About Wormwood
Wormwood is bitter and powerful. It is burned to aid scrying and call spirits at Samhain, and hung to protect against harm.
A traditional scrying herb; toxic in quantity, use only as incense/sachet, not ingested.
History & folklore
Wormwood was the key ingredient in absinthe, the 'green fairy' of 19th-century Paris. Its bitterness is proverbial — Proverbs says the lips of a strange woman are 'bitter as wormwood'. It was hung in homes to repel fleas and moths, and burned at Samhain to call spirits.
Correspondences
- Traditional uses
- Psychic power, protection, calling spirits
- Latin name
- Artemisia absinthium
- Element
- Fire
- Planet
- Mars
- Best day
- Tuesday
- Moon phase
- Full moon — when intuition and divination are strongest
- Intentions
- Divination, Protection
Ways to work with it
- Burn a very small amount as a Samhain scrying incense, with good ventilation.
- Hang a dried bundle for protection.
- Add a pinch to a protection sachet.
Growing & gathering
Wormwood is a silvery, strong-smelling perennial for dry, sunny spots. It can stunt plants growing around it. Harvest the leaves in summer and hang to dry.
Wormwood contains thujone, which is toxic to the nervous system. Never eat or drink it, and avoid it in pregnancy.
A simple sample spell
A clear line around reflection
You will need: An unopened wormwood packet and a notebook.
- Write a question and a stopping time for your reflection.
- Keep the packet closed and note which facts are known and which are guesses.
- Say, “I may explore a thought and still keep my footing.”
- Reflect for five minutes, then close the notebook and do an ordinary grounding task. Store wormwood securely; do not ingest or burn it.
This original Flint & Flicker spell is a symbolic practice for reflection and intention, not a guarantee of results. It needs no flame, ingestion or skin application. Use a closed, labeled packet or a drawing if handling the herb is unsuitable; keep all materials away from children and pets.
Pairs well with
MugwortDivination, dreams, protection
AngelicaProtection, exorcism, healing
OakStrength, protection, luck
JuniperProtection, love, exorcismCorrespondences are traditional associations gathered from folk practice and modern craft books. They vary between sources, and they are not medical advice. Read our editorial approach.