WORMWOOD by Bre Geier

[Dept of PMM Artists & things]

(Artemisia absinthium) Also known as Absinthe. A Druid
sacred herb, Wormwood is very magical and sacred to Moon deities. An
accumulative poison if ingested. Wormwood is a bitter herb used to
flavor vermouth and the now-banned liqueur absinthe. A leaf and
flowering top infusion is a tonic for the digestive system, liver,
gallbladder, and blood, reducing inflammation and clearing
impurities. The plant treats fever, expels worms, and reduces the
toxicity of lead poisoning. As a companion plant, it acts as a
deterrent against several insect pests. Toxic in high doses!
The leaves and flowers are used in a light infusion to help
digestion, flatulence, and heartburn. Wormwood improves circulation
and stimulates the liver. The tea is said to relieve labor pains.
Use one teaspoon per cup and steep for twenty minutes; take a
quarter cup up to four times a day; or use as a tincture, eight to
ten drops in water up to three times a day. A fomentation of the
leaves and flowers soothes bruises and sprains. The oil relieves
arthritis.
CAUTION: The oil is for external use only! Prolonged use of wormwood
can lead to nerve damage.
Parts Used: Leaf and flower
Magical Uses: The scent of wormwood is said to increase psychic
powers. Burned with incenses on Samhain to aid evocation,
divination, scrying and prophecy. Especially good when combined with
Mugwort. Strengthens incenses for exorcism and protection. Hung from
a rear-view mirror, wormwood protects vehicles from accidents on
treacherous roads. Use in spells for: Binding; Psychic Awareness;
Evocation; Love; Clairvoyance.

[Dept of PMM Artists & things]

Scientific and medicinal info
Wormwood is a close relative of mugwort, coming from the same
botanical family. It grows wild in many parts of the USA, and can
keep insects out of a garden. Wormwood has an extremely bitter
taste, but is sometimes used in the place of hops in beer brewing.
It gets its name from its reputed ability to cure intestinal worms,
which was its primary medicinal use in the past. Wormwood is best
known for its role in the making of absinthe, an alcoholic drink
popular in the mid-1800s. Most people look at absinthe as some kind
of mystical elixir, but it was simply a cocktail. It was extremely
strong, addictive and could cause hallucinations. Though absinthe is
not a banned substance in the USA, it is not sold in liquor stores
either.

Other names
Latin: Artemisia absinthium
Common Names: Absinthe, Old Man, Ajenjo, Artemisia, Green Ginger,
Sweet Annie

Magickal Properties

Using wormwood in rituals
As a close cousin, wormwood shares many of the same qualities as
mugwort. If wormwood can't be found, you can substitute mugwort in
its place. As with mugwort, you shouldn't use any wormwood products
(oils or teas) internally.
Wormwood is used to enhance psychic abilities, divination, astral
work and any rituals involving the spirit world. If you burn
wormwood as an incense, make sure the room is well ventilated. Dried
wormwood can protect your home as well.

According to old folk tales, burning wormwood and sandalwood in a
cemetary would enable you to speak to the dead. Also, a charm of
dried wormwood will protect you from sea serpents (in case that's a
problem in your life).

In ancient Egyptian writings, wormwood was sometimes referred to
as "Blood of Hephaistos".

Other properties
Planet: Mars
Element: Fire
Associated Deities: Artemis