Mugwort and Wormwood: Gatekeepers to the Other World

Mugwort, also known as Artemisia vulgaris, is a revered and ancient herb that has been used in various forms of traditional medicine and spiritual practices for centuries. In particular, mugwort has played a significant role in shamanic traditions around the world due to its potent medicinal and psychoactive properties.

In shamanism, mugwort is often used for its ability to induce vivid and prophetic dreams. Shamans believe that mugwort helps to open the third eye chakra, enhancing intuition and psychic abilities. By burning or smudging dried mugwort leaves, shamans create a sacred space for meditation, journeying, and communication with the spirit world. Many shamans also use mugwort as a protective herb to ward off negative energies and entities during rituals and ceremonies.

One of the most common ways mugwort is used in shamanic practices is through ingestion. Consuming mugwort tea or tincture is believed to help shamans enter a trance-like state, allowing them to connect with their spirit guides, ancestors, and other beings in the spiritual realm. This altered state of consciousness can lead to profound insights, healing, and transformation.

Mugwort is also used in shamanic rituals as an offering to spirits and deities. By burning mugwort as incense or scattering its dried leaves on the ground, shamans honor the earth and invoke the powers of nature to aid in their work. Mugwort is considered a sacred herb in many indigenous cultures, known for its ability to cleanse and purify both physical and spiritual spaces.

In addition to its spiritual uses, mugwort has long been valued for its medicinal properties. The herb is rich in essential oils, antioxidants, and minerals that promote overall health and well-being. Mugwort is commonly used to treat digestive issues, menstrual cramps, insomnia, and anxiety. It is also known for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects.

Despite its numerous benefits, mugwort should be used with caution, as it can be toxic in large amounts. Pregnant women should avoid mugwort, as it can stimulate contractions and potentially induce miscarriage. It is always advisable to consult with a qualified herbalist or healthcare provider before using mugwort for any purpose.

Mugwort is a powerful herb that holds a sacred place in shamanic traditions worldwide. Its ability to enhance spiritual practices, induce visionary experiences, and promote healing makes it a valuable ally for those on the shamanic path. By respecting mugwort's potency and honoring its ancient wisdom, shamans can connect with the natural world and harness the profound energies that lie beyond the material realm.

Wormwood, also known as Artemisia absinthium, is a herb that has a long history of use in shamanic practices and spiritual rituals. This bitter-tasting plant is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa and has been prized for its medicinal and psychoactive properties for centuries. In shamanism, wormwood is revered for its ability to induce altered states of consciousness and facilitate communication with the spirit world.

Shamans have traditionally used wormwood in various forms, including teas, tinctures, and smudging rituals, to stimulate visions, enhance psychic abilities, and connect with the divine. The herb is believed to "open the gates of the mind" and allow shamans to journey to other realms, communicate with spirits, and receive guidance and wisdom.

One of the most famous uses of wormwood in shamanic practices is in the preparation of absinthe, a potent alcoholic beverage that gained popularity among artists, writers, and bohemians in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Absinthe is made by macerating wormwood, along with other herbs like anise and fennel, in alcohol. The psychoactive compound in wormwood, thujone, is thought to be responsible for the mystical and visionary experiences reported by absinthe drinkers.

In addition to its psychoactive effects, wormwood is also used in shamanic rituals for its purifying and protective properties. Shamans burn dried wormwood leaves as incense to cleanse energy fields, clear negative influences, and create a sacred space for meditation and ceremony. The herb is believed to dispel malevolent spirits, banish harmful energies, and bring clarity and focus to the mind.

Wormwood is also valued for its medicinal benefits in shamanic traditions. The herb is known for its anti-parasitic, anti-inflammatory, and liver-stimulating properties. It is often used to treat digestive disorders, fevers, and infections. Wormwood is also used as a tonic for the nervous system, helping to calm the mind and alleviate anxiety and stress.

However, it is important to note that wormwood can be toxic in large doses, particularly when consumed over a prolonged period. Thujone, the active compound in wormwood, can cause convulsions, hallucinations, and other adverse effects when ingested in high quantities. Pregnant women, individuals with epilepsy, and those with liver or kidney conditions should avoid using wormwood.

Wormwood is a potent and versatile herb that has been used in shamanic practices for centuries. Its ability to induce altered states of consciousness, enhance spiritual connection, and promote healing has made it a valuable ally for shamans seeking to expand their consciousness and explore the hidden realms of existence. Despite its risks, when used mindfully and respectfully, wormwood can be a powerful tool for spiritual growth, transformation, and communion with the divine.

These two herbs form the crux of many incense, oil, and powder formulas designed to facilitate psychic enhancement and spiritual awakening. Though they can be dangerous in large amounts, when used with discretion, they can be powerful spiritual allies, well worth the time to research and work with. Always consult a professional before consuming any sort of herbal blend, but I recommend blending incense with these and other psychic herbs to enhance your ability to travel into the other worlds.