An Intro to Mugwort
The history of mugwort in Western witchcraft goes back to the 10th century, when it is mentioned in the "Nine Herbs Charm" as a mighty, powerful healing plant (1). It's been used in Europe to flavor beer before hops became popular, and is used in the Chinese acupuncture technique of moxibustion. Mugwort was used by the Native Americans to repel ghosts (2). It is generally regarded as safe, for the Japanese and some Hawaiians use it to flavor rice cakes, and it's used as a culinary herb in Korea and Europe. Fortunately for us Artemisiaphiles, it is one of the most common weeds in temperate sections of North America, and there may even be some in your yard.
Magickal Usages
The main magickal use of mugwort is to enhance dreams, as well as to precipitate prophetic visions when used in conjunction with trancework. For this purpose, it can be used as a tea, a dream pillow, or simply tucked under one's pillow. Those who wish to brew it as a tea need to remember that it is quite bitter, and needs to be tempered by other herbs. It's been speculated that mugwort's mild entheogenic effects come from a chemical called thujone, which is the active ingredient in absinthe. However, mugwort contains far too little thujone to seriously cause hallucinations, so this effect is mostly magical rather than pharmacological.
Another major use for mugwort is as a purifying incense. When burned, it has a very mild, herbal smell. Some people even smoke it to relax. It is a Moon herb, intensely cleansing, and can be used for anything relating to divination, healing, and purification. It is associated with the Norse god Odin, whom the ancient Anglo-Saxons attributed the "Nine Herbs Charm" to. As such, it would be a good herb to burn before casting runes.
Powerful Dreams Tea
1 tbsp mugwort
1 tbsp chamomile
1 tbsp rose petals
2 tbsp peppermint
Makes 1 teapotful. It is imperative to use boiling water, as well as to add sweetener, because mugwort is very bitter.
To Make Mugwort Incense
Mystic Vision Incense
2 parts mugwort, crumbled
1 part juniper berries, crushed
spoonful of aloeswood or white sandalwood
This is a loose incense to burn on a coal.
Mugwort Smudge Stick
Take fresh mugwort tips and fresh juniper twigs, all around 10 inches long, and make a bundle that you can barely put your hand around. Take a length of plain string and tie it firmly at the base of the bundle, leaving 2 lengths of string to wrap around. Then wrap them around tightly, criss crossing one another, and wrap them around again back toward the base, and finally tie it off. It will take between 2 days and a week to dry.
Works Cited
"Metrical Charm 2: The Nine Herbs Charm" Lacnunga Manuscript. The Internet Sacred Text Archive: <http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/ascp/a43_02.htm> (1)
Poeton, Laurel. "Biogeography of Mugwort." San Francisco State University: http://bss.sfsu.edu/holzman/courses/Spring%2005%20projects/MUGWORT/mugwortpage.htm> (2)
