Mugwort: A Psychic’s Favorite Herb

I decided to write about mugwort because I am doing a 30-day challenge with it. I drink a cup of mugwort tea before bedtime every night for an entire moon cycle. Here’s what I’ve noticed so far. My dreams have become increasingly surreal, and the spirits that often visit me during sleep are speaking to me in unusual guises. I am used to seeing them in a certain way and now they are changing faces and bodies continuously.

The other thing I noticed immediately is that mugwort is bitter. I knew this going in, and I love bitter foods and beer, so I thought this would be great. Oh how wrong I was.

If you never had a cup of mugwort tea, let me break it down for you. It starts out with a sharp, grassy flavor that isn’t entirely unpleasant — like an over-steeped cup of matcha green tea. Midway through the cup, it starts to taste like iron filings have been added. By the end of the cup, you will be certain that you have ingested several pounds of rusty, diesel-powered machinery.

I was told lemon and sugar would improve the flavor, but that tastes like lemonade made with McCarthy-era copper wiring. Maple syrup seems to work. YMMV.

Historical Medicinal Uses for Mugwort:

Throughout history, mugwort has been employed for all sorts of medicinal purposes:

1. Digestive aid: Used to stimulate appetite and relieve digestive discomfort
2. Women’s health: Believed to regulate menstruation and ease menstrual cramps
3. Nervine: Used to calm nerves and promote relaxation
4. Anti-parasitic: Employed to expel intestinal worms
5. Fever reducer: Used to break fevers and induce sweating
6. Dream enhancer: Placed under pillows to promote vivid or lucid dreaming
7. Moxibustion: Traditional Chinese Medicine has long utilized mugwort in moxibustion, a technique involving burning dried mugwort (moxa) on or near the skin to promote healing and blood flow

Modern Medicinal Applications of Mugwort:

While scientific research on mugwort is (slowly) ongoing, some current uses include:

1. Aromatherapy: The essential oil is used for relaxation and stress relief
2. Alleviating allergies: Some studies suggest it may help with allergic rhinitis symptoms
3. Acupuncture: Still used in moxibustion alongside acupuncture treatments
4. Digestive health: Herbal preparations are sometimes used to support digestive function
5. Absinthe: While not technically medicinal, I had to include that mugwort is an active ingredient in producing the Green Faery

It’s important to note that while mugwort has a long history of use, it can definitely cause allergic reactions in some individuals, especially those sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae family. Pregnant women should avoid mugwort due to its effects on the uterus. It is known to cause delayed periods. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedies.

Magickal Correspondences

Let’s talk about herbal magic now. Here are mugwort’s magickal correspondences. I was very surprised to see that almost every source showed the element of fire, but aligned it with Venus and the Moon, and Aquarius (for the weird dreaming, I am guessing). Scott Cunningham aligns it with Earth in Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, and I trust his association. It just makes sense.

• Chakras — Third Eye, Heart, and Solar Plexus Chakras
• Crystals – Astrophyllite
• Deities – Arianrhod, Artemis, Cerridwen, Chandra, Chango, Diana, Hekate, Oyá
• Element – Fire (several sources), Earth (Cunningham)
• Gender – Feminine
• Planets – Venus, Moon
• Zodiac – Libra, Taurus, Aquarius(?)

Mugwort in Witchcraft

Mugwort has long been revered in various magical traditions, particularly in European and American witchcraft. Its associations with the moon, psychic abilities, and protection make it a popular choice among practitioners.

Magical Properties:

1. Psychic enhancement: Believed to boost clairvoyance and intuition
2. Protection: Used in spells and charms to ward off negative energies
3. Purification: Often burned as a smudge to cleanse spaces and objects
4. Divination: Aids in scrying and prophetic dreaming
5. Lunar connections: Associated with moon magic and feminine energy

Common Magical Uses:

1. Dream pillows: Stuffed with dried mugwort to induce prophetic dreams.
2. Ritual incense: Burned during divination or moon rituals.
3. Protective sachets: Carried for spiritual protection.
4. Scrying mirrors: Infusions used to anoint or clean magical mirrors.
5. Altar decorations: Fresh or dried sprigs placed on altars, especially for full moon ceremonies.

In modern witchcraft, mugwort is often incorporated into spells for:

1. Enhancing psychic abilities
2. Banishing negative energies
3. Consecrating magical tools
4. Opening the third eye
5. Connecting with lunar energies

A Simple Mugwort Dream Divination Spell

This spell is designed to enhance prophetic dreams and intuition using the magical properties of mugwort.

You'll need:

• A small handful of dried mugwort
• A white candle
• A small drawstring bag or pouch (preferably purple or silver)
• A piece of paper and pen
• Moonlight (ideally during — or just before — a full moon)

Instructions:

1. On the night of a full moon, find a quiet space where you won't be disturbed.
2. Light the white candle and take a few deep breaths to center yourself.
3. On the piece of paper, write down a question or area of your life you seek guidance on.
4. Hold the mugwort in your hands and focus on your intention. Visualize your third eye opening and your intuition strengthening.
5. Recite the following incantation (or create your own):
   Mugwort of vision, herb of the moon,
   Guide my dreams, grant me this boon.
   As I sleep, let truth be shown,
   Prophetic visions, to me make known.
6. Place the mugwort and your written question into the drawstring bag.
7. Hold the bag up to the moonlight for a few moments, allowing it to be charged with lunar energy.
8. Place the bag under your pillow before sleeping.
9. Upon waking, immediately write down any dreams or impressions you recall.
10. Reflect on your dreams and how they might relate to your question or situation.

Sources:

Brakels, B. (2024, March 20). Mugwort: Magickal properties & uses. Tragic Beautiful. https://www.tragicbeautiful.com/en-us/blogs/book-of-spells/mugwort

Crooke, A. (2024, January 10). Healing herbs: The magic of mugwort: Classes. Locust Light Farm. https://www.locustlightfarm.com/blog/2015/3/25/the-magic-of-mugwort

Cunningham, S. (1985). Section II: The Herbs. In Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs (1st ed., Vol. 1, Ser. Cunningham’s Encyclopedia Series, pp. 175–176). essay, Llewellyn Publications.

Dietz, S. Theresa. (2022). The Complete Language of Herbs: A Definitive and Illustrated History. Wellfleet Press.

English, A. (2016). Local Enchantment – Mugwort. Mugwort. https://www.eldrumherbs.co.uk/content/content_files/profiles_mugwort_artemisia-vulgaris.php

Gruben, M. (2017, May 30). Magickal properties of Mugwort. Grove and Grotto. https://www.groveandgrotto.com/blogs/articles/magickal-properties-of-mugwort

Shuster, L. (2021, October 30). Plant & Crystal Magic 15: Mugwort & Astrophyllite. the eleventh house. https://theeleventhhouse.com/enter-blog-posts-here/2021/10/30/plant-amp-crystal-magic-15-mugwort-amp-astrophyllite