Plant Lore
Mugwort
Artemesia Vulgarus that means common Artemesia. This plant grows all over the world. Every culture has a use for it. It grows to be about 4 feet tall with a central stem about 1/2” in diameter. The leaves grow to be about 3 or four inches long and 2 1/2 inches across at the widest point. While the leaves are usually shaped like a thin hand, they can be willow leaf shaped as well. The two most distinctive aspects of this plant are the fact that the leaf is dark green on one side, and pale celedon on the other; and, it has a strong resinous aroma.
Dried, it makes a wonderful herb for smudging and incense. Save the wreaths of the mugwort crown the Maypole to burn in the Lammas bonfires. It also makes a terrific flying insect repellent when used in a small smudge pot while camping. Don’t set the forest on fire.
In Europe it is sacred to the Goddess Artemis, and is supposed to protect you from wild animals by letting them know that you too follow Her path.
In China, it’s used as an adjunct to acupuncture known as Moxi. On the American continent, the Indians held it sacred to Grandmother Spider.
You use this plant to promote prophetic dreams by allowing you to follow your thread in the Web of Life. Directions for a dream pillow are in the chapter on crafts.
Miners’ Lettuce
This is a wild looking plant. It grows again in the same shady damp soil as cleavers and chickweed. It also has the tiny white flower and has the same low trailing habit. However, it is unmistakable. The leaf is perfectly round, from 1/2 to 2 inches in diameter, and the stem goes through the center of the disk. The white flower is in the center of the disk. It is delicious!
