use a mugwort smudge stick before and after spirit work to get rid of any residual or potentially evil energy.

Make ritual fires using mugwort sticks and branches, particularly if the ritual involves evoking spirit energy.

Place mugwort leaves around mirrors and crystal balls or in water used for scrying.

Take a few drops of mugwort tincture for lucid dreaming.

Smoke dried mugwort in a pipe for lucid dreaming.

Have a cup of mugwort tea for lucid dreaming.

The more you use, the greater the effect, so start with small doses since mugwort has a mild mind-altering effect. Don’t use mugwort if you’re taking pharma sleeping tablets or tranquilizers.

Mugwort in Spellcraft

Ruled by the Goddess Venus and directly associated with the moon, mugwort is great for any spell or ritual work relating to the feminine. Known as the Evening Star, Venus is clearly visible in the twilight hours until late May when she disappears for a short while and then reappears as the Morning Star just before sunrise in mid-June. From then on, she also appears in the evening sky throughout the year.

If you’re into lunar magick, harness the energy of Venus together with mugwort to invoke powerful feminine energy. Mother Earth is also linked with mugwort, as is the Wiccan Goddess in her crone transformation. Fairy Quartz is an excellent crystal to use with mugwort since it corresponds with Venus and the moon.

If you use astrology, Venus is the ruler of both Libra (air) and Taurus (earth). Tarot cards associated with Venus include the Empress, the Hierophant, the Four of Wands, the Two of Cups, the Seven of Cups, and the Nine of Pentacles. Which card you select will depend on the outcome you want from your spells.

The spirit animal most commonly associated with mugwort is the lady beetle, a beautiful small bright red beetle with black spots, also sometimes called a ladybird. Lady beetles bring visionary spiritual guidance, harmony, inner peace, renewal, regeneration, and good luck. In magick, mugwort enhances the ability to observe from a neutral perspective and improves wisdom.

Conclusion

Magick and natural healing have relied on the power of mugwort for millennia. So have brewers and cooks. Mugwort is a potent herb used by shamans and witches for journeying, psychic abilities, and dream enhancement. You can achieve a lot, but imbibe it with caution if you’re not familiar with it. Since it can be toxic in high doses and has a mild mind-altering effect, always start with a low dose and increase the amount (on separate occasions) slowly.

If you prefer using fresh plants, mugwort grows well in containers. Be careful of planting it in your garden because it’s a hardy plant that can easily take over areas and become invasive and difficult to eradicate. Unless you’re with an expert, avoid harvesting wild mugwort because it shares similarities with many other plant species and can easily be confused with something that has either no magickal properties at all or is poisonous.