Mugwort the Herb of Witches
Mugwort and magick go hand in hand. Traditionally it is known as the herb of witches who use it for protection and divination. It has a wide range of additional practices. These include smudging, cleansing, spell work, vivid or lucid dreaming, various types of vision work and even astral travel. Mugwort is often connected to the moon and can be extremely helpful in enhancing one’s intuitive and psychic abilities. It’s the herb of choice for many Wiccans and Pagans, especially during our holiday season of Samhain, or Halloween.
October 31st is one of the best times for divination and receiving messages or insight. This is because the veil between the world of the living and the world of the dead is at its thinnest, allowing us fairly easy access to both sides. Many people celebrate this time in traditional American ways such as costumes, parties and trick or treating. But utilizing herbs and celebrating the Pagan traditions and customs gives you a unique and different perspective.
If you haven’t worked with herbs much before, now is a perfect time to start. As an herbalist, I have found that the best way to learn about herbs and their properties is to dive in and work with them directly. As always, you should use caution if you decide to work with Mugwort or any other herb as they have different properties and contraindications. Do your research!
Some fun facts about Mugwort and Magick:
- Mugwort was once used in beer before hops became the herb of choice.
- Native Americans used it to protected themselves from ghosts.
- Travelers believed it would keep them safe and provide protection on long journeys.
- A Mugwort necklace was thought to prevent you from dreaming about the dead.
- Sailors smoked Mugwort instead of tobacco and it if often referred to as the sailor’s herb.
Using Mugwort:
Dream Pillows with Mugwort are an excellent way to receive messages or dream vividly at night. Making dream pillows using Mugwort Magick is a fairly easy task and you can customize them by adding additional herbs, essential oils or any adornments or symbols that you wish. To make one of your own, place a small amount of Mugwort in a satchel of mesh or breathable fabric. Then place this satchel inside the pillow you have made or purchased. Be sure to place it strategically so that it’s scent isn’t masked or smothered by a bunch of stuffing. Another consideration is that the herbs should be easy to retrieve in case they need to be replaced over time or swapped out with a different combination. When you finish, you can sleep with your new Mugwort dream pillow next to you and see what dreams may come.
Smoke em if you got em! Did you know that you can roll herbs up and smoke them like you would a cigarette? You can! Some people try this to kick their nicotine habit, but many people smoke herbs strictly for the properties of the herb itself. When you smoke Mugwort its initial response is relaxing. However, if you do this before bed you can expect some vivid and colorful dreams that you will be sure to remember. Lucid dreaming is also a side effect of this herb, and gives you more control in what happens to you in this state while you are asleep. Its recommended to only use this herb once or twice weekly to avoid contraindicative effects.
Plant Mugwort around your home or in your garden. As I mentioned before, each plant or herbal ally has its own specific energetic properties. Since Mugwort is good for protection, it is an excellent ally to have around your home. Do be careful where you plant this as the roots are known to be invasive. Consider containing it in a pot if you want to keep things under control. If you feel you have more of a brown thumb or questionable gardening skills, feel free to hang some Mugwort Magick over your front door and you’re still totally covered.
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*As always please check with your doctor before starting any new herbal regimen. These statements and products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or condition. If you have a health concern or condition, consult a physician. Always consult a medical doctor before modifying your diet, using any new product, drug, supplement, or doing any new exercises.