Wormwood Meaning and magickal uses
Also called Absinthe, Green Ginger, Artemisia absinthium
A bitter, silvery herb for divination, spirit work and strong protection.
- Intentions
- Divination, Protection, Banishing
- Element
- Fire
- Planet
- Mars
- Zodiac
- Scorpio
- Day
- Tuesday
- Moon phase
- Full Moon
- Parts used
- Leaves, flowering tops
How to use it
- Samhain altar
Place a dried sprig of wormwood on your ancestor altar at Samhain to honor the thin veil between worlds. Keep it out of reach of children and pets.
- Protection pouch
Sew a little dried wormwood into a sealed charm bag and hang it in a car or near a door for protection while traveling. Replace it once a year.
- Divination focus
Set a bowl of dried wormwood beside your scrying mirror or tarot cards. Breathe slowly, let its bitter scent signal a shift in focus, and begin your reading.
Works well with
Substitutes
History and folklore
Wormwood is famous as the bitter herb behind absinthe, the green spirit of nineteenth-century Paris. Far older stories call it a herb of the dead and of the spirit world: in folklore it was burned to help summon spirits and hung to keep harm away. Its name may come from its traditional use against worms. Because of its intense bitterness and strong effects, witches treat wormwood with respect and use it mostly in charms, altars and spirit work.
A bitter, silvery herb for divination, spirit work and strong protection.
- Intentions: Divination, Protection, Banishing
- Element: Fire
- Planet: Mars
- Zodiac: Scorpio
- Day: Tuesday
- Moon phase: Full Moon
- Parts used: Leaves, flowering tops
Safety: Toxic if swallowed because of thujone; never eat, drink or make tea of it. Unsafe in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Toxic to cats, dogs and horses (ASPCA list). Burning wormwood gives heavy, irritating smoke, so ventilate well and keep pets and children out of the room. Wear gloves if you have sensitive skin.
How to use it
- Samhain altar. Place a dried sprig of wormwood on your ancestor altar at Samhain to honor the thin veil between worlds. Keep it out of reach of children and pets.
- Protection pouch. Sew a little dried wormwood into a sealed charm bag and hang it in a car or near a door for protection while traveling. Replace it once a year.
- Divination focus. Set a bowl of dried wormwood beside your scrying mirror or tarot cards. Breathe slowly, let its bitter scent signal a shift in focus, and begin your reading.
Works well with: Black Candle, Obsidian, Full Moon, Samhain
Folklore
Wormwood is famous as the bitter herb behind absinthe, the green spirit of nineteenth-century Paris. Far older stories call it a herb of the dead and of the spirit world: in folklore it was burned to help summon spirits and hung to keep harm away. Its name may come from its traditional use against worms. Because of its intense bitterness and strong effects, witches treat wormwood with respect and use it mostly in charms, altars and spirit work.
The Witch's Cabinet is a free reference for your practice. Correspondences are traditional associations, not medical advice. Always follow the safety notes, especially with herbs and essential oils around children, pets and during pregnancy.