Wormwood
(Artemisia absinthium) Poisonous. Do not take if pregnant or nursing. Not for long term use.
Folk Names: Absinthe, Old Woman, Crown for a King, Madderwort, Wormot. Gender: Masculine. Planet: Mars. Element: Fire. Deities: Iris, Diana, Artemis. Powers: Psychic Powers, Protection, Love, Calling Spirits.
Magical Uses: Wormwood is burned in incenses designed to aid in developing psychic powers, and is also worn for this purpose. Carried, wormwood protects not only against bewitchment, but also from the bite of sea serpents. Also, according to ancient traditions, it counteracts the effects of poisoning by hemlock and toadstools, but I wouldn't bet my life on its effectiveness in this area. Hung from the rear-view mirror, wormwood protects the vehicle from accidents on treacherous roads. Wormwood is also sometimes used in love infusions, probably because it was once made into an alcoholic beverage called absinthe. This highly-addictive and dangerous liqueur is now outlawed or banned in many countries, but the reputation lingers and wormwood is still used in love mixtures. One such use is to place it under the bed to draw a loved one. Wormwood is also burned to summon spirits. It is sometimes mixed with sandalwood for this purpose. If burned in graveyards the spirits of the dead will rise and speak, according to old grimoires.
(from Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs by Scott Cunningham)
