Spirit | History | Healing
Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) is one of the witch’s oldest and most beloved allies… a lunar herb of dreaming, seeing, and walking between worlds. It carries the scent of twilight, the wisdom of the hedge, and the shimmer of the liminal. Let’s dive deep into her roots and rising.
Spiritual Use
Mugwort is a thresholds herb… used for opening the third eye, awakening intuition, and enhancing lucid dreams. Burned before rituals, it helps part the veil; placed under a pillow, it encourages prophetic dreams.
In spellwork, it is used for protection, divination, astral travel, and feminine empowerment. She’s also a guide for shadow work, helping us face what’s hidden and reclaim lost parts of the self.
Mugwort is often used to anoint or cleanse divination tools like tarot decks, pendulums, and mirrors.
It’s a favorite for:
- Womb healing & moon rituals
- Spirit journeys
- Banishing and protection charms
- Enhancing clairvoyance and dream recall
Historical Lore
- In ancient Europe, mugwort was known as the “Mother of Herbs”… used by midwives and witches alike.
- Roman soldiers placed mugwort in their sandals for endurance.
- In traditional Chinese medicine, moxibustion uses mugwort (moxa) to warm meridians and stimulate energy flow.
- In Celtic tradition, it was burned at Beltane and Lughnasadh for protection and visionary rites.
- In witchcraft, it was known to be sacred to Artemis, Hecate, and the moon.
It has been used for centuries as a charm against evil, and to summon dreams, spirits, or visions. Bound in garlands or worn in pouches, it was believed to offer safe passage between worlds.
Medicinal Wisdom
- Nervous System: Mugwort is mildly sedative and calming… used to relieve anxiety, insomnia, and restlessness.
- Digestive Aid: A bitter tonic that stimulates appetite and relieves bloating, gas, and sluggish digestion.
- Menstrual Support: Traditionally used to regulate and stimulate menstruation… a powerful womb herb.
- Antimicrobial & anti-inflammatory, used topically for itching and bruising.
- As moxa, it’s burned near acupuncture points to support immunity and pain relief.
Caution: Avoid during pregnancy unless guided by an experienced practitioner. Mugwort may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals (especially those allergic to ragweed or daisies).
Magickal Notes
- Element: Earth & Air
- Planet: Moon
- Chakra: Third Eye & Sacral
- Energetics: Bitter, warming, mystical
- Best paired with: Lavender (for dream work), yarrow (for protection), labradorite (for psychic clarity)
Ritual Ideas
- Burn dried mugwort before sleep to open dreamspace
- Steep as a tea for meditation, moon rituals, or divination prep
- Create dream pillows with mugwort, lavender, rose, and amethyst
- Make a ritual bath with mugwort, epsom salt, and blue lotus
- Use in protection sachets or charm bags, especially for travelers or spirit walkers
In Your Apothecary
Mugwort shines in:
- Smudge bundles or dream incense
- Herbal teas or elixirs for seers and healers
- Moon oil blends for intuition and womb healing
- Ritual bath blends or foot soaks for spiritual grounding
“She walks in twilight, whispering truth through dreams. Mugwort is the pathfinder, between sleep and spirit, earth and ether.”