Mugwort, oh mugwort. How do I love thee? Let me count the ways…
Some call her ‘invasive’ but I prefer the term ‘abundant.’ I love all of the places she’s invaded my property and surrounding area. I love her next to the house, next to the driveway, out by the pond, and mainly in my very own mugwort field. Or two. I have known her for years and she is known to pop up around Brooklyn in abandoned lots or neglected street corners. I have spent so much time with her this past year and come to know her and love her in ways I didn’t think possible.
Her sweet sweet scent brings a smile to my face. I love to hug the 4 or 5 foot stalks out in the fields and just inhale her aroma and feel a deep deep healing. She is magical.
She is a protector. She is divine and aligned with the moon. So feminine. Her beautiful green leaves and tiny creamy flowers give way to a stunning silvery glowing underside that twinkles and delights. She is sacred to me. When I’m having a bad day or feeling overwhelmed, you can probably find me out in the field, soaking up some of her love and assuredness. She is strong and unwaivering.
Her official name is Artemisia Vulgaris and she is also known as black sage. She is associated with Artemis - the Greek Goddess of the hunt, of the wild, of wild animals and of childbirth. It is said that Artemis used the mugwort to help women relieve the pangs of pain during childbirth.
I have worked with her in teas, in dream pillows, in smudge sticks, in wreaths, in hydrosols, in body oil and especially like to indulge in a mugwort bath. Brewing her into a big big gallon glass jar, letting her cool a bit and then once in the bath, pouring the concoction over my head allowing it to envelop me - to protect and soothe and nourish. I am honored to work with her in all these ways. The process of harvesting her and the act of creating a smudge stick is healing for me - just to be surrounded and held by her is a dream. Next time you see her in your neck of the woods, say hello and get close enough to catch a whiff of that glorious scent. She won’t do you wrong.