Wormwood is a plant and an herb. Absinthe is made from wormwood.

• botanical information
• astrological correspondences
• magick correspondences and uses
• essential oil
• cautions and contraindications

botanical information:

    Botanical name: Artemisia absinthium

    Common name: absinthe, wormwood

    Use the botanical name when ordering seeds (bulbs, etc.) or when looking up information in the library. Common names vary by nation, culture, and region, and sometimes the same common name is applied to different plants.

    Threatened species: Greater wormwood oil is made from Artemisia gracilis, is a rare European alpine plant that is a threatened species. The oil was used as a flavoring for alcoholic beverages and to create the alpine liquer Genipy.

astrological correspondences:

    Astrological planet: Mars

magickal correspondences and uses:

    Magickal uses: absinthe: love, passion

    Mars spells: Wormwood (as an herb) may be used in as an ingredient or substitute for magick spells and formulas related to Mars matters (aggression, courage, defensive magick, exorcism, healing after surgery, hex-breaking, lust, physical strength, politics, protection, sexual energy, sexual potency, and strength). Be careful about substitutions for preparations that will be ingested or come in contact with the skin. These substitutions do not apply to medical uses. See the article on Mars for a list of herbal substitutes for wormwood.

    Love spells: Wormwood flowers are appropriate for use in love spells, such as the Aphrodite New Moon love spell.

    Magickal substitutions: Rosemary usually may be safely substituted for any herb in magick spells and rituals. Roses may safely be substituted for any flower.

essential oil:

    Safety Information: Wormwood essential oil (Artemisia absinthium) is hazardous and should not be used in aromatherapy, ingested, or come in contact with the skin.

    Using essential oils: Essential oils are just too concentrated and too expensve to use without dilution. If you purchase pure essential oil from a source such as Mountain Rose, you will want to place just a drop or two into a neutral carrier vegetable oil or jojoba. This conservation is typical of the use of essential oils in spells and other magick. It is wise to test a bit of any essential oil on your inner wrist before use. If any irritation occurs, do not use the essential oil. Keep essential oils out of reach of children and pets and away from heat and light. See the article on essential oils for detailed information on how to mix and use essential oils.

cautions and contraindications:

Some herbs may be poisonious under some conditions. Exercise appropriate care.

    Essential oil warning: Wormwood essential oil (Artemisia absinthium) is hazardous and should not be used in aromatherapy, ingested, or come in contact with the skin.

    Wild gathering: Avoid wild gathering. Some plants are endangered species. Some plants can be toxic just by touch. Even experts can make deadly misidentifications of wild plants. Please grow your own herbs in your own goddess garden (or window boxes).

See also: herbs.

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