Wormwood

• Latin name: Artemisia absinthium
• Folk or Common names: Absinthe, Green Ginger, Old Woman, Crown For A King
• Parts Used: Whole Herb
• Herbal usage: This herb has been known to be in use since 1500 B.C.E.. Dioscorides’ Greek Herbal, written in the first century C.E., calls for its use as a remedy against intoxication. The ancient Egyptians used it for headaches. Wormwood tea is used as a liver remedy to dispel the symptoms of jaundice and to remove depression and melancholy. Wormwood has the potentially addictive substance Thujone in it. (The “kicker” in the liqueur Absinthe.) Thujone acts powerfully on the nerve centers, causes hallucinations, delirium and in some cases, insanity. CAUTION!! Wormwood and its related variety known as Mugwort, are not only TOXIC in large doses, but WILL CAUSE FETAL ABNORMALITIES!!!! UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES USE EITHER OF THESE HERBS IF you even SUSPECT PREGNANCY, OR ARE BREAST FEEDING!! The ancient Egyptians used it as a vermifuge (to kill internal worms), as did many later cultures, and the name “Wormwood” may refer to this property of ridding the body of worms. To rid the place of fleas; or books of book lice, powder some Wormwood seeds and “dust” the area where they are found. Early American colonists stored this herb with their clothing to protect the material from moth larvae.
• Magical History & Associations: Wormwood is magickally associated with the planet Mars and the element of Air. Wormwood is said to be dedicated to Diana in some old witches Grimoires. The genus is named Artemisia from Artemis, the Greek name for Diana. In an early translation of the Her
• Magickal usage: Wormwood can be used for Magick relating to psychic powers, protection, love, banishing, and calling spirits. For protection, Wormwood can be burned in incense or used in potions. French Witches of the Middle Ages rubbed babies with Wormwood juice in order that “they never be too cold or hot for as long as they lived.” Witches have long burned Wormwood to raise spirits. Wormwood, when added to herbal incense, is an aid in opening the psychic centers. When these centers are open and receptive, communication with those who have “passed over” is much easier. Its been written that Wormwood and Sandlewood (an herb of purification and high spiritual energy) burned together near a gravesite will summon the spirit of the departed. An ancient spell calls for Wormwood to be pounded with the gall of a white bull; then with suitable ritual, a bit is placed into your eyes “to take away all impediments to sight, of both of the mundane and fabulous…” (Don’t try this please). Wormwood is a banishing herb, used to rid a person or an area of anger and negativity. Wormwood can also be thrown or sprinkled on fires at Samhain to gain protection from roaming evil spirits. It can also be used in divination and clairvoyance incenses. Wormwood can be used in love spells. An Old Love Charm says, ‘On St. Luke’s Day, take marigold flowers, a sprig of Marjoram, Thyme, and a little Wormwood; dry them before a fire, rub them to powder; then sift it through a fine piece of lawn, and simmer it over a slow fire, adding a small quantity of virgin honey, and vinegar. Anoint yourself with this when you go to bed, saying the following lines three times, and you will dream of your partner “that is to be”:”St. Luke, St. Luke, be kind to me,
  In dreams let me my true-love see.” ‘

  In another love spell done to divine the face of your future lover, take dried Marjoram, Thyme, and Wormwood, grind them to a powder and cook them gently with honey and vinegar to make a paste. Anoint your third eye center with the mix and ask three times that a vision of your lover’s face be granted to you in your sleep. Wear the mixture to bed.