Inktober Day 2 - The Moon

inktober day 2 - the moon

witch’s herbarium: mugwort

mugwort in folklore, history, and medicine

in medieval europe, mugwort was used as a magickal protectant and a repellant against moths, fatigue, and evil. it was also used historically  as a seasoning across europe and asia.

medicinally, mugwort tea is said to relieve problems associated with irregular and severe menstruation, as well as digestive and bowel issues. mugwort should not be consumed in large doses or by those who are pregnant.

topically, mugwort can help relieve muscle aches and joint pains. you can make an ointment of it, or relax in a mugwort infused bath. it is also a great antiseptic to help relieve acne issues.

in the primitive days of farming, mugwort became precious for its insect-repelling properties, which helped crops prosper. it has also been used in brewing historically, to help beer stay fresh for longer and give it notes of bitterness.

st. john the baptist is said to have worn a belt of mugwort when venturing into the wilderness for safety, while the romans put mugwort in their shoes to prevent physical exhaustion.

another name for mugwort is “sailor’s tobacco”, as throughout history sailors would smoke wild mugwort instead of tobacco for its alleged nerve-calming effects.

the magickal uses of mugwort

mugwort is associated with the moon, astral projection, and dreams. place some mugwort under your pillow to encourage prophetic and magical dreaming.

mugwort is helpful during divination and ritual work, as it enhances the psychic mind. drink some mugwort tea or inhale the scent of dried mugwort to help with focus and intuition.

the protective nature of mugwort makes it a great charm to hang above your front door to ward off unwelcome energies. you can also cleanse your ritual tools with mugwort water, which purifies them and amplifies their natural powers.

a little mugwort charm

to protect you and keep bad energy away

a bit of dried mugwort

a small square of black fabric

a strand of purple thread or string

a black, white or purple candle

light your candle. warm your hands over its flame, letting the fire charge your hands with its protecting, cleansing spirit. set the fabric square on a surface in front of the candle, and sprinkle your mugwort atop it. whisper to it, “may you serve me well and keep me safe”. gather the corners of the cloth together and tie it shut with the purple thread. keep it in your pocket, purse, car, or home.

psychic mugwort tea recipe

a gentle earthy tea to enhance psychic energy

makes one small pot (or large mug)

one tsp. of chamomile tea or dried blossoms

one tsp. dried mugwort

one tsp. peppermint tea or dried leaves

a bit of honey or sweetener to taste

steep for 3-5 minutes, and drink by candle-flame before a ritual to prepare for powerful spellwork, especially involving lunar magick. for magickal dreams, drink some before bed while meditating on what you want to dream of.

the best meatloaf in a tomato sauce

Taken from Felicity Fox’s FB page

Coffee Lore & Superstition ☕

☕ leaving coffee and bread inside a house will prevent ghosts haunting it

☕ bad luck follows if you stop using the regular coffee mug

☕ a cup of coffee will cure a headache

☕ when divining with coffee grounds, and the reader must not be thanked or the future foretold will not come true.

☕ drinking coffee might prevent you from growing facial hair

☕ if a coffee pot overcooks, it will bring bad weather.

spilling ☕

if you spill coffee on the plate under your cup by accident, you’ll come into money soon.

dropping a coffee while drinking, or smashing a coffee cup will bring bad luck

spilling coffee can be precursor to a blessing

if a girl spills coffee while brewing it, her lover is thinking of her

bubbles ☕

if the bubbles in the cup move towards the drinker it will foretells wealth.

if the bubbles in the cup move away from the drinker it will foretells loss.

catch the bubbles on your spoon and eat them to bring prosperity to you

one big bubble in your coffee is an omen for bad news.

a large bubble could mean a friend will arrive later.

bubbles gathering in the edge or the center of the cup indicates the weather, sunny in the center and rainy by the edges

Ways to charge a hex/curse jar:

Shake it daily  (Violently)

Throwing it

Throwing or placing it on railroad tracks

Melt wax over it

Submerge it in hot water

Meditate while holding it and visualize your anger going into the jar

Hide it in a dark space