Artemisia/Mugwort
As an ingredient in flying ointments
Matter : Mother
Artemisia is a name for several species of “mugwort” plants. In the past it was also sometimes called “Motherwort” which is the common name of another plant so not to confuse them but to point out why scientific names do matter!
Either way it’s many names are in association with the goddess Artemis/Diana and the root Indo-European word māter, the Latin “matrix” which originally meant “breeding female” and from where both “matter” and “mother” are derived.
Flying Ointments
Mugwort species are a common ingredient found in old recipes for “flying ointments” made to bring the witches to their sabbaths. These often included other plants known for their hallucinogenic properties.
Mugwort is not a classic psychedelic though I could tell ya some stories! It is considered to be mildly psychoactive.
Herbal Medicine Uses
As an herbal it’s a warming digestive bitter, anti-fungal, and increases circulation in the pelvic region. Because of this is is useful as an “emmenagogue” which means “to bring on menstruation”. It is therefore not recommended for use during pregnancy but it IS NOT an abortifacient! Emmenagogue and abortifacient are not necessarily the same.
We will be making mugwort unguento/salve together in Brooklyn on June 6 with @hiddenvillage.x We will learn to make an infused oil and unguento. Everyone will be able to make their own! We’ll also be talking about unguenti(salves) in general as herbal remedies as well as technologies of witchcraft.
To register go HERE!
