by Quinn K Dyer
Know it:
Also known as cronewort, mugwort is a member of the family Artemesia.
With strong associations to the moon and menstruation; it is a woman’s plant.
Highly medicinal and can aid in a variety of menstrual problems including heavy periods, delayed periods, and cramps.
This plant can be toxic! Pregnant women should avoid it at all costs!
Mugwort stimulates the uterus and should never be used by pregnant women as it can cause the uterus to expel its contents.
There is also an allergy risk! If plant material causes an allergic reaction, then do not ingest it.
Mugwort should only be ingested sparingly as too much is hazardous to your health.
It should be used only in small amounts and never for prolonged periods. Be responsible and respect your body.
That being said, mugwort is the plant to use for psychic work and dream spells.
It can help you harness your inner power.
It enhances the ability to remember and understand your dreams. Dreams become more vivid and some people do find this to be too intense.
Mugwort is not for everyone. It is not a gentle plant. Mugwort will drag your psychic ability out of you; kicking and screaming if it must. Be careful!
Grow it:
Mugwort can be planted from seed, but it grows wild all over the world and could already be in your backyard.
Use caution while wildcrafting if you aren’t familiar with the plant it can be mistaken for poisonous hemlock.
If your seeds are having trouble germinating, they may benefit from sitting in the fridge for a couple weeks.
Some people plant the seeds in fall to sprout in spring because of this.
It can be hard to grow domestically and won’t grow for just anyone. It’s a wild thing; a weed.
If you are able to grow it in your garden it may be because you are more attuned to the plant and perhap it’s magic might be more potent for you.
There’s something very special about growing your own plants for magical use; having your own energy worked into the plants makes very potent.
Mugwort is nearly impossible to kill once established and will, in fact, spread like a weed in many climates.
If you aren’t careful it can take over your garden. Makes a good companion plant as bothersome bugs avoid it. Keep in a pot to avoid it crowding out other plants.
It needs lots of sun and drier soil.
Harvest leaves before flowering, preferably on the full moon, and hang upside down to dry.
Flowers bloom from July to September and can be harvested in fall and dried. Some say the best time to harvest the flowers is Midsummer’s Day.
Use with care as there is an allergy risk. If you have issues with ragweed, then it’s best to avoid using mugwort.
Don’t be discouraged if allergies to a plant prevent you from using it.
Likewise don’t be discouraged if a particular plant doesn’t grow for you. Even the greenest witches aren’t in tune with every plant.
Every cilantro plant I’ve ever owned has died on me, but it’s also not a herb I particularly like.
Use it:
Mugwort is a powerful protection herb that can be used several ways.
Stems can be woven into a wreath or twisted into a pentacle star; hang by a doorway or bed frame for protection.
To create a potent protection circle mix use with sea salt and other herbs such as St. John’s wort, rosemary, yarrow or rue.
An herbal infusion of mugwort (made like tea) can be used to cleanse and bless altars and magical tools.
Can also be used to create a broom to sweep altars clean. A crown of mugwort worn at Midsummer and tossed into the fire is a powerful protection.
The fresh or dried herb can be stuffed in a dream pillow or hung in bundles by your bed to enhance dreaming.
Mugwort tea is a sure way to bring on dreams and aid in divination. Also used as a sleep aid and for heavy menstruation or bad cramps.
However the tea can be bitter and is best with other herbs, like mint.
If steeped too long it is undrinkable (No more than 5 or 6 minutes).
Mugwort can also be infused in honey and added to tea this way.
Bathing in mugwort tea can be more pleasant than drinking it. Use with catnip and lavender in a pre ritual bath to induce visions and cosmic “remembering”.
Add rose petals and honeysuckle to a mugwort bath for erotic dreaming.
For a protection bath add rosemary, sweetgrass, yarrow or St. John’s wort too.
Burn or smoke leaves to clear the mind, heighten the senses, and induce a trance state.
Caution: you may feel a bit ‘funny’. Use in a smudge stick with sage and rosemary to sanctify a space.
IN CONCLUSION
If this essay resonates with you, please join our WITCH email list by using the forms on this website so we can stay in touch.
About the Author:
Quinn K. Dyer is a native of Philadelphia, born under Gemini, a witch and a wanderer. She currently spends her time writing and creating art. Check out her website and Instagram.
featured image via Pexels
